Nickb's Qype profile

I can recall drving past the Cowdray over the years many times, but until this week have never set foot in the place. It used to look like a large country pub with various extensions and additions but no real plan as it sprawled to accomodate more visitors.
However, a refurbishment early 2008 has made a world of difference and it has been really well finished throughout, and the chef and management seem to have worked hard to provide an excellent menu to compliment the fit and finish all about and it makes for a very welcoming place.
We (a party of 6) went on a rainy Monday night and it was fairly busy even then - the service was non-invasory but prompt and efficient and the food, well, that was fantastic!
They featured a good amount of seafood, though not at the expense of other options, and I can certainly vouch for the scallop starter and haddock main course.
Everyone in our party commented on the quality and taste of their selection but one word of warning - the desserts are sublime - make sure you leave room for one of these culinary delights, too!

They even serve proper ale too, so there really isnt any shortcoming with the Cowdray - put it on your list for a meal anytime.

Bloomin brilliant! My first experience at the Half Moon was this week, though I had heard great things about it already - I was not disappointed.
An old, characterful pub that has carefully and sympathetically restored to its current condition by the current owners who have put even more effort into creating an inviting and delicious menu that blows the socks off any other pub (and indeed many high-class restaurants, too!). This place will restore your faith in fantastic, inventive and delicious, home-cooked food. The menu exceeds all expectations in terms of variety, taste and value.

They have a refreshing an unusual approach to booking and reservations, too - they dont do it! So, you can always roll up and be sure there will be a table at some point - mind you, the way they are increasing their popularity, you might spend a while at the bar and sample the great real ales or work your way along the optics..!

We went at night, though there is a great garden too, so will be back for more very soon.

Dont listen to me though - go there, meet Jamie and experience the food, service and ambience for yourself.

Note that (as at Feb08) their phone number has changed - you'll need to redial 08719 181821

We've always been staunch supporters and buyers of the Pizza Express brand - we've known that we will get pretty much the same good level of service and quality of food, no matter what town.
It was therefore disappointing to find that Pizza Express in Horsham recently seems to have gone downhill somewhat, and oddly, that they should lower their game just when new competition opened up a few doors down the road!
I hadn't been to Strada before November 07; I had heard good things in general, but nothing prepared me for just how good the experience was!
It was one of those spur of the moment decisions that could have gone horribly wrong; I was looking after our 2 boys for the day and we'd just all been swimming so we were perilously close to them running on completely empty - we needed to fill them up again, FAST!
We dropped into Strada on a Sunday lunchtime, with a pushchair, toddler and my other son and were recieved politely and helped to a table with plenty of space - highchair arrived promptly and the pushchair was moved for us to a storage area out of the way. Orders were taken without fuss or pushiness, nor did the waitress need nudging to take the order. Good so far, I thought. They are obviously used to dealing with sproglets, as the pizzas arrived very promptly; and what pizzas!! Pizza Express' were good I had thought, but these are absolutely delicious - huge, well-stocked pizzas, yet not stodgy or over-filling, great fresh ingredients, fresh rocket garnish etc, "very very yummy" (to quote my 4 year old).
The care and attention from the staff was noticeable not for their fussing, but just for details - they were always SMILING (why is that so uncommon?!), courteous and helpful. My toddler accidentally dropped cutlery at least 4 times, each time it had barely hit the floor before being collected, floor wiped and a clean one provided..
Then the bill arrived and it was another pleasant surprise - less than i had expected - very good value and they even put the spare pizza slice in a takeout box for me. Go there, you wont be disappointed!!