From Beefeater to Best-eater

Duke's Head

Food - Restaurant/Cafes
in/near East Grinstead, Sussex,
England South East

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Review added: 04/11/2009 13:18
By: wilco121 (£0.50 earned from reviews) Earn £££'s

"Previously this was a restaurant stuck firmly in the 80's with its thick, garish carpets, dull interior, clichéd menu (prawn cocktail or melon ball starters, limited steak mains, and black forest gateaux dessert) but my word, what a turn around. In 2008-2009, it was taken over by new owners and following a 6 month refurbishment and complete 'gutting', a shiny new eatery has emerged from the ashes (note the old establishment didn't burn down or anything).

The Beefeater franchise was canned, the whole restaurant was revamped, it is now fresh, modern, airy, has a great atmosphere, and the menus & food are absolutely amazing. It is by far the best eating establishment in the area. I have dined there several times and the menu had changed each time, moving with seasonal variance. The portions are generous, the flavour is exquisite, the drinks selection is plentiful. The atmosphere is somehow not overpoweringly noisy, but retains a vibrant 'buzz'. Prices are slightly higher than average, but you really get what you pay for – a upper end meal and environment. We have taken a selection of friends and our children there, and all agree of its staggering turn around and high quality.

The outside, previously had the tudor style, heavy black beams on it's outside. These have been, interestingly, painted white. It gives the building a unique appearance – very stylish and evocative of it's lightened interior. Quality wooden floors throughout, large windows allowing maximum light into the eating area. There is also decking outside for summer months and a bar area.

Easily located on the Duke's Head roundabout near to Copthorne, Crawley Down and Snow Hill (head towards East Grinstead from the M23 Junction 10). Parking is ample. It is not really in walking distance of any town / village – a drive or lift is necessary."

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