Roast Dinner: £10.95
Avg drinks prices: Bottle cider £3.60; draught ale £3.40; soft drinks £2.10
Desserts: All £4.50
The Mesmerist is Brighton's newest pub - situated on the site of the old Frankie and Benny's on the South Lanes, just over from the Town Hall, it is a welcome break from the usual haunts that side of town - there's only so much Cafe Rouge, Zizzi or Pablo's a person can take before they start to crave something a little bit different. The Mesmerist is just that - with bells on. With it's unique decor - a full suit of armour being the focal point - and it's claim to be Brighton's first 'burleque-themed public house', it truly is, well... Mesmerising. Boasting a weekly magic club, its own magazine and frequent rockabilly and jazz evenings, it's all very much what Brighton is about and what we have been sorely missing the last few months in the wake of Tesco and Sainsbury's taking over every available patch of land. Am I glad these people got this site instead of the Tesco demons? Hell yes.
What strikes me as impressive about the place is that despite it's unusual, slightly scenester-ish decor, it's not frequented by d*ckheads. Instead, the clientele are from all generations and walks of life, and this, I believe, is down to the staff. Friendly, open and no-nonsense, they welcome you with open arms and one gets the feeling that this is not simply because they've only just opened. The seating is plentiful and varies from tall tables to slouchy sofas, and the space has been utilised well. The bar is huge and well-stocked, and even the loos are a little bit magical.
We entered on impulse one hungover Sunday afternoon - it was 2 o'clock and neither of us could be arsed to cook, and having spent a couple of fun evenings in the Mesmerist we decided to give it a go. We took a sofa table by the window and a waitress was over within minutes. Friendly, affable and sweet, she referred to us as 'sweetheart' and 'darling' (something I personally love) in a way that wasn't pretentious or idiotic. She wasn't perturbed when we said we didn't want to order anything until the arrival of my brother, and simply left us alone until we called her over when he arrived.
The roasts on offer were the usual, and I plumped for the lamb. My partner went for the pork belly and my brother, the beef. We also ordered drinks, which were also brought to the table - the only time we had to get up was to use the loo, which can only be a bonus. The great thing about this place is that they also run their regular menu on a Sunday, which boasts a selection of pies and mash - on offer this particular day was chicken and asparagus and beef & ale - so there truly is something for everyone. They call gravy, gravy and make no bones about what to expect - no fancy language or dressing up of the menu (I love that they gave the anglicised version of moules, but spelled 'muscles').
Our roasts took about tweny minutes to arrive - spot on. Not so long as for me to become rage-filled with hunger, but not too quick so as to send the message that the food has gone from freezer to microwave to plate. I was impressed. A nice, ample portion of lamb, slightly pink in the centre, sat atop a selection of colourful (if slightly odd) veg. My partner's pork belly was magnificent - crispy, nicely browned and salted to perfection; pink in the middle and still succulent. The beef was medium rare and served in thick wedges. Props to the chef, as all of the meat was wonderful. The veg, on the other hand, was a little odd - we had the regular carrots and roast spuds, which were beautiful - the carrots were buttered and sweet, and the potatoes crisp and fluffy - though at 2 small carrots and potatoes per plate, I thought they were being awfully stingy. The rest, however, was a bit weird - we had cabbage, which was apparently spiced but tasted like liquorice, and some odd cheesy sauce concoction which was smeared on the bottom of the plate. Put together, these were definitely an acquired taste - one I couldn't get used to. It was all just a bit... off. The Yorkies were also a bit of a letdown - to quote a friend who ate there last week, "they're distinctly Aunt Bessie-ish," a little too uniform and overdone for me to truly believe they were homemade.
Despite this, the quality of the meat - locally sourced - made up for the weird taste experience of the veg. We decided to share a dessert, despite the fact that the roast was more than enough - I always eat more on a hangover. Man, am I glad we did. We went for a cherry bakewell slice (an odd one for a pub to serve) with cream, and it was massive. Huge. It was also beautiful. Whatever you do, just don't try to eat a dessert at this place alone, unless you're twenty stone and used to humungous portions.
