By Joanne Smith
If high quality service and a relaxed atmosphere ticks your boxes for a perfect night out then Ridgways tucked away in the village of Meads is the ideal place to visit.
A firm favourite with customers who live locally as well as those who travel from abroad to go there, Ridgways offers traditional food with a continental twist.
My partner Rob and I were invited to enjoy a night out at the five times winner of the Local Restaurant of the Year Award.
We were welcomed by restaurant manager Bernard who has run the well-established business with head chef Damon for 16 years. The business has a homely feel with flowers on the tables and pictures on the walls. We were able to enjoy a drink and nibbles at the seated reception area while browsing the extensive menu.
Having heard someone rave about the camembert at Ridgways my mind was already made up about the starter and Rob opted for Japanese battered king prawns. While perusing the menu we also looked at the wine list and wine lovers will not be disappointed with what’s on offer. Ridgways boasts German, Italian, Spanish, New Zealand and Australian wines among its vast selection and also hasa range of soft drinks, spirits and much more.
Rob and I chose the Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc and I was so impressed by its quality it would feel unjust not to give it a mention. After selecting our main course we were taken to our table where our wine was waiting.
While waiting for our starter it was nice to hear Bernard chatting to other diners, many of whom he was on first name terms with. Ridgways prides itself on its regular customers as well as welcoming new customers who have heard of the business through word of mouth.
After enjoying a bread roll our starters arrived both served with salad and a dip to accompany the dish. I knew I had made the right choice once I had tucked into the crispy coated camembert and Rob, who is a huge fan of fish, enjoyed the king prawns, so much so that I thought better of asking to sample one.
Having finished our first course we were looking forward to enjoying our mains. Rob opted for the breast of duck while I was tempted by the sea bass steak. As we waited for the food Bernard topped up our wine and had a deft touch at arranging laying the table with the necessary cutlery.Our mains arrived both with sauté potatoes and fresh vegetables and was a good size, without being too overwhelming. Rob’s duck was cooked to perfection and this time I had no qualms about asking to try some. Served with an orange and brandy sauce it was perfect and my sea bass steak was equally delicious. I’m glad I chose something new, the dish was served with lemon and black pepper butter and a tarragon sauce and was a perfect accompaniment to the fish with a great bite to it.
We were spoilt for choice when it came to dessert with apple pie, lemon meringue, toffee crunch, Ridgways individual Banoffee pie, chocolate pistachio mousse, and ice cream and sorbet among options to choose from. I chose the latter as I wanted a slightly lighter option and Rob went for the lemon meringue. The different flavours in the sorbet and ice cream were great and Rob easily devoured most of his dessert before enjoying a coffee afterwards. Chatting to Damon and Bernard afterwards they explained they both had many years experience of working in the industry before they bought Ridgways in 1995. Damon was head chef at a country pub while Bernard was a deputy manager at a hotel. They are supported by numerous staff including their assistant James who began working there as a teenager and has developed his experience in the years since.
The duo like to support using local produce whenever possible and are keen to cater for people with dietary requirements. Damon and Bernard have also hosted many wedding receptions and parties at the restaurant over the years.
Ridgways
Meads Village
Eastbourne
Tel. 01323 726805
Opening Hours:
dinner from Tuesday until Saturday, lunch Tuesday to Sunday inclusive and also has a supper menu.