Aqua Bar & Kitchen — Restaurant in Mid Sussex

Well, looking at all of the other previous reviews I can only assume that the food served in Aqua is very good. Unfortunately I didn't get to taste it! I had booked a table for 7 people for 8.30 on a Saturday evening. When we arrived, spot on time, the restaurant was very busy. The manager checked our reservation and told our that our table would be ready in 5 to 10 minutes and asked us to sit at a table by the bar. There were only 4 seats for the 7 of us, but that wasn't a problem. When I went to the bar to order a round of drinks the barman politely told me that is was table service only and that he wasn't able to serve me. Once again, not a problem. We then waited a good 10 minutes without any of the waiting staff coming to serve us, so I went and stood by the bar until one of them approched the bar. I explained that we were waiting to eat and told him where we were sitting and placed our order with him. We then waited for what seemed like an eternity, in reality problaby about 20 minutes with no sign of our order. So we had now been in the restaurant for at least half an hour, have made a reservation, for over half an hour with absolutely no service at all! When a familly at the next table told us that they had a arrived at 7.15 and that they were still waiting for their meals, (it's now gone 9pm!), we decided to leave. I told the manager why we were leaving. He was apologetic, saying that they were very busy, but that it was, "No problem", and that he would give us 50% off the next time that we came in....... No problem??!!! ....... His poor management had ruined our evening ..and we certainly won't be going back ...... there are two other good restaurants in East Grinstead serving similar dishes. I don't know whether this particular night was a one off and that unforeseen circumstances had occurred which caused problems, (such as the chef being ill or something). If that was the case then it was not explained to us. What is the point in making a reservation? If you know that you are going to be full then don't take the reservation. If unforeseen circumstances crop up which you know are going to cause problems then phone the customer, (they took my number when I placed the booking. Obviously to phone me if I didn't turn up!), and explain the situation so that they can make alternative arrangemeours. As it was, this appalling service has left a bad taste in our mouths, (unfortunately we didn't get any food to take that taste away!), and we won't be going back. We are fortunate that there are plenty of good restaurants in...

Best restaurant in east grinstead!!

(Please delete if not allowed) Me and my other half went out for dinner at By the Fountain and I want to give where credit is due I know a few months back on Facebook there was a post made in regards to the owener (I won’t go into detail) however we have always wanted to try the restaurant as they always seem to have very good deals on and reviews are always good and never see any negative ones; for example Sundays; 2 courses for £25 each & do seafood!

We were not disappointed, we had been greeted and brought to our seat, offered water and given plenty of time to look through the menu, we had; seafood plater to start, Main dishes; fish of the day & hake with cream sauce.

The food 10/10 and service is 10/10, very relaxed atmosphere, didn’t feel rushed at all also felt like we could ask the owener anything regarding the restaurant or meal, we will definitely be returning! Cocktails are also very nicely made no unnecessary...

Came in for a Sunday roast. Good value, starter, main and dessert (optional) as a set price menu (see details below). Clean restaurant, spacious, attentive friendly staff and clearly a passion for food. Would come again and recommend, good for a family meal or a date. Definitely a welcome addition to East Grinstead’s food scene. Got the scallops and venison carpaccio for starters (the venison being my hubby’s fav overall), scallops were well cooked though a touch tiny. Roast was solid, good glazed carrots and good portions on the meat, the only let down were the roasties. Flavour of the duck fat was there but they were a bit over cooked and dry (not fluffy or crispy) - they had a weird dry crust probably from sitting in a pan for too long. Had the cheeseboard and tart for dessert, not a traditional pie crust but enjoyable and an interesting tonka bean vs plain...