To summarise, The Mesmerist is a welcome addition to Brighton, especially during this uncertain time, when the whole city seems to be succumbing to the lure of consumerism and is losing its individuality. Despite the veg being as odd as the decor, I'd fully recommend a visit for a truly unique and friendly experience. We even had children sat next to us who were quiet and well-behaved. It's like the whole place is under a spell.
And with The Mesmerist having its very own magic club, maybe it is...
8/10
1-3 Prince Albert St, Brighton BN1 1HE
Tel: 01273 328542
Credit/debit cards accepted
www.drinkinbrighton.co.uk/mesmerist
Showing posts with label table service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label table service. Show all posts
07 December, 2010
The Ginger Pig
Roast Dinner: £10.00 (Fried sage polenta dish) to £16.00 (Scotch beef)
Avg drinks prices: Bottle house wine £16.00; draught lager £4.05; soft drinks £2.90
Desserts: £5.00 - £7.00
I'd been looking forward to this. The Gingerman restaurants and public houses are a Sussex institution, and when we moved into a flat that was just over the road from The Ginger Pig, we'd made a vow to visit as soon as possible. However, warm weather just didn't lend itself well to a roast and so we had no choice but to wait it out, until the temperature dropped and it was no longer time for a barbeque. I mean, this is an expensive place - we weren't willing to part with our hard-earned until the timing was exactly right.
That time came with the arrival of the in-laws - they were looking for somewhere lovely to eat, and we knew just the right place. We made our booking and headed there at 1pm - it's wise to get in there early, as it's a popular place and if you don't, you run the risk of choosing from a very limited menu.
We spent fifteen minutes at the bar before sitting down, which was no big deal - they have an amazing selection of drinks, including organic soft drinks of such adventurous flavours as orange, ginger and elderflower or mango and lime. Not your average coke on tap, then. The selection of ales was varied and unique; none of your same-old, same-old here. The bar staff were attentive and polite and actually took the time to talk to us, and even when we overstayed our welcome (our table was ready and they have an extremely quick turnaround due to the popularity of the place), they did not push us to sit.
When we got to our table, I was immediately preoccupied with the feel of the place - it's a little like a canteen. If you like your roasts in a quiet, relaxed setting, this is not the place for you. The wooden floors and high ceilings provide ample opportunity for the sounds of chatter, cutlery and the clinking of glasses to carry in the air. However, I liked it - it reminded me of a French cafe, or an Italian trattoria. OK, so we needed to raise our voices at times, but rather that than complete silence, yes? Well, I'm biased, I suppose.
I chose to go for the traditional beef dinner, my partner the loin of pork and the in-laws the fish and the beef. The interesting thing about the Ginger Pig's menu is the disclaimer at the bottom that states that as all meat comes from a local farm, some game dishes 'may contain shot'. You can't say fresher than that. Hey, at least you know it's organic and local, even if you do end up with lead in your teeth. The waitress was patient and attentive and not at all pushy or rude, even when we couldn't decide what to have (honestly, we're the worst customers ever). She was on hand to offer advice and even make the choice for me when I was truly stumped as to whether to go for the lamb or beef - in my eyes, a good waiter or waitress will always push you towards their favourite, and enthusiastically so, with the ability to comment on flavour, texture and the history of the meat. She knew it all.
I was expecting brilliance, beauty and an explosion of flavour - the menu, being a typical Gingerman menu, promised original pairings of unusual tastes; a description consisting of extremely middle-class sounding words and farmer-speak that the average Joe would have trouble deciphering. That's one of my problems with this place - a roast is surely just meat and two veg, at the end of the day, and calling a gravy a jus does not detract from the fact that it is simply a gravy. The same gravy you'd get anywhere else - meat juice, stock, a bit of wine - why dress it up? I like the word gravy. It's warm, and reminds me of childhood Sundays. I bet 90% of the population would say the same.
