The Open House

Jeff78

Great Food 10th June 2009

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Since moving to Brighton from Lewes 6 months ago I have been searching high and low for a good pint of Harveys and I can honestly say the Open House more than satisfies.

I was slightly suprised to see negative reviews of the food, as my experiences have always been nothing but positive! The burger is a real stand out.

JCR

shame about the clams 23rd April 2009

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normally good but I agree with some of the other points in the reviews here and I would agree they are definatley going down hill. I had clams one night from the menu and was seriously ill with food posioning and when I reported this to the bar staff on my next visit no one seemed concerned and was not even offered a free drink as an apology.obviously some basic training in food safety and hygiene and also customer service is needed. I also agree that the service is terrible and have had to wait for a good twenty minutes or so to get served recently. It's a shame because this used to be one of my favourite places to eat and drink but I definatley would not eat here again or recommend it until some obvious changes have been made.

charlieGL

Awful customer service, uncooked food 23rd February 2009

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I went to the Open House for the first time on Sunday with a group of friends for a birthday. We ordered roasts and had to wait forever for it to arrive (about an hour later!!). When it did finally arrive, my duck was so undercooked that the knife could barely cut it and it was bloody in the centre. My pregnant friend's chicken was also bloody and raw in the middle.

I spoke to the manager, even trying being discrete to allow him to apologise rather than announce it to the pub, after all mistakes do happen. However, much to our horror, after wandering away to "check with the chef" he came back and said it was meant to be like that and basically he was unprepared to do anything or even apologise to us.

I work in the restaurant & bar trade and have been an avid cook for many years, but even if I hadn't I would have known that chicken & duck should not be cold, raw and bleeding on a plate when it is served.

To not even get an apology is disgustingly poor behaviour and their blatant disregard for public health and safety is alarming. I will not be returning and would recommend anyone else to risk their health there!

Miss_Piggy

Keep away from me!! 11th February 2009

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We went to The Open House to have their Roots (best chips for miles). Sadly on a Sunday they only do Sunday Lunch. We ordered the Lamb - very scrummy. It was rather noisy and due to their being no tables we sat outside; choosing a table far away from the kids.

What happened next and (has happened before) has led me and my husband to think again before deciding to go back to The Open House.

Children! I don't mind children, don't get me wrong, but, whilst eating my Sunday lunch and discussing things with my husband I suddenly realise there are 3 children climbing and clambering over the tables behind and next to us. They are weaving in and out of the tiny space between us the wall. Mum and Dad are oblivious to the fact that the children are now up the fire escape and looking into upstairs. Then Dad looks up and realises the kids are no where to be seen (rummaging through the bins probably). Gets up and then takes a tennis ball out and decides to play football the entire length of the courtyard. The kids then reappear and decide to kick it around. (Other children are also running around parentless!!)
It's a pub courtyard for goodness sake, not a public park, people come to enjoy eating and drinking not dodging someone else's balls!!
Yes, the pub is child friendly, but there is no play area, please respect that the fact that just because you think little Jimmy is the light and love of your life, other people do not feel the same way!!

ellic

Good food pity about the loud music 10th September 2008

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We often eat here .The roots are great as are the mussels.
The staff are the friendliest ,but service can be slow.
When the music is too loud we just go elsewhere,Are we the only people who like to talk over lunch?

Mags

5th August 2007

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This was one of the nicest places to go in summer for a bar lunch. Good home cooked food - burgers were a must. Sandwiches delicious but Unfortunately going a bit downhill. Will go back but they need to get their act together.

kittieskitchen

Good pub, Great food! 3rd August 2007

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I'm lucky enough to have this pub as my local here in Brighton!

It has a lovely bright beer garden, and a spacious indoors with big art on the walls. It is like a house - with three different rooms on the ground floor, as well as a function room upstairs. My favourite is probably the back room, with its squishy sofas! The staff are young and friendly too.

The food is good - although I think there may have been a slight downturn in quality over the last few months - also, recently a number of items on the menu have been unavailable. I will continue trying though and let you know how it goes! Even basic sandwiches are fabulous - pesto & halloumi with sun-blush tomatoes and roast veg - YUM. The burger is like a cricket ball, and used to be served with the best potato wedges I've ever had (though I think served with chips now...)! Roasts only on Sunday - probably the best you can get round about this area. There are also daily specials, usually 1 meat, 1 veg, 1 fish and a pasta dish.

Children friendly.

ellic at 10/09/08

We found this place by accident .We often go there
We always start with Roots the best ever .Sometimes the music is too loud to chat comfortably .On those days we leave.
Have never understood the loud music inplaces to eat or are we the only people who like to dine and discuss

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