The Star of the East — Restaurant in London

I came here for a celebration and we had hired the small function room upstairs. Unfortunately the gents toilet outside this room was closed (the ladies were open) and no explanation offered as to why. Also, there was no bar upstairs or drinks service, so if you're there for the night you will have to go downstairs to order your drinks.

The staff were great! Friendly, professional and happy to have a bit of banter. They also remembered drinks orders and who was next for service at the bar. I asked for a spicy margarita and it was perfect. The dried fruits are dehydrated in house on the bar, which is pretty cool.

Food was very hit and miss though, which was a shame.

For starter I ordered the garlic prawns with focaccia. The dish was lukewarm and the bread that was served was (toasted) sourdough and not focaccia. It was tasty and not overpowering garlic, but not being hot and the wrong toasted bread was a bit disappointing.

For main I ordered the fish and chips. Both in the photo and in person, the fish looked overdone, borderline burnt, and I nearly sent it back. I'm glad I didn't though, as it was cooked to perfection! Hot, crispy, well seasoned batter and a moist, flaky hot fish middle. It was so good! I don't know if the tartare sauce is made in house, but it was amazing, the best I've ever had! My big problem here was the side - they were pathetic! The garden peas were less than a shot glass sized portion. I literally fit the entire portion in my mouth in one with room to spare. But the biggest kick in the teeth was the chips. Seven chips.... SEVEN! Don't get me wrong, they were crispy on the outside and hot and fluffy in the middle... but seven chips! That's a joke! Comparatively, my wife ordered the steak and chips and had a decent portion (double digits lol) On my dish, they came in a small fryer-style bowl and so a full portion wouldn't fit in. But I would much rather the chips sitting on the side of my plate and a full portion than a fancy server and a quarter of the amount. Fish and Chips should be a decent portion - these felt like an afterthought garnish than a side for a main.

As an additional side I ordered the onion rings. They were hot, crispy and well seasoned, but they were processed onions, which are not to my preference. I much prefer whole real rings of an onion rather than mashed, but that a mater of taste, I suppose.

For dessert I ordered the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. It was ok, but tasted gluten-free or vegan (it wasn't). Just tasted like something was missing. The ice cream was lovely. I had definite food envy as my wife ordered the salted caramel blondie, which was phenomenal, she won the dessert-off. I highly recommend the blondie.

So all in all, great service but so-so food. I would probably come back again, but would eat...

Rather disappointing visit to The Star on quiz night Tuesday.

Party of 7, prebooked..

Lack of dishes available from printed menu, please, if this is the case make it known beforehand. one diner got their third choice, other tables had the same dilemma. Unimpressed. Eventually ordered fish and chips for 4 of us, standard fayre right. No, every piece was overcooked, making the fish dry, chewy, and inedible. Wish I had taken pictures of how dark the crunchy batter was, very dissatisfied with this dish, which came with French fries?

Notified the waitress, the chef's excuse that it was Haddock and not Cod did not make sense, pardon me ?!

We were however offered free tea and coffee to compensate, ermm I'm still hungry !!!

I know some circumstances cannot be avoided, about a month ago I tried to have Sunday lunch here but they had no chef, should have been a red flag.

Tuesday night's visit though was inexcusable, Not sure how this place has changed so much. its almost like they cannot be bothered, standards have fallen and i will not be going back for some...

I love it here. I come quite often, on my own or with friends, and always for the Sunday Roast. I like the chicken the best, with the pork a close second. You get really good portions, with unlimited gravy and more roasties if requested. There are usually at least 4 different vegetables (carrots, parsnips and two types of cabbage, sometimes with added broccolini) plus some squash puree and watercress garnish. The chicken is moist and the skin crisp, the pork shoulder is soft, the roasties are amazing, the Yorkies are excellent, the vegetables are soft and lovely and the gravy is sooo tasty.

It's such a nice quirky space (but it's best not to be drunk if you need to access the toilet as the staircase is narrow and steep!) with an excellent beer garden in warm weather.

Service is fast and friendly, you never wait long for anything. The roasts are well-priced but I feel the soft drinks go up in price all the time and the cauliflower cheese is a little too small for what it costs. It's my only gripe though!

The photos are from...