Smoke Detector
Those of you who are thinking of having a crafty fag break, in the toilets or a darkened corner of a restaurant or pub, when the no smoking ban comes into force in England in July may have to think again.
Restaurants and bars throughout England have been installing a hypersensitive talking alarm, which will catch the errant smokers out.. A pre-programmed voice message will tell the culprit:
"This is a no-smoking area, please extinguish your cigarette, a member of staff has been contacted."
Seemingly, the Cig-Arrete alarms can detect the slightest traces of tobacco smoke or the flame from a match or lighter; they will be used in hidden areas such as toilets and stairwells.
Thousands of the anti-smoking kits have been supplied to pubs and restaurants in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where the ban has already come into effect.
The devices are made by Radal Technology, based in Burnley, Lancashire.
The alarms can be adjusted to deliver the voice message in any language or regional accent.
The restaurants installing them are more concerned about being fiend £2500 for inadvertently allowing smoking on the premises, rather than displaying concern for diners health.
Showing posts with label smoking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label smoking. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2007
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
el Yantar de la ribera
Restaurant
el Yantar de la ribera
Roger de Flor
08013 Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 265 63 09
Website www.elyantardelaribera.com This contains a video of the chef cooking.
Overview
As noted previously, Eva and I went to Barcelona a few weeks ago for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of my personal favourites was this restaurant, situated near the Victory Arch some 30 minutes walk from the harbour.
el Yantar de la ribera is a traditional rustic restaurant, that specialises in Castilian cuisine cooked in open wooden fired ovens.
Ambience
el Yantar de la ribera is tucked away on rather quiet and unassuming road, unless you knew where you were going you would miss it. The entrance is modest, a thick old wooden door, behind which is a rather pleasant small entrance vestibule.
The entrance vestibule leads into the main dining rooms, one for smokers the other for non smokers. Now here is a tip, if you like to smoke you will need to book; as they reserve that part for their regulars, who come in at around 10:00pm, and stay to the small hours smoking and drinking after their meal.
The dining room resembles a rustic wine cellar, the tables were neatly laid with white linen cloths and towards the far end of the dining room the chefs laboured in the open plan kitchen (the wood fired oven clearly visible).
The restaurant is clearly very popular with local families, many of the tables were occupied by family groups of varying ages, Eva and I were the only non Spaniards there that evening.
Menu
The menu offered a most wonderful selection of hearty Castilian dishes; black pudding, roast lamb and suckling (spelt sucking) pig were on the menu. I saw no evidence of any form of vegetarian offerings.
Service
The service was of a high quality, although the staff had only a modest command of English. That being said we had no trouble ordering, as the menu was in English and we had a phrase book. I would also point out that of course I speak no more than a few words of Spanish, so it is not my place to criticise.
We were though made to feel very welcome.
Food
We both started with the selection of regional specialties these being ; black pudding and two types of chorizo (one spicy the other mild).
This dish was presented in one large dish in the centre of the table, from which we helped ourselves. The black pudding was rather like haggis, and the chorizos both spicy and mild provided a juicy and flavoursome contrast to the pudding.
The freshly baked bread that accompanied it was an unnecessary, but very pleasant, indulgence.
We selected another dish to share for our main course, this time the house specialtiy; a whole quarter joint of lamb (leg, ribs and shoulder) roasted in the oven.
The cooked joint was proudly borne to our table on a large earthenware dish by one of the staff, who asked us to approve it before he took it away for carving.
Given the size of the portions, the restaurant does not offer vegetables or potatoes as an accompaniment. Instead they provide a rather good quality green salad which, together with the bread, provides a more than adequate accompianmnt to this most noble of dishes.
The lamb itself was absolutely unctuous. The meat tender yet full of flavour, juicy and oozing with goodness; culinary heaven.
I make no apology in stating that we pigged out on this, and enjoyed sucking the bones dry at the end.
