Miss F.

Review of Back To Basics

30 May 08, 12:51

How glam are those Leeds peeps?!

Long standing resident Ralph Lawson reigns the Saturday night line up here at Basics, run by long-standing club legend Dave Beer. I went here last year and the crowd was really, really funky (those northern lads and lasses dress so much more glam there than the southerners!). There was also a live pa by Spirit Catcher, and the whole night was amazing.

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Review of T H Baker

29 May 08, 22:41

Hot Diamonds stockists

This Jewellers stocks an amazing selection from the Hot Diamonds range, specifically the charms which I have only until now seen online.

The service is great in here too, really professional.

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Review of D L Jones & Son

29 May 08, 22:37

A wonderful family business - don't go changing!

This store deserves a fantastic review based on the fact that it's one of those wonderfully family run businesses that is managing to survive despite globalization. Mr D L Jones and his son both work in the shop. The shop is rammed floor to ceiling in jewellery and collector's pieces, and it gives you a real taste of days gone by. I don't know where else I would've been able to get my Sanio 1970's calculator watch restored.

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Review of Eddys Take Away Food Shops

29 May 08, 22:33

fantastic Christmas light display

If you're not sure where Eddies is, then I suggest that you take a drive up Sackville Road during December to take full advantage of the absolutely fantastic Christmas light display they adorn their shop facia in. It's tacky but in such an ironic way. Plus they were amazing on a drunken night recently when they kept their shop open for me to collect a Hawaiian half an hour after they'd shut. Now that's what I call service.

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Review of Krisp

29 May 08, 22:28

Krisp is so sequinalicious it's untrue

You need a spangly top for a party or spesh night out? You need to pay this shop a visit. Krisp is so sequinalicious it's untrue. I bought some wonderfully on-trend (and more importantly, on-budget) tops in here before Christmas, and they are still firm faithfuls in my wardrobe. I've had to re-sew some of the buttons back on, however is that really too out of the question when it's about 15GBP a top? Apart from that, the quality is really good. To top it all, the guys that run the shop are so passionate about their products and so friendly it's a pleasure to shop here.

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Review of Ted Baker

29 May 08, 22:07

a really unexpectedly interesting collection

Ted Baker have recently appointed two new creative directors and boy what a good job they are doing at shunning the mainstream image this brand has suffered with over the past decade. The womenswear range, set on the second floor is a really unexpectedly interesting collection. Lots of bow details and kitschness in this season which is very impressive. The sizing comes up a bit small for my liking, with most of the lines sculpted for a willowy physique. Thank goodness in a way as it seriously saves my bank balance from being plunged in the red forever!

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Review of Worlds End

29 May 08, 19:15

good place to have a proper catch up with friends or family

This pub is just the cutest. It's got that lovely country pub vibe and their menu is fantastic. It's a good place to have a proper catch up with friends or family as it doesn't get too crowded or leary.

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Review of Swallows Return

29 May 08, 19:13

a wonderful selection of traditional pub food

The Swallow's Return is a great location tucked on the outskirts of Worthing. You will need to drive there as you'll risk losing life or limb walking or cycling as it's just off a really precarious country lane. They do a wonderful selection of traditional pub food here though, and the decor's really cosily laid out.

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Review of Marks & Spencer

29 May 08, 19:07

Discounted lingerie scarily cheap!

Now, Brighton have a small selection of discounted lingerie. But ladies, I urge you to take a trip here, one quiet evening in the week, take yourself about twenty-five quid along and you will come out with a whole set of new lingerie for such an amazingly bargainous price you'll be so smug you'll never buy full priced again. It does help if you're not one of the average sizes (i.e v. large or v. small), but don't be put off as this is the elephant graveyard of bras and pants.

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Review of Marks & Spencer

29 May 08, 19:04

everything you want your M&S to be and more

Marks and Spencers Brighton is everything you want your M&S to be and more. A great express section to grab your lunch at, but they also have bars where you can sit and snack on your purchases rather than eat your sarnie in a rush back to work. They also have a cash back function on their self-service tills which I think's pretty impressive. Plus they've got a great discount lingerie section, which if you don't mind spending about three hours untangling hangers to find your size then you can pick up some absolute bargains (We're talking 90% off).

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Review of Starbucks

29 May 08, 19:00

a little taste of New York in the middle of boho Brighton

Starbucks Western Road has that great vibe that you want when you buy into the Starbucks brand. Go upstairs and there's a floor dedicated to sofas and tables where you'll find a whole mix of tourists, locals, students, school kids and yummy mummies catching up over their frappucinos. It really feels like a little taste of New York in the middle of boho Brighton.