When my food came, I was slightly disappointed. The first thing to stand out to me was the sheer amount of meat - this was not a bad thing. My beef was pink and bloody in the centre and crisp on the outside, served in whopping great slabs at least an inch thick. The pork loin was juicy and salted and the fish was whole, crisp and stuffed with herbs. However, the veg was a different story. I know I said a roast is just a simple meat and two veg, but these guys take that phrase a little too seriously, as that was exactly what I was served - roast potatoes, carrots and green beans (OK, that's three, but I rarely count potatoes as true veg - how can something so full of carbs ever be good for you?). The carrots and beans were boiled - there was no sense of adventure, no explosion of flavour, no assault on the senses - it was almost as if they'd put so much effort into the meat, they'd forgotten the importance of the veg in the whole thing. I mean, to me, vegetables are the backbone of the roast - in my time eating roast dinners, I've encountered honeyed carrots, roast parsnips, cider and cinnamon cabbage, braised leeks, roasted butternut squash - a good chef can make a simple green bean seem like nothing else. It was what I'd expected of the Ginger Pig - a riot in my mouth; especially as I was paying £16.00 for the privilege - but it just didn't happen. It was slightly lazy and did nothing for me. Saying that, the potatoes were crisp, slightly burned and gooey in the centre, cooked in beef dripping and sprinkled with herbs and a generous helping of salt and pepper. The gravy was sweet and exactly right in the seasoning department - not too powerful but a nice backdrop to the whole thing. The Yorkie was also a highlight - HUGE, crisp and slightly soggy underneath (this is never a bad thing), soaking up the gravy like a sponge. It was an absolute delight to eat and a welcome change from the overcooked, overcrisp excuses that some places serve. They'd definitely practised the recipe, and the time spent paid off.
For all my criticism, the roast was a good size - unlike the Foragers, you got enough food for your money to fill you up - and I did feel like I got my money's worth as the amount of beef was simply epic. The potatoes were special and the table service adds a certain something to the experience - it's nice to be waited on in a pub. The drinks were different and the service was quick and polite, with smiling staff always on hand to help and assist. The Yorkies alone are a reason to go!
If you like your meat plentiful, organic and local and you don't really mind having a simple veg accompaniment, then I fully recommend this place - if only to make you grin on a rainy Sunday.
7.5/10
3 Hove St, Hove BN3 2TR
Tel: 01273 736123
Booking absolutely essential, even for a party of two; credit/debit cards accepted
http://www.gingermanrestaurants.com/
Avg drinks prices: Bottle house wine £16.00; draught lager £4.05; soft drinks £2.90
Desserts: £5.00 - £7.00
I'd been looking forward to this. The Gingerman restaurants and public houses are a Sussex institution, and when we moved into a flat that was just over the road from The Ginger Pig, we'd made a vow to visit as soon as possible. However, warm weather just didn't lend itself well to a roast and so we had no choice but to wait it out, until the temperature dropped and it was no longer time for a barbeque. I mean, this is an expensive place - we weren't willing to part with our hard-earned until the timing was exactly right.
That time came with the arrival of the in-laws - they were looking for somewhere lovely to eat, and we knew just the right place. We made our booking and headed there at 1pm - it's wise to get in there early, as it's a popular place and if you don't, you run the risk of choosing from a very limited menu.
We spent fifteen minutes at the bar before sitting down, which was no big deal - they have an amazing selection of drinks, including organic soft drinks of such adventurous flavours as orange, ginger and elderflower or mango and lime. Not your average coke on tap, then. The selection of ales was varied and unique; none of your same-old, same-old here. The bar staff were attentive and polite and actually took the time to talk to us, and even when we overstayed our welcome (our table was ready and they have an extremely quick turnaround due to the popularity of the place), they did not push us to sit.
