Latest favourites and wishlist by austinmax

Al Duomo - review by Bensonrad

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:46:12 +0000

Al Duomo - review by Bensonrad

Rating: 1.7

Location: 7 Pavilion Buildings, BN1 1EE, Brighton, United Kingdom

Phone: 01273 326741

Website: http://www.alduomo.co.uk

We decided to go here as it is owned by the same people that run Alforno's, it was not a particularly busy night but service was lacking. The waiter that served us, if he was a waiter? It looked like he was a kitchen staff member brought us our main course, mine was a pizza. He had flour all over his hands and his crotch and back side where he had obviously had an itch. He dumped the plates on the table and walked off. That momement and the suspect trouser markings put us off ever going back again. Food did not taste too bad, bit pricey and up itself. There are far better places to go.

Zapata's - review by Peloquin

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:23:10 +0000

Zapata's - review by Peloquin

Rating: 2.3

Location: 1-2 Union Square, TN4 8HE, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Tags: mexican, cheap eat, crowded

I agree with Berks, not good.
Tipping is expected here and will be added to your bill. This is probably why the service is so bad. They don't need to try. And yes, expect to be faced with aggression if you decide they don't deserve it.
Also ensure you reserve the correct number of seats as you'll be charged for any you don't use!
Zapata's has always been the place to go with work for a drunken night out. So if you are looking for a romantic meal, i'd avoid at all costs. In fact, i'd avoid them at all costs anyway.
The food is as you would expect it, mexican with a pinch of extra spice. Nothing great, nothing unusual.

Carluccio's - review by Peloquin

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:08:34 +0000

Carluccio's - review by Peloquin

Rating: 4.0

Location: 32 Mount Pleasant Road, TN1 1RA, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Tags: italian, british, crowded, expensive

I used to love Carluccio's breakfasts, the quality of food was second to none. However recently the quality slipped somewhat. Raw egg isn't my favourite, especially not when told 'it is cooked sir, it won't hurt you'. Portion size / control seems to have completely gone out of the window too. Some weeks you get a fair amount, other weeks literally nothing.
The dinner menu is diverse and there is lots to choose from. Not just with Italian, but with the occasional British meal on the specials board.
I'd still say its a great place to go, but only if you are prepared to pay a premium

Al Duomo - review by LukeG

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:13:32 +0000

Al Duomo - review by LukeG

Rating: 1.7

Location: 7 Pavilion Buildings, BN1 1EE, Brighton, United Kingdom

Phone: 01273 326741

Website: http://www.alduomo.co.uk

Tags: italian

I went to Brighton recently and made the mistake of eating at Al Duomos. The waiters were miserable and the food was terrible and at Â£20 per head from a set menu paying the bill was upsetting! Calamari was like rubber bands and the cannalloni I ordered was obviously frozen, shoved in a microwave and came dried out and burnt!! My partner had an aubergine starter with a peeling of aubergine in it and her pizza was a tough base with half a pound of salt on it!! Wouldn't go back!!

Carluccio's - review by jezirwin

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:15:51 +0000

Carluccio's - review by jezirwin

Rating: 4.0

Location: 32 Mount Pleasant Road, TN1 1RA, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Tags: italian, cheap eat, good value, lively

I was meeting my visiting Uncle who was staying down south so we decided to meet in the middle at Tunbridge Wells. Carluccio's was very convenient - opposite the station. It was quite busy with a mixed crowd of families and couples.

The food was pretty good and very well priced. I had a plate of bruschetta for entree which was excellent, they had gone beyond your standard fare bruschetta and mixed in some roasted yellow peppers and some herby mixed lettuce leaf as well as a splash of balsamic - which was most welcome. My cousin and uncle shared an anitpasto plate which looked superb.

I had penne with a spicy sausage sauce, not bad, but hardly sending shockwaves through the culinary world. My cousin and uncle had penne with deep fried spinach balls, I must say I was struck down with a bout of food envy when their dishes were served.

I would recommend dropping in here, probably not for an intimate dinner, but for lunch or dinner with family and friends. The service was fast and friendly.

I think the bill came to around 40 quid for the three of us, no wine but a few beers.

Zapata's - review by Berks

Thu, 15 May 2008 21:36:00 +0000

Zapata's - review by Berks

Rating: 2.3

Location: 1-2 Union Square, TN4 8HE, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Tags: lively, international, good value, crowded

I thought that this place used to be really good - I used to be a regular. However, over recent years it's fallen away a bit. The food was always pretty good, but the service 'ok' or 'miss' (rarely 'hit')...I went there once in a party of 8 when the service was terrible. We had to literally get up and go to the waitresses every time we wanted to order drinks / order food / ask when food was coming / ask for used plates to be taken away, etc etc... and other tables were doing likewise. We declined to tip when paying for the meal (they add service automatically, which I always find a little presumptuous), we were sworn at by the owner, and asked to leave and never return. I have done as asked!!!

