The Chat House in South Croydon
is a well established restaurant having been open for some
years now. We've always liked the quality of food
there, so we decided to go back and review the restaurant
to see how standards were being maintained.
We weren't disappointed when we turned up at around 9.00 pm. Our table
was available immediately, and although the restaurant was about half-full
the atmosphere was pleasantly quiet but not dead.
The other benefit of turning up before ten was immediate service from the
polite well-mannered staff. Starters in the form of the obligatory
puppadums and relishes were delivered to the table in minutes, shortly
followed by drinks.
Another
advantage of a restaurant that matches demand with capacity
this evenly is the unhurried atmosphere. Although
given advice by the head-waiter there was no pressure to
order quickly from the large and impressive menu.
Our selection eventually included lamb passanda, and two chicken dishes we'd
never heard of before - feeling adventurous. Three types of rice and
three different forms of naan bread, plus Sag Aloo and Aloo Gobi were
added as accompaniments together with the traditional Cobra beers and a not
not so traditional Chardonnay white wine.
Waiting time was again impressively short, no more than ten to fifteen
minutes so the usual arguments over shreds of remaining puppadums were
thankfully avoided.
The quality of the food couldn't be faulted, and
arrived freshly cooked and hot, which is important.
Each dish lived up to the description in the menu and the
mixture of tastes was incredible. The cocunut rice
recommended by our waiter complimented the chicken wonderfully.
Quantities
were generous and despite some pretty determined efforts
there was still an embarrassing quantity of food left over
at the end. We were given several attempts though
in the unhurried setting, and were encouraged to stay for
coffees. By the time we left at around eleven the
place was beginning to get more busy and the waiters were
obviously getting ready for the brisk trade as the local
drinking establishments ran dry.
Our meals came to just over £20.00 per head, but we did choose an expensive
wine, and two of our dishes were the chef's specials. If something a
little less ambitious were ordered, and the eyes were not quite so bigger
than the belly, you're looking at around fifteen pounds per head at the Chat
House which has got to be good value with the quality of the food and
service. The surroundings are good too, with high quality furnishings
and a modern feel to the lighting.
Overall rating - well worth a visit.
14-16 Brighton Road
South Croydon
CR2 6AA