When we got to our table, I was immediately preoccupied with the feel of the place - it's a little like a canteen. If you like your roasts in a quiet, relaxed setting, this is not the place for you. The wooden floors and high ceilings provide ample opportunity for the sounds of chatter, cutlery and the clinking of glasses to carry in the air. However, I liked it - it reminded me of a French cafe, or an Italian trattoria. OK, so we needed to raise our voices at times, but rather that than complete silence, yes? Well, I'm biased, I suppose.
I chose to go for the traditional beef dinner, my partner the loin of pork and the in-laws the fish and the beef. The interesting thing about the Ginger Pig's menu is the disclaimer at the bottom that states that as all meat comes from a local farm, some game dishes 'may contain shot'. You can't say fresher than that. Hey, at least you know it's organic and local, even if you do end up with lead in your teeth. The waitress was patient and attentive and not at all pushy or rude, even when we couldn't decide what to have (honestly, we're the worst customers ever). She was on hand to offer advice and even make the choice for me when I was truly stumped as to whether to go for the lamb or beef - in my eyes, a good waiter or waitress will always push you towards their favourite, and enthusiastically so, with the ability to comment on flavour, texture and the history of the meat. She knew it all.
I was expecting brilliance, beauty and an explosion of flavour - the menu, being a typical Gingerman menu, promised original pairings of unusual tastes; a description consisting of extremely middle-class sounding words and farmer-speak that the average Joe would have trouble deciphering. That's one of my problems with this place - a roast is surely just meat and two veg, at the end of the day, and calling a gravy a jus does not detract from the fact that it is simply a gravy. The same gravy you'd get anywhere else - meat juice, stock, a bit of wine - why dress it up? I like the word gravy. It's warm, and reminds me of childhood Sundays. I bet 90% of the population would say the same.
When my food came, I was slightly disappointed. The first thing to stand out to me was the sheer amount of meat - this was not a bad thing. My beef was pink and bloody in the centre and crisp on the outside, served in whopping great slabs at least an inch thick. The pork loin was juicy and salted and the fish was whole, crisp and stuffed with herbs. However, the veg was a different story. I know I said a roast is just a simple meat and two veg, but these guys take that phrase a little too seriously, as that was exactly what I was served - roast potatoes, carrots and green beans (OK, that's three, but I rarely count potatoes as true veg - how can something so full of carbs ever be good for you?). The carrots and beans were boiled - there was no sense of adventure, no explosion of flavour, no assault on the senses - it was almost as if they'd put so much effort into the meat, they'd forgotten the importance of the veg in the whole thing. I mean, to me, vegetables are the backbone of the roast - in my time eating roast dinners, I've encountered honeyed carrots, roast parsnips, cider and cinnamon cabbage, braised leeks, roasted butternut squash - a good chef can make a simple green bean seem like nothing else. It was what I'd expected of the Ginger Pig - a riot in my mouth; especially as I was paying £16.00 for the privilege - but it just didn't happen. It was slightly lazy and did nothing for me. Saying that, the potatoes were crisp, slightly burned and gooey in the centre, cooked in beef dripping and sprinkled with herbs and a generous helping of salt and pepper. The gravy was sweet and exactly right in the seasoning department - not too powerful but a nice backdrop to the whole thing. The Yorkie was also a highlight - HUGE, crisp and slightly soggy underneath (this is never a bad thing), soaking up the gravy like a sponge. It was an absolute delight to eat and a welcome change from the overcooked, overcrisp excuses that some places serve. They'd definitely practised the recipe, and the time spent paid off.
For all my criticism, the roast was a good size - unlike the Foragers, you got enough food for your money to fill you up - and I did feel like I got my money's worth as the amount of beef was simply epic. The potatoes were special and the table service adds a certain something to the experience - it's nice to be waited on in a pub. The drinks were different and the service was quick and polite, with smiling staff always on hand to help and assist. The Yorkies alone are a reason to go!