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Review of Lush

29 May 08, 18:55

Literally Luscious

What I love about Lush is the overwhelming desire to go in and buy as many chunks of soap hand-carved from the big hand-made blocks as possible even though you have absolutely no need for it. The scents are so alluring that you can't help but be drawn into the shop stuffed with the most colourful and well merchandised stock on display.

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Review of Honey Club

29 May 08, 18:50

What a wicked little venue

What a wicked little venue. The Honey Club has reigned on Brighton Seafront as one of the nightclub destinations, and hosts loads of club nights including the iconic Hed Kandi. The bar I believe has just undergone a re-fit, so there's another great reason to head down at the weekends.

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Review of Red Snapper

08 May 08, 18:10

I can't recommend this place highly enough

Red Snapper is a quintissential Brighton restaurant. It's got a wonderful rustic interior and the seats are quite close to each other, with really friendly (mostly) Thai service. I went here as a big group booking, and we enjoyed the £15 set menu along with the brilliant and very retro BYO booze, which they even put in their fridge for you rather than it going cold as you eat. The food was delicious, and so tasty. I can't recommend this place highly enough. Apparently they're opening or have opened one near the Province Pub in Hove which is great for that side of town.

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Review of Canteen

08 May 08, 18:06

Delish Macaroni Cheese...

I know it's not the sexiest dish ever, however this was just one of the wonderful dishes on offer when I went here for a girly lunch. It's a great buzzy atmosphere, with great service and really not too pricey considering the fantastic food and central location.

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Review of Caruso Restaurant

01 May 08, 20:28

The Ghnocci in here is ABSOLUTELY delicious

The Ghnocci in here is ABSOLUTELY delicious. What I love about Carusos is that it's exterior is so unassuming, but the good Italian food is always mouthwateringly delicious. I generally go on a lunchtime and go for the 5.95 lunch special (a main and a drink) which keeps me going for the rest of the day.

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Review of Kings Arms

01 May 08, 20:25

the most fantastic fish and chips

This pub does the most fantastic fish and chips. It's got a great beer garden which overlooks the garden of england country side. The service is really friendly too - Michael who runs the bar is the best bar man you'd ever wish to meet. It gets really busy for food, so don't think you'll get a table Weds to Sun without booking. They don't usually do food on a Sunday but that may well have changed recently.

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Review of Griffin Inn

01 May 08, 20:23

a wonderful little pub

The Griffin is a wonderful little pub tucked away in a tiny village called Fletching. You definitely need to drive here (there's no public transport as far as I know). The food here is absolutely lovely, and the bar has that wonderful cosy English country pub feel that you want on a lazy Sunday whilst wearing a big baggy jumper and big shades.

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Review of Coast

01 May 08, 20:13

first, middle and last port of call for a wedding outfit

Coast is a great store as a first, middle and last port of call for a wedding outfit. The service in the Brighton store is outstanding. After a dry cleaners ruined a beautiful puff ball skirt, the wonderful assistant was so obliging in swapping it for a new one out of goodwill (I was crying on the phone in desperation as I was meant to be wearing it that evening). They're always really lovely if you're shopping on your own too and never give you anything but an honest opinion.

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Review of Webbs Cycles

01 May 08, 20:10

one of those lovely independent shops

This is one of those lovely independent shops that you just want to suceed in the face of the large conglomorates. It seems that business is great in this friendly little shop, and quite right too. I purchased a bike basket (detachable, sports wicker), and some new handle pads. The gentleman was really lovely to me - he even fitted my basket for me on site which meant I could ride back to work with my wares fully fitted and ready to go.

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Review of Oxfam

01 May 08, 20:03

always inspiring

You know when you're looking for a charity shop that has all the retro delights you could ever possibly wish to find, but that hasn't been perfectly merchandised to satisfy the appetite of a professional charity shopper? Well, Oxfam Blatchington Road is it. Heaps of beautiful vintage accessories, evening and day wear. They always do wonderful window displays too which is always inspiring.

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Review of Orsino Cocktail Bar Restaurant

30 Apr 08, 14:08

the most fabulous risotto

Orsinos do the most fabulous risotto and a lovely house wine. They have a really big menu, which does make you worry a bit after watching Gordon Ramsay's recommendations of keeping the menu small to keep it fresh, however I enjoyed a gorgeous chicken dish here with a lemon sauce and it was wonderful. It's got great atmosphere, although they have one waiter who can get a bit moody which is a bit off putting...but don't let that put you off as it's a great little place.

