Christmas lunch with the family is normally a compromise after much debate of what to eat in the first place. My family and I have very different ideas on what is good food. The main battle I was expecting was having loaded up on Pork, Gammon, Chicken and what seemed to be an endless supply of chocolate! was to say lets go to lunch!
Having been told about the Farm at Friday Street they have been on my “to visit” list for a while. Meeting up with Paul at a tweetup in November reminded me to visit before the year was up. A table was booked and the family warned we were going out to lunch on the 29th of December!
The weather was not great but on entering the restaurant a warm, homely atmosphere welcomed us.
We made out way round looking for somewhere we wanted to sit. Not long after sitting down a member of the very friendly team came over and asked if we were the Ruddle party. A table had be reserved in the "Stables" area. The decor is really lovely and the Christmas decorations were not over the top.
We were given menus and all the waiting staff patiently waiting as the family put our grey matter to work to figure out what would best suit our hunger.
Julie and I had the Prawn Cocktail while Aaron said he would rather a desert. I have to say Prawn Cocktail is one of my favourite dishes and the presentation was perfect. A whole prawn adorned the top with plentiful prawns and sauce underneath. Three large cuts of cucumber and a quarter tomato. All were fresh and tasty. My only criticism if any was a little more pepper than to my taste. I rarely add salt or pepper to meals so never make a fuss over this.
Main course was proving much harder such a range of dishes all making my mouth water. The final selection was Julie had the Harvey's Beer Batter Haddock and Chips, Aaron had The Farms Char Grilled Steak Burger and I had the Sussex Pie. It was all cooked perfectly with rich full flavour. It was also music to my ears when Aaron said NEVER again would he want a MacDonald’s!
The staff looked in on us to check everything was to our satisfaction and not once asked me a question when my mouth was full. Perfect timing!
The pudding menu made me wish I had room for more but the portions are so generous three courses is not a necessity if you’re not super hungry. Aaron enjoyed the Belgian Chocolate ice-cream (I pinched a little) which was pure heaven.
All in all I would not hesitate to book a table for family or even a romantic evening for two. Julie's birthday wish is to return in April so all I can say is BOOK US A TABLE!
There website is www.farmfridaystreet.com when contacting them mention thebestof Eastbourne.