Quite unecessarily I opted to try the egg custard to round off my meal. This was rather an interesting dish, as it resembled in taste and texture a traditional school egg custard and a creme brulee all in one. Rather jolly I thought.
When we had finished our meal, we were rather impressed to see that the liqueurs consisted of a large wicker basket of quarter bottles of various spirits (such as vodka) that was deposited on our table together with two ice chilled shot glasses.
The basic idea being that we could have as much as we wanted, at no extra cost.
Now there's something that you don't encounter every day!
We managed a couple, then reluctantly decided that it was time to call it a night.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Cava and the basket of spirits, came to 80Euros before service.
Overall Opinion
An outstanding restaurant, you would be very foolish not to visit it if you have the opportunity.
el Yantar de la ribera
Roger de Flor
08013 Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 265 63 09
Website www.elyantardelaribera.com This contains a video of the chef cooking.
Overview
As noted previously, Eva and I went to Barcelona a few weeks ago for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of my personal favourites was this restaurant, situated near the Victory Arch some 30 minutes walk from the harbour.
el Yantar de la ribera is a traditional rustic restaurant, that specialises in Castilian cuisine cooked in open wooden fired ovens.
Ambience
el Yantar de la ribera is tucked away on rather quiet and unassuming road, unless you knew where you were going you would miss it. The entrance is modest, a thick old wooden door, behind which is a rather pleasant small entrance vestibule.
The entrance vestibule leads into the main dining rooms, one for smokers the other for non smokers. Now here is a tip, if you like to smoke you will need to book; as they reserve that part for their regulars, who come in at around 10:00pm, and stay to the small hours smoking and drinking after their meal.
The dining room resembles a rustic wine cellar, the tables were neatly laid with white linen cloths and towards the far end of the dining room the chefs laboured in the open plan kitchen (the wood fired oven clearly visible).
The restaurant is clearly very popular with local families, many of the tables were occupied by family groups of varying ages, Eva and I were the only non Spaniards there that evening.
Menu
The menu offered a most wonderful selection of hearty Castilian dishes; black pudding, roast lamb and suckling (spelt sucking) pig were on the menu. I saw no evidence of any form of vegetarian offerings.
Service
The service was of a high quality, although the staff had only a modest command of English. That being said we had no trouble ordering, as the menu was in English and we had a phrase book. I would also point out that of course I speak no more than a few words of Spanish, so it is not my place to criticise.
We were though made to feel very welcome.
Food
We both started with the selection of regional specialties these being ; black pudding and two types of chorizo (one spicy the other mild).
This dish was presented in one large dish in the centre of the table, from which we helped ourselves. The black pudding was rather like haggis, and the chorizos both spicy and mild provided a juicy and flavoursome contrast to the pudding.
The freshly baked bread that accompanied it was an unnecessary, but very pleasant, indulgence.
We selected another dish to share for our main course, this time the house specialtiy; a whole quarter joint of lamb (leg, ribs and shoulder) roasted in the oven.
The cooked joint was proudly borne to our table on a large earthenware dish by one of the staff, who asked us to approve it before he took it away for carving.
Given the size of the portions, the restaurant does not offer vegetables or potatoes as an accompaniment. Instead they provide a rather good quality green salad which, together with the bread, provides a more than adequate accompianmnt to this most noble of dishes.
The lamb itself was absolutely unctuous. The meat tender yet full of flavour, juicy and oozing with goodness; culinary heaven.
I make no apology in stating that we pigged out on this, and enjoyed sucking the bones dry at the end.
Quite unecessarily I opted to try the egg custard to round off my meal. This was rather an interesting dish, as it resembled in taste and texture a traditional school egg custard and a creme brulee all in one. Rather jolly I thought.
When we had finished our meal, we were rather impressed to see that the liqueurs consisted of a large wicker basket of quarter bottles of various spirits (such as vodka) that was deposited on our table together with two ice chilled shot glasses.
The basic idea being that we could have as much as we wanted, at no extra cost.
