Giggling Squid - Brighton — Restaurant in Great Britain

Went to the Brighton Giggling Squid for the first time, in a group of five on a Wednesday evening (booked a week in advance). It looks like a converted house. Two steep steps up to the entrance door, then sharp right to first dining area or straight ahead up and flights of stairs to other dining areas here and there. Toilets are right at the top of the building, in what looks like a loft conversion (low ceilings at 45 degrees). We had an upstairs table in a small side room containing tables for four, four, two and six (us). Wait staff were frequently to be seen and although it was busy (BOOK!) there was little hanging around. We ordered starters and mains in one go as we were very hungry, and eight drinks. Cocktails served quickly, all good. Food was presented in lidded fry pans and stoneware bowls, which you ate from with knived and forks. Everything was nice, one starter, one main and a rice or noodle dish was about about right size for one hungry adult. They add a 10% service charge to the bill without asking, but waiter said that is shared equally between the staff so I left it at that and no tip on top, £184.03 total. NB. Evening parking at The Lanes is just £5 from 6pm to midnight and we used it. It is an excellent facility just found the corner from...

I am a wheelchair user sadly this restaurant is not wheelchair friendly. Located in the laines of Brighton it's difficult to reach thankfully my carer is a muscle clad hunk. There are numerous steps into venue itself and didn't even find out if they had an accessible toilet. My carer/husband spoke to the host and we asked to sit outside as weather was pleasant and the steps being impossible. Once seated our waitress Dani gave us the best customer service I have experienced all year, this girl is a true asset to your business and I think others could learn from her example. For 1 she didn't even notice the wheelchair she didn't patronise me or talk to my companion instead of me. The drinks where quick to arrive as where the starters. We had the salt and pepper mushrooms and crispy squid bits. Both where decent portions and bursting with flavour. Our mains arrived within good time one prawn pad thai and a prawn massama and a coconut rice. The food was hot filling and really tasty. We couldn't possibly fit anymore in, but Dani surprised us with a dessert and a message for our 17 year anniversary which blew me away really touching and cute. We had a lovely chat thank you so so much for your hospitality and excellent people skills. Definitely recommend Definitely...

Well..

Where to start?

When my friends and I arrived, the host snapped that we needed masks to enter (this is fine due to COVID) but neglected to mention that the restaurant had masks for guests already and I wasn't sure why she snapped at us.

2nd mistake) The food wasn't to our liking, for example I ordered duck spring rolls and I was literally playing 'where is the duck?

3rd mistake) My friend ordered the beef penang curry with Jasmine rice. The beef was dry and obviously quickly defrosted, the rice was not Jasmine but basmati and my vegetable penang curry was very watery.

4th mistake) As it was quite apparent to our server that we didn't enjoy the food, he then mentioned this to our host (this is completely understandable) who decided to gossip/mutter about us where we could clearly hear every single word (this is not understandable).

5th mistake) The host then marched (I kid you not!) to our table, my friend then mentioned to the host that we had heard her and it would be better for future reference to criticise guests once they have left the restaurant not while they are still dining.

Needless to say, I and my friends will not be back but...