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Review of No Name Restaurant Bar

30 Apr 08, 14:02

homely and classy

The No Name is really, really, really nice. It's quite pricey, but worth every penny. They have a great selection of dishes, and the ambience in here is lovely. The interior design is really easy on the eye, with great exposed interior brick work which makes it all really homely and classy.

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Review of The Old Ship Hotel

30 Apr 08, 13:52

very grand

I've not actually stayed in this beautiful hotel, but I've been fortunate enough to attend some large functions here in the palatial conference rooms. It's very grand and deceptively large. The staff are wonderful and so accommodating and I'm sure that you'd have a great stay here.

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Review of Sea Spray Boutique Hotel

30 Apr 08, 13:41

loved staying here

I absolutely loved staying here. The staff are so friendly and the rooms are beautifully designed, as you'd expect from the now popular upmarket B&B's in Brighton aptly named "boutique hotels". Great location just off St James's Street in Kemp Town, and completely walkable into town if you're not local.

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Review of Riverside Inn

30 Apr 08, 13:31

great for drinks

This is just great for drinks, but especially for delicious food. They do wonderful pizzas, and it's a great place to go for a quiet meal or a bigger function with lots of people. The service is great, the location is beautiful - try and get a seat next to the window where you can look out onto the river, as the name suggests.

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Review of Brighton Racecourse

29 Apr 08, 10:54

A wonderful day out

A wonderful day out. The views here at this flat course are just breath taking. Brighton Racecourse has various different meets, but if you're not too much into racing but like the idea of a taster day, I can highly recommend their annual Ladies Day. It brings out the girls in hats and is a fantastic day out with friends or business associates.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of John Lewis

29 Apr 08, 10:52

Please open one in Brighton!

John Lewis really does do quality well and live and breathe by their tag line "never knowingly undersold". They have a great range of everything you could possibly ever need. Including mini top hats with veils (they sound awful but are just the quirkiest accessory to wear to a wedding rather than a full on hat). Please open one in Brighton!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Sussex Yeoman

23 Apr 08, 14:16

a really well-kept secret

The Sussex Yeoman is a really well-kept secret. Unless you visit on a Sunday and you'll realise that the whole of Brighton wants to get their sunday lunch here. It has very limited seating, but it's super cosy and the food is delicious for veggies and meat eaters. Their Sunday lunch is really, really tasty and you'll have a great time here.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Face Media Group

23 Apr 08, 14:12

Wonderful service

Wonderful service. I get all my print media produced here. They've got a great account manager called Anthony who'll do his best to give the best service he can. They're now based in Portslade but don't let that put you off!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Whistles

23 Apr 08, 14:04

Whistles is a great boutique

Whistles is a great boutique. You can buy Antik Batik pieces in here, and they've got a fantastic range of day and business wear, plus occassion peices perfect for any party.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Karma

23 Apr 08, 14:00

a great moroccan theme

You really don't expect a bar like this in the marina. It's got a great moroccan theme and a lovely veranda to watch the boats and passers by on the board walks. It stays open till about 2am so you can stay all night and have a great time.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Healthlink

23 Apr 08, 13:56

a well stocked health and lifestyle shop

You just wouldn't expect there to be such a well stocked health and lifestyle shop in the Portslade district. They've got a wonderful selection of teas (you can buy Clipper Detox tea from here which has been discontinued from most supermarkets now), plus if you like to use crystals there's a great little selection here.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Due South

23 Apr 08, 13:38

local champagne from Sussex

I was fortunate enough to spend a lovely sunny afternoon here at Due South for a hen party. We had a large group of girls all enjoying lots of local champagne from Sussex vineyards, and the menu was really unique and totally delicious.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Stanmer House

23 Apr 08, 13:35

Beautiful setting and building

Stanmer House is a beautiful setting and building. Recently renovated by Mike Holland the owner, and marketed by The Apprentice's Ansell from a few series ago, this setting is set to be a super venue in Sussex.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Bankers Fish Restaurant & Take Away

23 Apr 08, 13:11

Beer and Battered Cod..

What could be more perfect than enjoying a nice ice cold beer at the same time as a large chips and battered cod? This unassuming fish and chip restaurant is just outstanding. It's no frills interior allows for you to go in at any time of day regardless of your state of dress at the time (evening or day). What I love about this place is you can often see the fishermen who've come in from their day's hard graft out at sea and are enjoying a well-earned rest after delivering the fresh fish which goes straight to your plate as quick as you can say "saveloy". Delicious.