Now there's something that you don't encounter every day!
We managed a couple, then reluctantly decided that it was time to call it a night.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Cava and the basket of spirits, came to 80Euros before service.
Overall Opinion
An outstanding restaurant, you would be very foolish not to visit it if you have the opportunity.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Paco Alcalde
Restaurant
Paco Alcalde
Almirall Aixada 12
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 221 50 26
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I went to Barcelona last week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Paco Alcalde, a charming fish restaurant (famed for its fresh seafood) situated near the seafront in the old fishing port.
Ambience
Paco Alcalde was established in 1921, and is still owned and run by the founding family.
It was located just off the seafront in one of the narrow streets of the old fishing village of Barcelona. In case you are worried about walking past it by mistake, don't be! Standing outside, day and night, is one on the staff who greeted us warmly when we arrived and ensured that we had a nice table.
The restaurant is bright, cheerful and charming; it is decorated with cool tiled walls, and numerous ornaments related to fishing and the sea.
It is famed for its seafood, which is selected and prepared fresh every day.
The restaurant has a smoking and non smoking section, as well as a private function room for larger parties.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of freshly caught local seafood, as well as steak and chicken.
Service
The service was very friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and the staff spoke English to varying degrees. They also offered to help us with our three or four words of Spanish.
We were made to feel very welcome. Indeed when it came time for the cointreaus, at the end of meal, we were poured two rather magnificent measures (enough to swim a goldfish in!).
When we left we were offered warm and hearty handshakes by the staff and a friendly adios!.
Food
I have to confess that I am not that fond of fish, so I stuck to the meat dishes; and started with a cannelloni.
This was rather good, unlike the Italian version it contained no tomatoes but instead was very meaty and was smothered in an unctuous bechamel sauce. I was more than happy with this as a starter.
Eva decided to save herself for her main course which was a paella. This was a simple (by British Spanish restaurant standards) dish, containing langoustines, clams and squid served in a bed of rice which had been cooked in a dark fish stock (squid I would say). Note were you order this dish in the UK, it would be stuffed with all manner of seafood, peas and peppers.
That being said, less is more; the dish was well balanced and not overpowering, and the fish were very fresh. Eva was happy with the "simple" version.
I had an entrecote steak for my main course. This was a good thick cut of meat, rich, thick and with just the right amount of fat to add flavour. The steak was cooked just right, and was very tender. It was served with french fries and a grilled tomato.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Torres Vina Sol and two very large cointreaus, came to 52Euro before service.
Overall Opinion
A superb restaurant, which we most certainly will visit again when we return to Barcelona.
Paco Alcalde
Almirall Aixada 12
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 221 50 26
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I went to Barcelona last week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Paco Alcalde, a charming fish restaurant (famed for its fresh seafood) situated near the seafront in the old fishing port.
Ambience
Paco Alcalde was established in 1921, and is still owned and run by the founding family.
It was located just off the seafront in one of the narrow streets of the old fishing village of Barcelona. In case you are worried about walking past it by mistake, don't be! Standing outside, day and night, is one on the staff who greeted us warmly when we arrived and ensured that we had a nice table.
The restaurant is bright, cheerful and charming; it is decorated with cool tiled walls, and numerous ornaments related to fishing and the sea.
It is famed for its seafood, which is selected and prepared fresh every day.
The restaurant has a smoking and non smoking section, as well as a private function room for larger parties.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of freshly caught local seafood, as well as steak and chicken.
Service
The service was very friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and the staff spoke English to varying degrees. They also offered to help us with our three or four words of Spanish.
We were made to feel very welcome. Indeed when it came time for the cointreaus, at the end of meal, we were poured two rather magnificent measures (enough to swim a goldfish in!).
When we left we were offered warm and hearty handshakes by the staff and a friendly adios!.
Food
I have to confess that I am not that fond of fish, so I stuck to the meat dishes; and started with a cannelloni.