If you like your meat plentiful, organic and local and you don't really mind having a simple veg accompaniment, then I fully recommend this place - if only to make you grin on a rainy Sunday.
7.5/10
3 Hove St, Hove BN3 2TR
Tel: 01273 736123
Booking absolutely essential, even for a party of two; credit/debit cards accepted
http://www.gingermanrestaurants.com/
04 June, 2010
The Bath Arms
Roast dinner: £8.95 - £10.95
Avg drinks prices: Bottle cider £3.90, pint lager £3.65, soft drinks £1.95
Desserts approx £4.95
The Bath Arms is one of Brighton's hidden gems. Tucked away in a corner of the South Lanes and overshadowed by the football-showing, cheap-burger-serving might of The Font, it's easy to overlook the traditional red-and-white decor of this haunt. However, I assure you that doing so is a huge mistake.
Small in size but surprisingly spacious, the main bar is surrounded by small tables and benches, but to the left is a large eating area, with tables that can seat up to 6 - if you have a big party though, prepare to be separated as there is no space huge enough to fit such a big group. However, this won't really matter; the whole place has a 'living room' feel to it, especially in the winter. It'll just be like sitting round at your auntie's house. In fact, everything about this place is 'real' - real ales, real ciders, real crisps (none of that Walkers crap), a real fireplace with real flames, real service and real, genuine, hearty food. The bar staff are equally 'real' - there's none of that pretentious air in The Bath Arms; they're just genuinely lovely people who will do all they can to make sure you enjoy your food and drink.
This is a place that remains traditional - in an age where we are expected to make our own way to the bar to place our orders before carrying our own drinks through the melee to our table, it makes a refreshing change to have waiter service in a cosy pub. The staff are knowledgeable, helpful and friendly and are willing to assist in making some (inevitably) difficult choices when it comes to your food. Service is relatively quick, too - any faster and I'd be wondering about their methods in the kitchen but a wait for food is long enough to make you realise that they really are cooking from fresh, but not so long that you are twiddling your thumbs whilst your stomach growls angrily at you.
As far as the food goes, main courses are divine. Changing daily, all food is locally produced and prepared fresh in the kitchen and manages to avoid the pretentious flourishes so well used in Brighton. A staple on the menu is the hearty portion of wild boar and cider sausages atop a creamy mountain of real mash with just the right amount of meaty gravy. Ratatouille comes in a steaming bowl and managed to convert a vegetarian friend back to the world of mediterranean vegetables after some terrible ratatouille-related experiences in the past. The fish and chips came on a huge plate, with thick-cut chips that are served at just the right temperature, though the mushy peas on the side were a little bland and left a lot to be desired. My only criticism with the main courses is the lack of vegetables - a friend who'd ordered the salmon with polenta was disappointed that she would have to pay extra for her helping of veg. It seemed a little like we were being ripped off - after all, aren't veg part of any meal?
However, this all pales into insignificance when you sit down for a Sunday Roast, and, let's be fair, this IS a blog about roasts. Choices are limited to three and you never know what those choices will be until you arrive, but whatever you choose is guaranteed to be served beautifully. The chicken, skin-on, is crispy and herby; the beef is rare and melt-in-the-mouth; the pork is sumptuous and salty without being tough, and if you're lucky to get pork belly, the crackling will be bubbly, thick and crunchy. The vegetarian choice is bursting with herby, citrussy flavours and the vegetarian gravy is not a cheap, meat substitute - they really go out of their way to ensure that veggies feel included. All roasts are served with roast potatoes (chewy and crunchy at the same time), seasonal vegetables (usually roasted carrots and parsnips with cabbages in winter; spring greens, green beans and carrots in the summer months, all providing a lovely sweet side to the dish) and a home-made Yorkshire pud.
