I stopped for coffee at the little shop just this side of Botha & Barnard on the N2 where they used to do Collectables. It has reopened as Mac Butners Food on the Move doing pies, quiche and for something a little different Dutch croquettes. The coffee was good and I will be back for those croquettes.
From it’s inception Ginger has been committed to offering a fine dining experience. And it has earned a well deserved reputation as one of the best restaurants in the Eastern Cape.
With secure parking and views of the beach they offer a fusion between elegant chic and contemporary fine fare.
Diners can sip their drinks on the deck while relaxing to the sounds and sight of the sea, before either moving inside for their meal, or being served in situ. Indoors, the lower dining area, with its stunning parquet floor, surrounds a central bar, while the upper, carpeted area is adjacent to the open plan kitchen. But wherever one chooses to sit, the views are beautiful, the service is top-rate and the food is a taste bud experience.
Tim Walker is the Head Chef and Jacques Van Rooyen their Sous Chef. Both are extremely talented with extensive experience. The energetic duo share an incredible chemistry in the kitchen by feeding off each other creatively, followed by an infectious sense of humour.
We travelled up to London by train and after we got everything sorted out at the Embassy we went looking for a late breakfast.
Despite reservations, I have learnt not to argue when she is hungry. So I allowed myself to be steered towards a table in what at first appeared to be a traditional English tea shop festooned with garlands of roses.
Yes, it was a tea shop.
Yes, they serve cream teas and offer an exciting array of home baked cakes and pastries. But I needn’t have worried. Because breakfast all but forgotten, what caught my eye was a lentil soup. Slightly spiced and served with a cheesy pastry twist and crunchy bits you toss into the soup.
Although I did also order a croissant with scrambled egg and haloumi. Just as a reminder of why we were there.
Inadvertently we had found our way to Fait Maisson. A French inspired, Palestinian owned, traditional English tea room serving Middle Eastern food from a menu that also offers both traditional English and Middle Eastern breakfast options and possibly the best Maqluba to be found in London.
An interesting experience and the best lentil soup ever
[Edit] 11/2/24 Closed. The search continues.
The best places are often the most difficult to find
And Terri’s Cafe in Havant is not easy to find. Tucked away in the Truck Stop in the Langstone Technology Park it is packed full of character.
Offering a menu that is loaded with homemade options. A typically traditional English cafe. Stop for a quick coffee, cup of tea or a Truckers breakfast. There is coffee, walnut cake, jacket potatoes smothered in chilli and homemade Shepherds pie. A lorry park cafe that probably ranks as one of the best restaurants in Havant.
And if not, it is the best that I have found locally as well as a lot further afield.
For a traditional English breakfast try the Riviera Cafe in Selsey.
Eggs are always fresh, nice big plate, great service.
Reminds me a bit of a throwback to a 60’s Diner. But that might just be because I always had a good meal at this restaurant
Mutton or lamb rogan josh originated in the Kashmir region of India where it is made with whole spices. The lamb, mutton or goat meat is stewed for a couple of hours with the spices including cockscomb which gives the curry its trademark red colour.
Traditional English breakfast cafes are few and far between these days as the debate about what is and what is not an English Breakfast drags on and on.
But one thing is indisputable. Despite all the nostalgia associated with the local greasey spoon and an early morning Builders breakfast, we have seen what was at one time, morph into something quite different. The Sandwich Shop.
That ubitquous quick bite alternative is everywhere.
From the handmade gourmet variety on the brunch menu, to the pre-prepared, pre-packed and sanitised takeway so loved by those without a thought in the world.
Only serving to make that question with an elusive answer, that much more reledvant. I lay the blame squarely at the door of those, whose menus are as predictable as they are dull. An English breakfast was never meant to be a take it or leave choice. It was always more about the opportunity to celebrate the first meal of the day rather than a do and die recipe for those too boring to do anything else.
Emily Moon offers guests a stunning setting with beautiful collectors pieces in every nook and cranny.
There is an eclectic menu for candlelit dinners and Sunday lunches around the pool area. Their barman is a dab hand at cocktails in the evening whilst watching a magnificent sunset! The deck tables virtually hang over the river and have a spectacular view of the wetlands, river and far distant mountains.
A large log fire for the winter months is a popular spot for that after dinner Irish or just a cosy little chat.
The best hamburgers in Arundel can be found in the High St
The Burger Shop at 14-16 High St offer tasty delicious burgers with a Gin Menu and great variety of Craft Beers and Ales.
The staff are friendly, attentive and it is a great place to unwind with kids.
Saints Bistro & Inn
Not only can we feed you better than an Italian family, but we can look after you better than your own. Jokes aside, we have rooms available, and they are as good as our food.