The Eagle (Thai food) — Restaurant in England

Very pleasantly surprised at the latest incarnation of this N Laine boozer - what could have been a tedious bland moderne makeover has been v sympathetically done, with a soothing dark colour scheme, warm low lighting in nice rattan fittings, soft upholstered seating in a mix of booths, benches and tables, and classic pub-appropriate prints throughout. Toilets immaculate. Keg beers are modern, predictable and at typical 21st century prices, but my Vocation was excellent and there was a cask option, which presumably is a bit less savagely priced. Service was pleasant, professional, good. The Thai food, though I can only speak for the dish I had (crispy pork), is absolutely banging. Mine came out in no time (but had been nowhere near a microwave), portion was bordering on huge, it was delicious, authentically hot (shrinking violets beware) and quite reasonably priced considering the locale and surroundings. Indie classics played at a good middling volume during my visit. There are very few pubs in Brighton that I really love, and this isn't one of them, but it's a very nice spot and would be a great place to meet with friends....

Went for a Sunday roast, my daughter was shocked it was it so was quiet, 4 tables 3 of which were already eating. The place looked unloved and a bit dirty, empty bottles on the floor, playing 70's disco CD on repeat. Stuff congregated at the bar eating. We had ordered two roasts a side and a glass of wine. Another table came in shortly after us and ordered after us. We sat there observing how the place needed some TLC listening to the same disco track more than once. 40 minutes in the table that came in after us was served their food. We asked where ours was and got a confused response, 'I have just started, are the till broken again?' We were asked what we ordered as there was some food there. Didn't fill us with confidence that it would be a fresh meal, so asked for a refund. Have them the card receipt, offered cash, asked for the refund on the card, 'I don't know how to do that', it was quiet a kerfuffle as not offered a full refund. Meanwhile food was brought down, mostly a nice shade of dark brown. Conclusion, refund for food only in cash not on card. Staff have no clue what they are doing, disengaged zombies in a...

It's been a while since I visited The Eagle, 5 years the barman reckoned since the bar has moved since I was last there. The food has changed too, definitely for the better. I enjoyed a pint of Blue Moon, and a really good craft can - a deceptively strong mocha stout - and figured something solid was in order so went for babaganoush, flat bread and olives. The aubergine was silky smooth with a flavour just on the right side of cremated, with a sprinkling of pomegranate and mint chiffonade to lift you from its smoky depths; the flat bread was a soft, tasty pillow, obviously fresh not the defrosted cardboard we're accustomed to. Even the olives, which looked pretty bog standard packed a real flavour punch, thanks to a marinade, heavy I'm guessing on confited garlic and, like the previous dish, perfectly seasoned.

This is exactly what pub grub should be - simple food done with care and attention. I shall definitely be back to check out some...