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Review of Tin Drum

22 Apr 08, 14:58

a great little spot

This is a great little spot for a morning coffee, lazy lunch, afternoon spritzer or end of the day g&t. Their food is always really well cooked, their menu relatively small which is always comforting - you can't help but think that everything's fresh as a result of the limited selection. The mackarel open sandwich is a lovely lunchtime dish, I really couldn't fault this fantastic venue.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Habitat

21 Apr 08, 18:34

a pleasure to shop in

Habitat has got to be one of those really, really cool brands that never seems to have lost it's appeal. I spent the first 14 years of my life sleeping in a fabulously contemporary Habitat bed which I loved. They have a great lighting department and really good service in here which makes it a pleasure to shop in.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Royal Pavilion

21 Apr 08, 18:19

Spectacular gardens

This is truly unique to Brighton. It's such a mystical building, with the most spectacularly tranquil gardens (okay, you can choose to not include Friday nights after the pubs shut in that comment). I would recommend buying the papers, bagging one of the garden deck chairs and plotting up in a sunny spot one Sunday afternoon and enjoying the eclectic atmosphere that this amazing place ensues so wonderfully.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Packwoods Property Services

21 Apr 08, 18:10

no interest in making their customers happy

I genuinely wouldn't want my worst enemy to have the misfortune of having to deal with this excuse of a company. Unfortunately I've spend the past six months un-tangling a web of fines and incompetence that have been induced by PPS. They have absolutely no interest in making their customers happy. Although they have every interest in taking their money. Save yourself and your sanity and never do business with this company.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Hilton Brighton Metropole

21 Apr 08, 18:06

Lovely building and great memories

The Hilton Brighton Metropole is a lovely building and has great memories for me. Least of all as it's where I met my gorgeous fiance. The staff are wonderful here and the building feels very extravagant and indulgent.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Lavender Room

21 Apr 08, 12:15

a labrynth of petals and prettiness

I never considered myself that much of a girly girl. However, every time I step into this labrynth of petals and prettiness I'm always left wishing I could afford to buy everything in there. The interior's is designed with a french influence, and the shop is brimming with floral gifts, accessories and wonderful lace-trimmed boudoir lingerie and womenswear.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Velvet

21 Apr 08, 12:07

A unique shabby chic boutique!

A unique shabby chic boutique...Velvet in Brighton has two stores along Bond Street. One's more lifestyle gifts and womenswear, and includes ribbons of all colours, sequinned slippers, greetings cards and kitsch accessories. The other houses divinne homewares and furniture, including the most wonderful knobs and knockers of all shapes and sizes!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Gourmet Burger Kitchen

18 Apr 08, 15:39

Burger towers r us

You have never, ever seen a burger this high, or this stacked in your entire life. The portions are HUGE. Be warned, enter here only if you're seriously hungry. Which let's face it, I always am. The Jamaican is absolutely lish. Their fantastic light wall changes colours as you dine and enjoy the tastiest burger you're ever likely to eat.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Las Iguanas

18 Apr 08, 14:47

Arriibbbaaaaaa

This is surprisingly good food considering it's generally packed out with large groups dining as a secondary objective to getting absolutely hammered. Of course I've never been one of those people. However, it's really, really tasty and unusual menu delivers really well for large groups considering the amount of covers they go through. It's probably quite good to go on a blind date in there too as it's quite dark. Or if you want to go to dinner with someone you don't want to be seen with of course.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Selfridges

16 Apr 08, 21:31

Great selection of brands

You simply could shop in here all day...it's just such a feast of fashion. Just make sure you wear comfy shoes so you can enjoy every inch of the fashion floors.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Trevor Sorbie

16 Apr 08, 21:19

award winning style

This salon is award winning, and after a cut and blow dry in here, you can tell why. And it's not often that you actually see the man himself come into the salon and chat with the staff like he genuinely cares. I'm glad it has the success it does because it really deserves it. Louise is an amazing stylist too.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Ministry Of Hair

16 Apr 08, 21:16

Andrea: star stylist

This girl is a legend in the salon...her bubbly personality combined with her amazing hair cutting techniques make her their star stylist in my book.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Kurt Geiger

16 Apr 08, 21:06

Kurt Geiger saves the day

Kurt Geiger saves the day, but not my wallet, that's for sure. Any shoe-aholic will have a field day in this beautifully merchandised store. They have a great selection and the design is contemporary, edgy, and - even if just once a season - affordable.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Arches Hotel

16 Apr 08, 21:00

subtle but perfect

It was clean and comfortable and the service was subtle but perfect. Beautifully decorated and lovely paintings, and newly refurbished. It looked loved. Very nice breakfasts, no unnecessary intrusions and I felt really comfortable