The cabbage alone is an experience - spiced; crunchy without being overcooked and bearing a hint of cinnamon and apple - wow. I don't even like cabbage, but this is something else. The carrots are honeyed and crunchy; the broccoli is still crisp and the green beans are nowhere near soggy. For veg that can so easily go wrong, it's all done perfectly, and the ever-changing menu means you'll always be surprised.
The only downfall is the gravy - not the taste but the amount of it. Unfortunately, the chef can scrimp - but this is me complaining, and I do like my roasts to be almost swimming in the stuff. If you only like a sprinkle of the wet stuff, then you'll be fine. It's not a huge problem, either - the staff are always passing by and asking if you need anything, and a quick word in their ear will ensure that before you know it, you've got a little pot on your table to do with as you wish.
The desserts are also beautiful - my marscapone chocolate pot with chocolate flapjack was small but enough, the juxtaposition of crunch and cream a delight. The sticky toffee pudding is light and airy, the custard creamy and velvety without being saccharine-sweet. Choices are few, but the compact menu is only beneficial - I have a feeling you'd be sat for hours attempting to conquer option paralysis otherwise.
Sandwiches and bar snacks are also served - fresh and decently portioned, they're well worth the fiver or so you'll pay.
I have been to The Bath Arms a fair few times recently, and it's testament to how good it really is that I am willing to put the Roast Hunt on hold to satisfy my stomach. However, now the sun is starting to peek through the clouds, I am sad to say that my visits will wane somewhat - thanks to its position, The Bath Arms is a perfect winter pub, but with a severe lack of outside space and its dark-wood interior, it would feel simply too suffocating in the height of summer. I have to say, I'm a sucker for a beer garden when the sun is out, and The Bath Arms simply cannot deliver this.
To summarise, the Bath Arms is the perfect place for a date, an outing with friends or an evening meal with visiting family. In fact, it's ideal for all occasions - the atmosphere is warm and forgiving on these cold nights and the accommodating staff make the hunt for the pub in the first place totally worthwhile.
9/10 (point lost to lack of beer garden - in the winter, easily a 10)
4-5 Meeting House Lane, Brighton BN1 1HB
Tel: (08721) 077 077
Booking recommended at weekends; credit/debit cards accepted
Avg drinks prices: Bottle cider £3.90, pint lager £3.65, soft drinks £1.95
Desserts approx £4.95
The Bath Arms is one of Brighton's hidden gems. Tucked away in a corner of the South Lanes and overshadowed by the football-showing, cheap-burger-serving might of The Font, it's easy to overlook the traditional red-and-white decor of this haunt. However, I assure you that doing so is a huge mistake.
Small in size but surprisingly spacious, the main bar is surrounded by small tables and benches, but to the left is a large eating area, with tables that can seat up to 6 - if you have a big party though, prepare to be separated as there is no space huge enough to fit such a big group. However, this won't really matter; the whole place has a 'living room' feel to it, especially in the winter. It'll just be like sitting round at your auntie's house. In fact, everything about this place is 'real' - real ales, real ciders, real crisps (none of that Walkers crap), a real fireplace with real flames, real service and real, genuine, hearty food. The bar staff are equally 'real' - there's none of that pretentious air in The Bath Arms; they're just genuinely lovely people who will do all they can to make sure you enjoy your food and drink.
This is a place that remains traditional - in an age where we are expected to make our own way to the bar to place our orders before carrying our own drinks through the melee to our table, it makes a refreshing change to have waiter service in a cosy pub. The staff are knowledgeable, helpful and friendly and are willing to assist in making some (inevitably) difficult choices when it comes to your food. Service is relatively quick, too - any faster and I'd be wondering about their methods in the kitchen but a wait for food is long enough to make you realise that they really are cooking from fresh, but not so long that you are twiddling your thumbs whilst your stomach growls angrily at you.