This was rather good, unlike the Italian version it contained no tomatoes but instead was very meaty and was smothered in an unctuous bechamel sauce. I was more than happy with this as a starter.
Eva decided to save herself for her main course which was a paella. This was a simple (by British Spanish restaurant standards) dish, containing langoustines, clams and squid served in a bed of rice which had been cooked in a dark fish stock (squid I would say). Note were you order this dish in the UK, it would be stuffed with all manner of seafood, peas and peppers.
That being said, less is more; the dish was well balanced and not overpowering, and the fish were very fresh. Eva was happy with the "simple" version.
I had an entrecote steak for my main course. This was a good thick cut of meat, rich, thick and with just the right amount of fat to add flavour. The steak was cooked just right, and was very tender. It was served with french fries and a grilled tomato.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Torres Vina Sol and two very large cointreaus, came to 52Euro before service.
Overall Opinion
A superb restaurant, which we most certainly will visit again when we return to Barcelona.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Smoking U Turn
Smoking U Turn
Smoking is set to be completely banned throughout pubs and restaurants in England, after cabinet ministers decided to ask for a U-turn on plans for a partial ban.
The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has caved in and let it be known that he will not block Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt's calls to overturn the current plans; under which smoking would be banned only in places where food is served.
Those of you who enjoy smoking after a meal, may have just a short time left to enjoy the last gasps of nicotine in public.
Smoking is set to be completely banned throughout pubs and restaurants in England, after cabinet ministers decided to ask for a U-turn on plans for a partial ban.
The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has caved in and let it be known that he will not block Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt's calls to overturn the current plans; under which smoking would be banned only in places where food is served.
Those of you who enjoy smoking after a meal, may have just a short time left to enjoy the last gasps of nicotine in public.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Northern Ireland May Ban Smoking In Restaurants
Northern Ireland May Ban Smoking In Restaurants
Northern Ireland may ban smoking in workplaces including bars and restaurants.
The Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety will decide, after the summer, whether to prohibit smoking in all enclosed workplaces or to implement a partial ban that would allow smoking in some bars.
Northern Ireland may ban smoking in workplaces including bars and restaurants.
The Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety will decide, after the summer, whether to prohibit smoking in all enclosed workplaces or to implement a partial ban that would allow smoking in some bars.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Anti Smoking Campaign Gathers Pace
Anti Smoking Campaign Gathers Pace
As the anti smoking lobby continues to push their views on the rest of society, Denmark is now edging towards emulating Sweden's ban on smoking.
It is reported that bars, cafes and restaurants in Denmark must now post signs at their doors indicating whether they allow smoking or not, under a new law that went into force on Wednesday.
Establishments must also indicate if they offer special smoking sections.
The Danes are still divided over whether to introduce a total ban on smoking in public places and the workplace.
As the anti smoking lobby continues to push their views on the rest of society, Denmark is now edging towards emulating Sweden's ban on smoking.
It is reported that bars, cafes and restaurants in Denmark must now post signs at their doors indicating whether they allow smoking or not, under a new law that went into force on Wednesday.
Establishments must also indicate if they offer special smoking sections.
The Danes are still divided over whether to introduce a total ban on smoking in public places and the workplace.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Sweden Bans Smoking In Restaurants
Sweden Bans Smoking In Restaurants
Much to the annoyance of my partner Eva, who is Swedish, Sweden will introduce a ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants midnight tonight.
A recent poll showed that 85% favour an end to smoking in restaurants, and 77% support a ban in bars and clubs.
As of June 1 Swedish diners will have to go outside to have a smoke, which will be very unpleasant in winter when temperatures drop to -20 degrees.
Establishments will only be allowed to permit smoking indoors if they build a separate, closed-off section with specially-designed ventilation. However, no food or drinks can be consumed in the special area.
This is expected to boost sales of snus. This is Sweden's centuries-old tradition of placing a form of moist snuff placed under the lip. It is used by more than a million Swedes.
