A collection of pictures 2011

Here’s some of my favourite pictures I saved on my laptop in the last half a year..In the style of the best of 2011, just well, not really the best.

LittleBoPeep

BabyMonkey

Whale

Cherry

MuppetPops

create

Rubix

OctopusTable

Hummingbird

Review: The Coal Shed Brighton

The Coal Shed – Steak and Fish Restaurant

8 Boyce’s Street, Brighton (01273 322998)

Coal Shed Brighton Website

The Coal Shed

Tucked out of the way in Boyce’s Street, South Lanes, I believe I’ve discovered what will become a real Gem in Brighton’s restaurant scene.

The plan for The Coal Shed, as described by themselves, is to “produce the best steak and fish restaurant on the South Coast”. Headed up and owned by a former original member of the Ginger Pig team, an excellent chain of gastro pubs in Brighton, I was expecting very elegantly produced and served food and I was not dissapointed.

I’ve visited twice and was exceptionally impressed from the moment I walked in the door. The atmosphere and decor was lovely. Although the location is not the best, on entry you are greated with elegant table settings. The branding is great too – the menus in the style of old newspapers were both informative and well laid out. The drinks selection is excellent including wine selections depending on what cut of steak or other meat you choose and it was nice to be offered a rare bottled alternative to the normal on-tap Estrella lager. The availability also of slightly more expensive wine, found normally only by bottle, in single glasses is also a great idea.

Coal Shed Exterior

The food menu is obviously dominated by different cuts of steak provided by a farm in Billingshurst, West Sussex, near where I grew up. There are  however lots of tasty alternatives for those who are not such a big fan of beef. The ‘specials’ board lists a number of the more expensive cuts of steak, sold per 100g which are meant for sharing. However, the menu for it’s quality is extremely fairly priced – for those not wanting to splash out, a burger is just £8.50 and comes with, in my partners opinion, the best beef dripping chips he has ever tasted.

Coal Shed Interior

We went a big crazy on our first visit and had the fillet steak at £25. We tried several of the offered accompaniments – chips, onion rings, the mixed tomato salad and cauliflower cheese. Slightly strange choices but all great in their own right. The beef itself was out of this world – perfectly cooked to order, tender, well seasoned. I could shout about it all night. I wish I hadn’t have ordered sauce now as on it’s own it was brilliant.

I have no doubt that the Coal Shed will become a firm favourite of mine. Welcoming service, amazing food and a great atmosphere, it is a no-brainer choice for either special occasions or when you fancy that slightly posh burger!

  • Mercure Hotels

    Enjoy a relaxing spa break, play a round of golf or hold a meeting at Mercure. Whether it’s in one of our London, Manchester or Exeter hotels, comfort and quality is guaranteed.

  • Spa Breaks

    Our Aberdeen and Blackburn hotels, offer authentic spa treatments. In fact, 12 Mercure hotels offer great spa packages so enjoy a relaxing get away or treat someone special to some pampering.

  • Beautiful Locations

    Whether you’re looking for a countryside stay in Scotland, or central Oxford hotels, our hotels are unique and located in some of the most charming parts of the UK.

  • Golf Breaks

    15 of our Mercure hotels offer great Golf packages. From our Exeter to Aberdeen hotels, find challenging, interesting and scenic golf courses to enjoy during your stay.

  • Wedding Venues

    Our Winchester hotelis ideal for your big day. We aim to make every event unique whatever your requirements, with your own wedding planner here to ensure every moment is perfect.