• Added: 22nd of November 2008
• Area: Brighton
• Category: Restaurants

Brighton BN1 1UD
01273 674116

bluebel said
rustic charm
Bodega is situated on Church Street, just opposite The Corn Exchange.
I’m not sure about this one. I was recommended this tapas bar by a friend and I’ve been in search of authentic tapas in this country for years. I’d read reviews which said this was the most authentic tapas they have had in this country, but to be honest I can’t agree...not all bad though.

Bodega has a rustic charm. Five or so tables as you enter and a tiny kitchen area in full view. The 2 microwaves that can be seen at eye level worried me somewhat. We sat out in the little patio area out back, with small patio heater and rickety benches and tables. Our visit last night, a Friday meant we were cosily huddled together and could hear the intellectual conversations of others. The £13 bottle of wine from the Andalusian family's vineyard who also run Bodega was very good and reminded me of a bottle of Ribera del Duero we had had in Spain a few years ago. The olives and Montego cheese were authentic, but the paella, mushroom and chorizo stew were very disappointing. The tapas were mostly under £4.

Waitress was very polite and helpful. It was very busy and we did have to ask for our stew 3 times.

I liked the fact it reminded me very much of a tapas bar in Spain (minus the microwaves) but felt a little let down by the main hot tapas.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Worthing
• Category: Restaurants

Worthing BN11 3EE

bluebel said
Lively and busy
A lively atmospheric restaurant. It always seems busy and is a popular restaurant with locals.

It boasts a simple menu of different types of fish, such as tuna, halibut and plaice which you can have flamed grilled, battered, fried or breaded. Chips, mash or salad can join it on the plate.

Ive been to the Fish Factory about 10 times over the last 5 years and mostly the service has been excellent. The staff are young but experienced, friendly and efficient. The quality of food has generally been good with only a few minor hiccups.

The last time I was there was for a staff dinner party. People seemed to be impressed with the healthy options of salad instead of chips. The flamed grilled tuna steak looked particularly good. My cod goujons were freshly prepared but my feta on my greek salad tasted like soap! Ive had the greek salad there numerous times and its never tasted like that before, hopefully a one off.

I think the prices are reasonable for the quality you get. Its freshly prepared and there is a wide choice on the menu.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Worthing
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Worthing BN14 9JN

bluebel said
Good Value
Toby Carvery is a chain, you know what youre getting before you get there. Excellent value as there is a £5 carvery if you eat before 7:00pm, £7 after 7:00pm. There are also a vegetarian choices(3 choices when I enquired) and a few other classic pub choices at the same price if you dont fancy the carvery. Desserts are all around the £3.50 range. The food tends to be of good standard, big plentiful yorkshires, the veg can be a bit mushy though.

My husband was happy as there was Speckled Hen ale available. My toddler was content in her high chair and the staff were friendly and attentive despite being busy.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Worthing
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Worthing BN11 4HP
01903 234892

bluebel said
a special little gem
Im a local to this cafe and pop in regularly. Its a quirky small cafe with a juke box, books to browse and a large commual table. Rather a hippie hangout. I even bumped into Dave Benson Philips there. Nice guy!

John, the owner is an accomplished chef, very unassuming and humble. The best thing to do is to ask him what he can recommend and make, tell him the kind of thing you feel like. He cooks from fresh ingredients and whats available that day. He will always make a good meal. My friends who are vegans went in there, explaining they wanted breakfast and they were impressed with the vegan feast he prepared.

John's coffee is excellent and Im a coffee snob! Smoothies, hot chocolate and milkshakes are also on the menu.

Some meals Ive had there: spaghetti carbonara, spinach tart, roasted veg toastie, full English breakfast, sponge pudding, carrot cake (rich!). Its how he makes it...just beautiful.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Worthing
• Category: Food and Drink

Worthing BN11 4HP

bluebel said
Yummy Pizza
This is our local Pizza takeaway place. We do have a few to choose from along this takeaway haven of a road, Tarring Rd.Open 7 days a week, 5:00 - midnight. They do excellent collection deals, meal deals and prompt delivery (free delivery minimum spend applies). Italian Kitchen also do salads, jacket potatoes, burgers, pasta and desserts. I cant comment on these as Ive not had them.

Ive used them about a dozen times, the last 3 partys of my teenage son's. All his guests enjoyed it! The Pizzas have a lot of mozarella on them and the bases are not those really thick tasteless american style pizzas but tend to be thinner. Especially good when you like a simple Margherita. When compared to Dominos type pizzas these wins hands down.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Worthing
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Worthing BN12 6PF

bluebel said
amazing position pity about the staff and cake!
Highdown Tea Rooms, has one of the best summer locations to have tea. Its situated near the Highdown gardens and other walks. Seating is outside the little quaint tea rooms and forest birds and a lonely cat visit your table while you have your refreshments.

Ive been here about 3 times but am always disappointed. If it wasnt for the location I simply would never have come back. On every occasion, I have been served by a very unenthusiatic member of staff who couldnt be bothered to smile. The fruit cake on special last time was so dry I couldnt finish it. My husband's scones didnt look home made, perhaps had been frozen? Tables and chairs were being put away as we sat there because the staff were more interested in getting out of there than making us feel like valued customers!

The tea was fine but nothing special. I just wish that the food could match the atmosphere.

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Worthing
• Category: Restaurants

Worthing BN11 3PX

bluebel said
Coffee on the pier!
Ive been to Denton now about 5 times. I must stress however Im reviewing it more as a coffee place although I know its also open for lunches.

Its situated at the start of the Worthing Pier and has had a bit of a makeover in the last few years. There are many tables overlooking the sea and a back entrance onto the pier. It serves as the bar for the Pavillion theatre at night. It has a large open airy room which has proved valuable for me and my husband if we want to go for a coffee with our baby and buggy on a busy Saturday morning.

Good selections of cakes. When I was there last, there was a selection of about 5 cakes, 2 types of muffin and cookie and biscuits.

I have had the vegetarian breakfast, priced around £5 which was large and freshly made. I would order it again.