Snus comes individually packaged in portion sizes, wrapped in a thin layer of paper which is placed under the lip and sucked on for several hours. A pack of 20 packets is sold in a round, plastic pillbox.
The only problem being, that the EU banned the sale of snus in 1992; citing research that said it causes cancer, but granted an exception to Sweden when it joined the bloc in 1995.
Some Swedish bars and restaurants plan to place "snus-trays", instead of ashtrays, in their establishments.
Much to the annoyance of my partner Eva, who is Swedish, Sweden will introduce a ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants midnight tonight.
A recent poll showed that 85% favour an end to smoking in restaurants, and 77% support a ban in bars and clubs.
As of June 1 Swedish diners will have to go outside to have a smoke, which will be very unpleasant in winter when temperatures drop to -20 degrees.
Establishments will only be allowed to permit smoking indoors if they build a separate, closed-off section with specially-designed ventilation. However, no food or drinks can be consumed in the special area.
This is expected to boost sales of snus. This is Sweden's centuries-old tradition of placing a form of moist snuff placed under the lip. It is used by more than a million Swedes.
Snus comes individually packaged in portion sizes, wrapped in a thin layer of paper which is placed under the lip and sucked on for several hours. A pack of 20 packets is sold in a round, plastic pillbox.
The only problem being, that the EU banned the sale of snus in 1992; citing research that said it causes cancer, but granted an exception to Sweden when it joined the bloc in 1995.
Some Swedish bars and restaurants plan to place "snus-trays", instead of ashtrays, in their establishments.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Swedes Favour Smoke Ban
Swedes Favour Smoke Ban
The majority of Swedes favour the country-wide ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants, which is scheduled to take effect next month, according to a poll.
It is reported that 85% of Swedes said they favoured a total ban on smoking in restaurants, and 95% said that they expected to go out to eat as often or more often once the ban goes into effect.
67% of smokers questioned said they agreed with the ban.
The majority of Swedes favour the country-wide ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants, which is scheduled to take effect next month, according to a poll.
It is reported that 85% of Swedes said they favoured a total ban on smoking in restaurants, and 95% said that they expected to go out to eat as often or more often once the ban goes into effect.
67% of smokers questioned said they agreed with the ban.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Hong Kong Bans Smoking
Hong Kong Bans Smoking
The Hong Kong government has published a bill extending anti-smoking laws to nearly all public indoor areas including restaurants, bars and workplaces.
The bill will also ban smoking in schools, karaoke bars, mahjong parlours, commercial bath-houses and nursing homes.
Anyone breaking the new law, will be liable to a $600 fine.
The Hong Kong government has published a bill extending anti-smoking laws to nearly all public indoor areas including restaurants, bars and workplaces.
The bill will also ban smoking in schools, karaoke bars, mahjong parlours, commercial bath-houses and nursing homes.
Anyone breaking the new law, will be liable to a $600 fine.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Smoking Banned In Houston
Smoking Banned In Houston
Houston on Wednesday joined a growing list of cities to ban smoking in restaurants.
The City Council rejected a ban on all public smoking, but voted 9-4 to prohibit lighting up in restaurants. The measure still permits smoking in some restaurant-bars.
Seven states in the USA and several individual cities prohibit smoking in most indoor public places, though the effects of the bans are still being debated.
Houston on Wednesday joined a growing list of cities to ban smoking in restaurants.
The City Council rejected a ban on all public smoking, but voted 9-4 to prohibit lighting up in restaurants. The measure still permits smoking in some restaurant-bars.
Seven states in the USA and several individual cities prohibit smoking in most indoor public places, though the effects of the bans are still being debated.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
No Smoke Without Fire
No Smoke Without Fire
Smokers may wish to avoid travelling to Houston for a meal. It is reported that a new, expanded version of the city's proposed smoking ban could affect Houston businesses other than restaurants.
