• Added: 22nd of August 2008
• Area: Rochester
• Category: Restaurants

Rochester ME1 1EL

lordprimett said
Great Food, Great Service, Great Ambience,
This was my first experience at Thai Four Two, previously I have always frequented a long-standing Thai restaurant not too far from this particular venue but it was on a sound recommendation that I ventured here.

The ambience here was excellent, intimate without being too cramped and the decor and lighting were as you would expect from a good eaterie.

The staff were polite, attentative and courteous without fussing over us which made for a very pleasant & relaxed evening.

As for the food, it is on-par with that of its close competitior. The green curry was delicately spiced, not too strong and the sauce was of perfect texture, the meat was tender and flavoursome, the chefs obviously take great pride in what they serve.

The price for 2 including wine, beer and a cognac came to a very reasonable £82 which I feel is great value.

I shall definately be returning.

• Added: 16th of June 2008
• Area: Rochester
• Category: Restaurants

Rochester ME1 1LN

lordprimett said
Simply Italian, Simply Average.
To review Simply Italian is a very difficult task to undertake.

Whilst there is nothing bad to report, there is neither nothing of excellence to comment on.

I tend to be slightly disappointed by a "samey" experience and unfortunately, at Simply Italian that is what I had.

The food is ok, the service is ok and the ambience is fine, there is just that little spark missing to make this restaurant deserving of the 4 star rating I believe it could achieve with a little more effort.

In terms of food I can have no complaints, I chose Crostini al Tonno to start (tuna with red onion on ciabatta) and for my main course Bistecca al Pepe (Steak in pepper sauce) which is a traditional favourite of mine.

Worth a visit.

• Added: 16th of June 2008
• Area: Rochester
• Category: Restaurants

Rochester ME1 1DX
01634 404770

lordprimett said
How do they do it for this price???
I am a regular diner at The Roffen Club in Rochester, Kent.

I have been a patron of this private members club since 1999 and the food never ceases to impress me with new menus every month and a fine selction of wines.

In fact I am so endeared to the food at the club, along with the manner of staff and the quality surroundings that I am holding my wedding breakfast there in November.

On my most recent visit to The Roffen on 7th June 2008, I dined with My fiancee and 2 friends. I started with asparagus spears with smoked salmon, followed by Monkfish wrapped in parma ham on a bed of spinach and accompanied with a potato and petit-pois broth. Both the starter and main were of excellent quality as usual, the monkfish cooked to perfection as in novice hands, this prize fish can be robbed of its appealing moist texture through over-cooking. A dessert of fresh fruit salad followed.

Now, the best bit about The Roffen is the prices. The restaurant menu is offered at a fixed price. For dinner, the 3 course meal is £20, yes just £20 per person. It is incredible to find fine dining for such a price.

I would reccommend anybody to join the club as a social member (£70 or so p/a) just to gain access to the fine food and high-class atmosphere.

• Added: 13th of June 2008
• Area: Gillingham
• Category: Restaurants

Gillingham ME8 8BA

lordprimett said
A truly justified reputation
Having heard so much good feeling towards this restaurant it was somewhat peculiar that I hadn't previously visited.

The restaurant was very busy indeed on the saturday night in question, apparently booking is imperative to ensure a table at hons.

The welcome from the staff was polite and courteous and we were quickly escorted to a table that was waiting for us.

My 3 companions and I enjoyed many dishes throughout the evening, accompanied by a fine red wine (from an excellent list) and also tsing tao lager. The highlight for me was the scallops with back bean sauce, quite often scallops can be overcooked and have the flavour literally cooked out of them but at hons this was certainly not the case.

We were very surprised when we recieved the bill, the total was £126 which for 4 people, having various starters, mains, rices, noodles, side dishes, wine, beer and dessert was truly incredible value for a restaurant of this standard. You could quite easily spend a similar amount of money in a beefeater.

Highly recommended to anybody, a must for the true fan of quality chinese cuisine.

• Added: 7th of June 2008
• Area: Gillingham
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Gillingham ME7 4RY

lordprimett said
A welcome change
I really enjoy going to this pub.

It is a fine live music venue and I have watched many tribute bands play there.

The thing that grabs me about the beacon is that it isn't one of those pubs that is besieged with barely 18's who drink 2 alcopops and fall over.

Of course being a Shepherd Neame pub there is a fine selection of beers including their excellent range of lagers and real ales.

If you like live music check out www.thebeaconcourttavern.co.uk pick a gig you like the sound of and get down there.

Not one for the "Oh I'm so trendy" brigade.

• Added: 7th of June 2008
• Area: Rochester
• Category: Restaurants

Rochester ME1 1DJ

lordprimett said
Begal Brasserie
How this restaurant has the reputation it claims is a mystery to me.

I ventured here away from my usual hardcore of indian eateries and it was certainly an experience I regret.

The service was poor, it seemed like they were trying to rush us out of the door in 30 minutes.

The cleanliness of the premises was very questionabe.

The food however was the final straw, greasy, no real impact in terms of flavour and it is patently obvious from the texture of it, that they use cheap, poor-quality meats.

Avoid at all costs.

• Added: 7th of June 2008
• Area: Rochester
• Category: Restaurants

Rochester ME1 1EY

lordprimett said
Cumin Club
This is arguably the finest Indian Restaurant in the Medway Towns.

An excellent menu with a range of traditional and more complex dishes to suit every individual pallate.

The service is friendly, polite and efficient, the staff are attentative but they do not become pestering with it which is something I truly value.

The food is sumptuous in flavour and apperance, it is well presented and the portion sizes are fine.

There is a decent selection of wines at this restaurant so there should be something for everybody.

The venue itself is very tastefully decorated throughout.