Luxfords Restaurant - review by austinamalia

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:22:19 +0000

Luxfords Restaurant - review by austinamalia

Rating: 4.0

Location: Uckfield Civic Centre, Bell Lane, TN22 1AE, Uckfield, United Kingdom

Tags: good value, great food and kids are allowed., I love it here. It's so friendly, british, amazing brew, family & home feel

This is cosy and spacious, the seating is really comfortable and I think the decor. is great. They do really nice home cooked dishes and are really friendly. We go here often and find it really chid friendly. The service is fast and the waitresses are friendly speedy and efficient. Not too expensive and worth every penny even if you only have a side dish such as chips with cheese.

Goodmans Fish Bar - review by austinmax

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:23:23 +0000

Goodmans Fish Bar - review by austinmax

Rating: 5.0

Location: 88 Camden Road, TN1 2QP, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Tags: good value, british, family & home feel

Classic tradtional fish and chips. Service with a smile at a low, low cost

Luna - review by Sherman

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 08:52:04 +0000

Luna - review by Sherman

Rating: 2.8

Location: 182 High Street, TN22 1AU, Uckfield, United Kingdom

Tags: Italian, Uncomfortable

Right - there's a stylish bar full of every kind of bottle you can imagine. So I ask for a Margarita. "Oh we don't get much call for that". Then I ask for a Harvey Wallbanger, then you tell the waitress how to make it. Then she presses buttons on her machine and the price? £6.20 each!!!!! Excuse me!!! That's £2.80 a shot!!! Then she asks you to write down the ingredients for future reference!!! What is the point of having all those pretty bottles unless you know what to do with them. And where do they get off charging £6.20 for a drink. No wonder people never seem to be enjoying themselves in the bar. No wonder we all just drink wine and beer. That's all we can afford at these prices. I've eaten in Luna and the food was good. Typical rip-off prices for this part of the world but that's what we've come to expect. When I moved here in 1980 "cocktails" were considered foreign. It seems, even after 27 years, they still are a bit of a mystery. I guess those bottles are just for decoration. Good thing transatlantic flight prices are coming down so we can all go and enjoy a drink in a bar that knows how to make one!

Carluccio's - review by austinmax

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 19:59:29 +0000

Carluccio's - review by austinmax

Rating: 4.0

Location: 32 Mount Pleasant Road, TN1 1RA, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Tags: proper food

This is an absolutely fantastic place for authentic italian cuisine, eating or shopping. It's very cnetral and the food is the finest this side of Milan. A must visit for all true afficianados of Italian food.

Blackboys Inn - review by austinmax

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 16:14:34 +0000

Blackboys Inn - review by austinmax

Rating: 4.0

Location: Lewes Road, TN22 5LG, Uckfield, United Kingdom

Tags: excellent pub food

Nice view, good food excelent choice of beer. All the makings of a good pub

Alma Public House - review by austinmax

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 20:54:13 +0000

Alma Public House - review by austinmax

Rating: 5.0

Location: Framfield Road, TN22 5AJ, Uckfield, United Kingdom

Tags: beer garden, excellent pub food

Yes it's true! I'm not abive a classic friendly good old , old fashioned british oub. This bar is the embodiment of all that is good in this world and I absolutely love it

Zapata's - review by austinmax

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 20:36:21 +0000

Zapata's - review by austinmax

Rating: 2.3

Location: 1-2 Union Square, TN4 8HE, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Tags: cheap eat, family & home feel

The food is exquisite and authentically mexican. The menu is leatherbound and all the waiters speak only Spanish. The terrace is fantastic and the staff are only to happy to have a stumbling conversation in half broken English. But the restaurant's real strength lies in it's charm. The classic olde-worlde atmosphere will not fail to charm the sombrero of anyone who goes in. Loved it!

The Swan at the Vineyard - review by austinmax

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 20:16:56 +0000

The Swan at the Vineyard - review by austinmax

Rating: 4.5

Location: Lamberhurst Vineyard, TN3 8EU, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Tags: good value, british

Conveniently located just a few minutes away from
Tunbridge Wells, the swan at the vineyard is a must visit for any true food lover. The menu is extensive and varied and changes every few weeks. For the more adventurous there are some more exotic dead animals served up but i wont tell you what they are for fear of ruining your appetite. I never get tired of eating here.

The Swan at the Vineyard - review by bosh

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 19:01:24 +0000

The Swan at the Vineyard - review by bosh

Rating: 4.5

Location: Lamberhurst Vineyard, TN3 8EU, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

Tags: expensive, something for everyone, british

The Swan is within the famous Lamberhurst Vineyard and only 15 minutes south of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The restaurant uses local produce and the menu changes every four or five weeks.

The cuisine, whilst focusing on modern British, can include 'different' dishes such as kangaroo or crocodile. These are real odd sensations. I know of nowhere else in the area that provides this kind of thing.

In addition to the main menu they always offer an ever evolving choice of home created specials plus an exciting bar menu. The wine list features a large range of English wines.

With a childs menu and child playground it is certainly worth a visit for any family. It is open at lunch time for two hours from 12 and again for dinner for 3 hours at 6.

There is only one drawback at The Swan - the prices. It is very expensive but I dobelieve that it is worth burning a whole in your pocket even if it is just for one night to eat at this restaurant.

The Swan at the Vineyard has a relaxed and informal ambiance with twice monthly jazz nights adding to this. A brilliant restaurant to visit - whether for business meets; informal meets; or family meets, there is something here that appeals to everyone.