The proposed ban, if passed, would mean smokers could no longer smoke inside the dining area of a restaurant. Currently they are allowed to smoke in designated smoking areas.
The ban could also target bowling alleys, enclosed bus stops and other businesses. Taxi drivers would have the option of making their cabs smoke-free or not.
It seems that this ban could lose Houston a lot of convention centre business.
Reportedly officials with Alcoholics Anonymous, the National Retailer Federation, the National Convenience Store Operators and the National Tobacco Retailers Association have threatened to pull their conventions out of Houston.
Smokers may wish to avoid travelling to Houston for a meal. It is reported that a new, expanded version of the city's proposed smoking ban could affect Houston businesses other than restaurants.
The proposed ban, if passed, would mean smokers could no longer smoke inside the dining area of a restaurant. Currently they are allowed to smoke in designated smoking areas.
The ban could also target bowling alleys, enclosed bus stops and other businesses. Taxi drivers would have the option of making their cabs smoke-free or not.
It seems that this ban could lose Houston a lot of convention centre business.
Reportedly officials with Alcoholics Anonymous, the National Retailer Federation, the National Convenience Store Operators and the National Tobacco Retailers Association have threatened to pull their conventions out of Houston.
Sunday, July 13, 2003
Restaurant
The Old Bell
High Street
Old Oxted
Surrey
Phone:- 01883 712181
Website www.theoldbell-oxted.co.uk
Overview
It was a sunny, hot Saturday; and so Eva and I decided to take a trip out of town to Old Oxted, a village, only 20 minutes train ride away from Croydon.
I haven’t been to Oxted since my childhood, so we took pot luck with regard to our dining needs. Having visited a couple of hostelries, we were delighted to stumble across The Old Bell; a 15th century pub that serves traditional and modern English cuisine.
Ambience
The pub is a traditional timber framed building dating back to the 15th century. Low ceilings with timber beams and columns are decorated with the usual knickknacks (hops, horse brasses, photos etc) accumulated over the centuries of use.
The restaurant and bar meld into one, so you can combine a trip to the pub with a meal (every Englishman’s dream!).
The menus are on chalkboards dotted around the walls.
There is a smoking and non smoking area, plus a garden. We were offered a choice of tables, and took one by the window.
The chairs were old fashioned highback “cottage” style, and were exceptionally comfortable.
Menu
The menu offers a staggering array of dishes including; pate, smoked salmon parcels, baked goat’s cheese, pies, fish, spinach and Roquefort tart, steaks, ham and eggs and vegetarian dishes.
I would venture one small suggestion; whilst the use of chalkboards is fine for specials, we found it to be a little inconvenient placing the entire menu on it. I would suggest that the “standard dishes” are detailed on menus (even if only photocopies) placed on the tables.
Service
We were promptly and warmly greeted by one of the staff when we arrived, and were shown to a table. Once seated, the ordering system was explained to us.
You choose from the menus on the walls, then place your order at the bar; quoting the number attached to the candle stick on your table.
After that the service is as in any other restaurant; ie further orders for drinks, wine, desserts etc can be placed with a member of staff. All of whom we found to be cheerful and efficient.
Food
I chose the warm chicken liver and bacon salad as a starter. This was very good, there was a generous portion of both liver and bacon tossed with a green salad and croutons. The liver was not overcooked, and was complemented by the bacon.
I chose the mixed grill for my main course, with a couple of fried eggs as an extra. The grill included; a lamb’s kidney, calves liver, a double lamb loin chop, a good sized portion of steak, a sausage and a slice of gammon. This was served with home-made chips.
The grill was professionally cooked, not burnt or dry. The meat was of good quality, although parts of the steak were a little chewy. A hearty meal for a hearty appetite!
Eva started with the smoked salmon parcel stuffed with crab. This was served with cherry tomatoes and beetroot. It was a good sized portion, the chef had not stinted on the crab stuffing. The combination of flavours was first class, and made an ideal starter.