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Custard Card Shop

16 Apr 08, 18:43

My favourite card shop

Custard is my favourite card shop. The selection of cards is really inspiring, and I always end up buying more than I need because I just can't resist them.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Ashoka Tandoori Restaurant

16 Apr 08, 18:40

Ooh, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

I do pity the poor staff in here who usually have to put up with me and my posse who invade this delightful indian restaurant after a few too many alcopops. But I have to say, that the staff are fantastic, sublimely polite and always give great service. I can highly recommend the Lamb Pathia, which they always make just a bit spicier if I'm feeling daring that night. Ooh, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Badger Clothing Co

16 Apr 08, 18:34

Great brands and service

If you want great brands (including Fred Perry and Lee) and fantastic service then you must visit Badger. They have a constant supply of new stock so there's generally something new to try and buy. The shop's pretty compact though, so the most attentive service comes either early or late in the day if you're in at the weekends.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Paperchase

16 Apr 08, 18:12

Who could not love Paperchase?

Who could not love Paperchase? Pens, paper, stickers, gorgeously illustrated stationary, cards, gifts, lots of things you never knew you needed but just can't bare to leave the shop without....that's paperchase. The stationary addict's ultimate fix. In my day we had to make do with a bic pen and be happy with it.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Park View

16 Apr 08, 18:07

Park side pints - what more could you want?

Park side pints - what more could you want? This pub was the venue for my pub quiz/rounders birthday party last week. It was a Saturday day time and the venue gave me the entire ground floor to take over and run a brilliant pub quiz (run by Brighton's Pub Quizmeister Frank Ramsey). The food's great, they do absolutely delish roasts and in the summer the bbq's on fire and the atmosphere's completely chilled. My only complaint is that it's not closer to my house..do you think they'd do anything about that?

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Hotel Du Vin & Bistro

16 Apr 08, 18:00

Lovely for meeting clients or friends

This is such a fantastically adaptable venue - it's really lovely for meeting clients or friends. Right in the middle of the lanes, hidden in Ship Street, you walk into a fantastic bar which enjoys a mezzanine view with sofas. The service is impeccable, the drinks superb, but like with any establishment like this you pay for it. But it's worth every penny.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Great Eastern

16 Apr 08, 14:35

Almost the perfect pub

It's Sunday, you're a bit hungover. You just want a good honest pint in a cosy pub, perhaps a game of cards and a packet of crisps too. Well The Great Eastern's the perfect place to do this. The toilets let this place down, but hey, we don't go to pubs to pee now do we? Check out the fantastic characters who linger in the pub on Sundays - it's great people watching. Beer goggles not included.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of Michelham Priory

16 Apr 08, 13:58

Unspoilt Sussex at it's best

Sussex has got to be the best county in the country. Least of all because we have little hidden treasures such as Michelham Priory to enjoy and boast about. The Great Barn and Lawns are the perfect location for an afternoon strawberry and champagne party as part of their function service. Not so perfect for the bank balance of course. Just watch out for the ghosts...I've seen and heard the bell being rung with no-one pulling the rope late at night. Don't let that put you off though, it all adds to the natural beauty and charm of the place.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Sanctuary Cafe

16 Apr 08, 13:51

Who knew Vegan could be this good?

Who knew Vegan could be this good? If you, like me, are often on the Carol Vorderman detox diet (okay, maybe I'm not on it that often, but I like to pretend), then you can enjoy delicious food here. They do great White Chai Tea too. Their USP is the Stitch and Bitch group which meets weekly to knit and...bitch?! This sums up Brighton's diversity to a tee.

0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.

Review of The Forager

16 Apr 08, 13:41

Nice for a local

This is probably the closest pub to my house, pretty nice for a local at that too. Conveniently on the way home from doing the Tesco shop which is always good to recouperate from carrying the shopping over a nice glass of organic pinot noir. Excellent wine list, lovely service, tasty local food. It's more restaurant than pub prices so we don't eat in there as often as we'd like to (about £15 for a main). Their main competitor is the Ginger Pig on Hove Street, and I think that their food keeps their game up for sure. I think they need to sort out the lighting in there a bit which makes the space feel cold and a bit static.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Review of Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen

16 Apr 08, 13:26

5* in the "Scores on the Doors" food hygiene award scheme

There aren't many places to eat in Brighton and Hove which have scored 5 stars in the "Scores on the Doors" food hygiene award scheme. However this place has. The food's always really tasty - go for the Fish Finger Sandwiches every time! A great spot for lunch after a busy afternoon's shopping at the weekend. My only gripe: Take a very warm jumper in winter, it gets really cold in there - to the point their beer taps freeze over. The temperature's been fine since about March though so you should be fine in the summer!

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