Tern in Worthing

We live in Chichester and Worthing is just out of our normal dining sphere so we were delighted to try Tern when they guested at Littlehampton. We were so very sorry to hear that the pier had problems and that they were out on their ear with no notice - dreadful - if people don't support these local restaurants then don't grumble when they go under. Anyway - Tern in Littlehampton was a fabulous experience and a real joy. We went with neighbours and tried the wine flight - some unusual ones in there - great to see that British wines dominated. The dishes were picture perfect with some quirky flavour pairings that we'd never have thought of. That's the fun and the joy of trying new things. Do go and support them - excellent customer service from Radu and the kitchen was on top form.

We visited Tern at their pop up at East Beach Cafe, while their own restaurant at the end of Worthing pier was closed for pier repairs. First of all, East Beach cafe (locally known as The Turd) is an extraordinary venue inside and out. Full of atmosphere. We had been looking forward to our Tern meal and had the 8 course menu. Elements of our meal were very good. Razor clam canapés were exceptional as were the fish dishes we had and the fillet steak. Others with odd flavour combinations - cauliflower & marzipan - or just not terribly memorable. Service felt too familiar and inattentive at the same time. A gentleman brought us our bill to pay and it was the first time we had seen him at our table, although he had been serving other tables their wine all evening. He didn’t even ask if we had enjoyed our meal. It was all OK or good, but not amazing. On the plus side, we loved the use of in season produce on the menu. That’s great. It would just have been nice to know where the lovely meat, fish, etc had come from, if local. Wishing them all the very best back at their permanent home at the end of the pier.

We booked a table here to celebrate our 10th anniversary and are so glad we did! At the booking stage, I asked if it would be possible to cater for our dietary requirements (I’m gluten free and my partner can’t eat fish/seafood) which I thought would be a nuisance but they were very accommodating; when we arrived, we confirmed which person had which requirement and the team then didn’t need to ask us again throughout the night - I assume they made a note, very professional. We sat at the Chef’s Table so we could see the kitchen in full operation which we really enjoyed; we chatted with the sous/pastry chef which made for a more relaxed atmosphere than other restaurants we’ve visited in the past. As I’m not a fan of wine, we decided to try all of the cocktails instead of adding the wine pairing which was fun - each cocktail has a unique flavour and interesting ingredients, my personal favourite was Anyone For Tennis which was made from strawberries, smoked vanilla and vodka whilst my partner’s was Salt & Smoke which was made with bacon, whiskey, angostura and smoked maple. If you’re feeling nostalgic, the Blackjack cocktail is a must try (it even comes with a sweet on the side of the glass). In terms of food, we did the 7 course tasting menu and added in the cheese course. Each course brought something different and it’s hard to pinpoint a favourite, they were also so pretty! The GF breads were the best I’ve eaten (if the chef reads this, I’d love the recipe!). A tasting menu is a great way to try new things and I had never had monkfish before so when this was served with yellow and purple corn, I was pleasantly surprised, it was delicious! Throughout the evening we interacted with almost every member of the team; everyone was both personable and professional (we have no idea how they remember all the details in the food, especially when having to serve two different dishes due to dietary restrictions). All in all, it was a fabulous evening and we will definitely be returning customers 😁

I went to the Tern on Saturday night. It was a present to my husband for his birthday. We had the most wonderful evening. We arrived to the most beautiful sunset. The staff were very attentive. They explained everything we are. We weren't sure what wine to have. They were happy to let us sample some. The food was delicious. We had the five course tasting menu. You can see the chefs cooking in the open kitchen. Will definitely go back

So lucky to have this fabulous restaurant at the end of are pier. Johnny & his staff are the best and the food & wine is superb.

Very disappointed , this was a gift from a friend for my husband and i. The sandwiches, well bread was dry, filling dull no taste. The display was awful, not appetizing at all. The cakes were a mis match of samples, Victoria sponge cake dry. No organisation even though I had booked. Would not recommend at all sadly.

Boutique hotel in the heart of Eastbourne lovely tea

I had the coronet afternoon tea with my daughter and we had a pleasant time in the lounge area outside the bar. We chose to eat here although a table was laid in the bar area. The service was swift and friendly. The food was reasonable and plentiful.

Poor from the minute it started. After asking for a window table when I booked in advance, our table was in front of a huge pillar, with no view except a wall in need of paint. Our table had only one chair so we had to wait whilst it was sorted. Tea cups had chips and cracks and the tongs in the sugar bowl we're dirty. The tea tray came out and there was no care in presentation. The salmon sandwiches had nice salmon but it seemed as though they were prepared too far in advance. Scones were poor, and we sent tea cakes back as they were burnt and hard. All in all this was only made bearable by purchasing a very nice bottle of bubbly! Such a shame as it was a gift for my friend's 40th birthday but definitely one to forget.

Once arrived, told we had no booking for staff to say to colleague "these people think they have booked". Afternoon tea for 1 brought out but rectified. Stale bread for the sandwiches (possibly left overs). Told to use the gents for a baby change (no facilities). No recollection of our order for us to settle our bill after a long wait! All in all a huge Dissapointed for our anniversary!!