Eva chose breaded pork with apple squares in a sage sauce for her main course. The combination of flavours was mouth-watering. The sauce was very “sagey” and was complemented by the flavour, and texture, of the cooked apple cubes; which in turn enhanced the flavour of the lean, tender pieces of pork in breadcrumbs. The pork had been cooked to a golden brown colour.
The dish came with new potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots and courgettes; all cooked to perfection.
The bill, which included; a bottle of Chablis, two Irish coffees and brandy, came to £60 before service.
Overall Opinion
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, and feel that it was exceptionally good value. Well worth a trip to Old Oxted. I recommend that you do the same.
The Old Bell
High Street
Old Oxted
Surrey
Phone:- 01883 712181
Website www.theoldbell-oxted.co.uk
Overview
It was a sunny, hot Saturday; and so Eva and I decided to take a trip out of town to Old Oxted, a village, only 20 minutes train ride away from Croydon.
I haven’t been to Oxted since my childhood, so we took pot luck with regard to our dining needs. Having visited a couple of hostelries, we were delighted to stumble across The Old Bell; a 15th century pub that serves traditional and modern English cuisine.
Ambience
The pub is a traditional timber framed building dating back to the 15th century. Low ceilings with timber beams and columns are decorated with the usual knickknacks (hops, horse brasses, photos etc) accumulated over the centuries of use.
The restaurant and bar meld into one, so you can combine a trip to the pub with a meal (every Englishman’s dream!).
The menus are on chalkboards dotted around the walls.
There is a smoking and non smoking area, plus a garden. We were offered a choice of tables, and took one by the window.
The chairs were old fashioned highback “cottage” style, and were exceptionally comfortable.
Menu
The menu offers a staggering array of dishes including; pate, smoked salmon parcels, baked goat’s cheese, pies, fish, spinach and Roquefort tart, steaks, ham and eggs and vegetarian dishes.
I would venture one small suggestion; whilst the use of chalkboards is fine for specials, we found it to be a little inconvenient placing the entire menu on it. I would suggest that the “standard dishes” are detailed on menus (even if only photocopies) placed on the tables.
Service
We were promptly and warmly greeted by one of the staff when we arrived, and were shown to a table. Once seated, the ordering system was explained to us.
You choose from the menus on the walls, then place your order at the bar; quoting the number attached to the candle stick on your table.
After that the service is as in any other restaurant; ie further orders for drinks, wine, desserts etc can be placed with a member of staff. All of whom we found to be cheerful and efficient.
Food
I chose the warm chicken liver and bacon salad as a starter. This was very good, there was a generous portion of both liver and bacon tossed with a green salad and croutons. The liver was not overcooked, and was complemented by the bacon.
I chose the mixed grill for my main course, with a couple of fried eggs as an extra. The grill included; a lamb’s kidney, calves liver, a double lamb loin chop, a good sized portion of steak, a sausage and a slice of gammon. This was served with home-made chips.
The grill was professionally cooked, not burnt or dry. The meat was of good quality, although parts of the steak were a little chewy. A hearty meal for a hearty appetite!
Eva started with the smoked salmon parcel stuffed with crab. This was served with cherry tomatoes and beetroot. It was a good sized portion, the chef had not stinted on the crab stuffing. The combination of flavours was first class, and made an ideal starter.
Eva chose breaded pork with apple squares in a sage sauce for her main course. The combination of flavours was mouth-watering. The sauce was very “sagey” and was complemented by the flavour, and texture, of the cooked apple cubes; which in turn enhanced the flavour of the lean, tender pieces of pork in breadcrumbs. The pork had been cooked to a golden brown colour.
The dish came with new potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots and courgettes; all cooked to perfection.
The bill, which included; a bottle of Chablis, two Irish coffees and brandy, came to £60 before service.
Overall Opinion
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, and feel that it was exceptionally good value. Well worth a trip to Old Oxted. I recommend that you do the same.
