Horsham
Cote Brasserie

Cote Brasserie

1 East Street, Horsham RH12 1HH, United Kingdom, RH12 1HL

French • Seafood • European • Vegetarian


"So, the first problem was the booking (and the exact same thing had happened the previous time we arrived at this restaurant with an Open Table booking). I had made the booking online and received confirmation both via email and in the OT app, which I could show at the restaurant. When I made the booking very limited times were available: nothing between 11.45am and 2pm, so we assumed the restaurant would be crowded. When we arrived a little before our 2pm booking, it was three-quarters empty and they had no record of my booking. Since the place was largely empty this didn't matter, but on another occasion it might have done. And maybe one reason the place was so empty was that other potential customers had also seen no availability between 11.45am and 2pm, so Cote had no online bookings. Either Open Table or Cote need to sort out what is wrong with their booking systems as it seems that in Horsham at least the systems do not talk to each other. The food was fine, typical Cote just as you would expect, but the service was disappointing. In a largely empty restaurant one might expect efficient and attentive service but we got nothing of the sort. It was hard to get attention from any server and we had to request some items several times. Someone who from her dress was probably the duty manager, spent most of her time lounging or chatting with other staff members rather than making sure customers got good service."

Thirteen Church Street

Thirteen Church Street

13 Church Street, Horsham, United Kingdom, RH20 4LA

Thai • Cafés • Asian • Vegan


"I have been to Thirteen many times over the years, loving its cosy vibe, simple decor and, of course, the food which was outstanding. The owner was enthusiastic and warm which added to the experience. We loved the place so much we booked out the venue for my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday. So, not having visited for years, I anticipated a good evening with friends in May. I was disappointed. In short, the owner wasn’t there which may account for the poor customer service. The waitress appeared to be waiting at all the tables so was somewhat stressed. She asked us not to order particular cocktails as she didn’t know how to make them… Er, ok… Was she the sole waitress and mixologist? Little wonder she was stressed and flustered! Thankfully for her, the restaurant was not busy… As for the food? Mediocre. Many of the different dishes tasted the same and the presentation was slapdash. Desserts appeared to largely feature Movenpick ice cream… I’d be more impressed if the restaurant promoted local brands, not a multinational… As for the ambience? Zilch. The previous cosy restaurant with dimmed lighting, fresh flowers on the table flickering candles has disappeared. The restaurant has expanded into the next door building with an archway leading to more seating however the lighting was harsh for an evening setting, battery operated tea lights on the table looked cheap, menus no longer printed on paper were plastic covered. No doubt a throwback to the Covid era but adds to the general feeling of cheap and cheerless. The general feeling is of decay and sliding standards. We were last to leave the restaurant. Using restroom just before leaving, I had to file past the staff who were lounging around on a beach sofa looking at their phones or into space… This added to the air of unprofessionalism made us feel as if we’d overstayed our welcome. Maybe they were tired and bored but I’d advise that they chill out behind the scenes until the clientele have left. We wont’t bd back. There are so many other restaurants to choose from offering a better experience."

Golden Willow Chinese

Golden Willow Chinese

5 Pulborough Road, RH20 4HJ, Horsham, United Kingdom

Asian • Drinks • Chinese • Chicken


"On arrival we were warmly welcomed and shown to our table and presented with the menu. Once seated it took an unreasonable amount of time before somebody asked us if we would like a drink. The drinks were brought to the table and unfortunately one of the bottles of beer fell over, some of the contents landing on our clothing. Apologies we're made and the beer replaced. We then had our orders taken and waited for our starters. There again was a lengthy period of time before the starter arrived, but only one of the two which we had ordered. It took a further two reminders before the dish arrived. Despite having to ask twice and the delay, combined with the spilt beer, it was disappointing that nothing further was offered. The starters were both very enjoyable, well cooked and flavoursome. The main course arrived and placed on a heater with candle lights. In light of there being six dishes, a second heater would have been appreciated to keep the food hot. None was brought. The main course was average. A special fried rice was far from special. It lacked flavour and content. A greater variety of ingredients combined with more content was required. The king prawns were excellent, flavoursome and well cooked. The other dishes were satisfactory but not memorable. The general service was also satisfactory. It appeared that a number of the staff lacked experience and whilst this is in itself not a criticism, students working to support their studies, require training to build their confidence and skills. This was clearly an area for review, for as whilst the students working were very polite they lacked the necessary experience. We were offered dessert and coffees but declined both. Overall the meal was within the expected price range in view of the location. However the service was found wanting and that, combined with the disappointing special rice, was significant."