As far as the food goes, main courses are divine. Changing daily, all food is locally produced and prepared fresh in the kitchen and manages to avoid the pretentious flourishes so well used in Brighton. A staple on the menu is the hearty portion of wild boar and cider sausages atop a creamy mountain of real mash with just the right amount of meaty gravy. Ratatouille comes in a steaming bowl and managed to convert a vegetarian friend back to the world of mediterranean vegetables after some terrible ratatouille-related experiences in the past. The fish and chips came on a huge plate, with thick-cut chips that are served at just the right temperature, though the mushy peas on the side were a little bland and left a lot to be desired. My only criticism with the main courses is the lack of vegetables - a friend who'd ordered the salmon with polenta was disappointed that she would have to pay extra for her helping of veg. It seemed a little like we were being ripped off - after all, aren't veg part of any meal?
However, this all pales into insignificance when you sit down for a Sunday Roast, and, let's be fair, this IS a blog about roasts. Choices are limited to three and you never know what those choices will be until you arrive, but whatever you choose is guaranteed to be served beautifully. The chicken, skin-on, is crispy and herby; the beef is rare and melt-in-the-mouth; the pork is sumptuous and salty without being tough, and if you're lucky to get pork belly, the crackling will be bubbly, thick and crunchy. The vegetarian choice is bursting with herby, citrussy flavours and the vegetarian gravy is not a cheap, meat substitute - they really go out of their way to ensure that veggies feel included. All roasts are served with roast potatoes (chewy and crunchy at the same time), seasonal vegetables (usually roasted carrots and parsnips with cabbages in winter; spring greens, green beans and carrots in the summer months, all providing a lovely sweet side to the dish) and a home-made Yorkshire pud.
The cabbage alone is an experience - spiced; crunchy without being overcooked and bearing a hint of cinnamon and apple - wow. I don't even like cabbage, but this is something else. The carrots are honeyed and crunchy; the broccoli is still crisp and the green beans are nowhere near soggy. For veg that can so easily go wrong, it's all done perfectly, and the ever-changing menu means you'll always be surprised.
The only downfall is the gravy - not the taste but the amount of it. Unfortunately, the chef can scrimp - but this is me complaining, and I do like my roasts to be almost swimming in the stuff. If you only like a sprinkle of the wet stuff, then you'll be fine. It's not a huge problem, either - the staff are always passing by and asking if you need anything, and a quick word in their ear will ensure that before you know it, you've got a little pot on your table to do with as you wish.
The desserts are also beautiful - my marscapone chocolate pot with chocolate flapjack was small but enough, the juxtaposition of crunch and cream a delight. The sticky toffee pudding is light and airy, the custard creamy and velvety without being saccharine-sweet. Choices are few, but the compact menu is only beneficial - I have a feeling you'd be sat for hours attempting to conquer option paralysis otherwise.
Sandwiches and bar snacks are also served - fresh and decently portioned, they're well worth the fiver or so you'll pay.
I have been to The Bath Arms a fair few times recently, and it's testament to how good it really is that I am willing to put the Roast Hunt on hold to satisfy my stomach. However, now the sun is starting to peek through the clouds, I am sad to say that my visits will wane somewhat - thanks to its position, The Bath Arms is a perfect winter pub, but with a severe lack of outside space and its dark-wood interior, it would feel simply too suffocating in the height of summer. I have to say, I'm a sucker for a beer garden when the sun is out, and The Bath Arms simply cannot deliver this.
To summarise, the Bath Arms is the perfect place for a date, an outing with friends or an evening meal with visiting family. In fact, it's ideal for all occasions - the atmosphere is warm and forgiving on these cold nights and the accommodating staff make the hunt for the pub in the first place totally worthwhile.
9/10 (point lost to lack of beer garden - in the winter, easily a 10)
4-5 Meeting House Lane, Brighton BN1 1HB
Tel: (08721) 077 077
Booking recommended at weekends; credit/debit cards accepted
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)