Friday, July 11, 2003
Restaurant
Donatello
1 Brighton Place
The Lanes
Brighton
Phone:- 01273 775477
Website www.donatello.co.uk
Overview
Eva and I spent a couple of days in Brighton; and, feeling in the mood for Italian, dropped into Donatello one evening.
Ambience
Donatello is a large restaurant and offers; a smoking area, a non smoking area, a large bar, upstairs function rooms and outside seating for those that feel brave enough to face the uncertainty of the British weather.
The restaurant is bright and cheerful; some of the walls are painted red, others green and at the far end of the smoking area you can admire your reflection in the wall sized mirror. The stairway up to the function rooms is adorned with photos of celebrities, including Tony Blair, who have dined in the restaurant.
Menu
The menu offers a good range of Italian dishes including a variety of; pasta, pizzas, fish, steaks and veal.
Service
The service is very attentive, friendly and efficient. Although the restaurant is large, and was busy when we were there, there was a large enough complement of staff on duty to ensure that that customers’ needs were efficiently attended to.
Food
I started with the lasagne, which was rich and creamy. The sauce was a well balanced blend of tomatoes and cheese, which did not overpower the meat and spinach filled pasta.
I chose steak, in a green pepper sauce, for my main course. This was first class. The sirloin was cooked rare, as requested, and was exceptionally succulent and tender. The piquant sauce complemented the meat, and did not overpower it. The dish was served with a good sized portion of fries, carrots and courgettes. I was very happy with my choice.
Eva opted for pizza, and chose one with a topping that included; Chorizo, artichokes, prawns and peppers. It had been freshly prepared, and the dough had a light not “claggy” texture. She enjoyed it, but felt that it would have benefited from a more generous tomato and cheese base.
The total bill, which included; pre dinner drinks a bottle of Pinot Grigio, brandy and Irish coffee, came to £61 including service.
Overall Opinion
We enjoyed our meal, and will be pleased to visit again when we have the opportunity.
Donatello
1 Brighton Place
The Lanes
Brighton
Phone:- 01273 775477
Website www.donatello.co.uk
Overview
Eva and I spent a couple of days in Brighton; and, feeling in the mood for Italian, dropped into Donatello one evening.
Ambience
Donatello is a large restaurant and offers; a smoking area, a non smoking area, a large bar, upstairs function rooms and outside seating for those that feel brave enough to face the uncertainty of the British weather.
The restaurant is bright and cheerful; some of the walls are painted red, others green and at the far end of the smoking area you can admire your reflection in the wall sized mirror. The stairway up to the function rooms is adorned with photos of celebrities, including Tony Blair, who have dined in the restaurant.
Menu
The menu offers a good range of Italian dishes including a variety of; pasta, pizzas, fish, steaks and veal.
Service
The service is very attentive, friendly and efficient. Although the restaurant is large, and was busy when we were there, there was a large enough complement of staff on duty to ensure that that customers’ needs were efficiently attended to.
Food
I started with the lasagne, which was rich and creamy. The sauce was a well balanced blend of tomatoes and cheese, which did not overpower the meat and spinach filled pasta.
I chose steak, in a green pepper sauce, for my main course. This was first class. The sirloin was cooked rare, as requested, and was exceptionally succulent and tender. The piquant sauce complemented the meat, and did not overpower it. The dish was served with a good sized portion of fries, carrots and courgettes. I was very happy with my choice.
Eva opted for pizza, and chose one with a topping that included; Chorizo, artichokes, prawns and peppers. It had been freshly prepared, and the dough had a light not “claggy” texture. She enjoyed it, but felt that it would have benefited from a more generous tomato and cheese base.
The total bill, which included; pre dinner drinks a bottle of Pinot Grigio, brandy and Irish coffee, came to £61 including service.
Overall Opinion
We enjoyed our meal, and will be pleased to visit again when we have the opportunity.
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