REVIEW: The Mulberry Restaurant and Bar in Eastbourne

And when the eatery’s website proclaims to be the best carvery in Eastbourne, I start to think how I would rather keep this little gem in Eastbourne’s crown to myself. But alas I cannot. And I am delighted to say The Mulberry Restaurant and Bar does not disappoint on either counts. It was better than the usual fare I normally rustle up myself on a Sunday – right down to the crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside roast potatoes. The Mulberry is inside the New Wilmington Hotel in Compton Street and its reputable reputation has been spreading through word of mouth since new owners took over last summer. At the chef’s pass now is Gordon, who has more than 30 years experience and is internationally renowned for his carvery having recently returned to the UK – and more importantly set up home in Eastbourne – from Spain. Looking after us is restaurant manager Raul, whose experience shines through. The carvery is freshly prepared using locally sourced products and served every Sunday from 12.30pm-3pm. On the day of our visit the carvery offering was chicken, roast beef and lamb but first we had to decide on a starter as we chose the three course. There is a wide range of starters from soup of the day – which I plumped for: carrot and coriander and delicious – to stilton and garlic mushrooms with crusty bread. My companion Christina chose the chicken and liver parfait served with toasted sourdough and a small salad. The verdict was: extremely tasty and just the right amount so as not to spoil the main act. My chicken breast was very moist, served with stuffing, and there was no limit on the amount of roast potatoes put on my plate. Christina decided on the roast beef and lamb with some crackling on the side, a giant Yorkshire pudding and stuffing and showed far more restraint than I did with only one roast spud as she was saving herself for the mash and cauliflower cheese – served in individual dishes for freshness and piping hot. Also served in individual portions were the ensemble of carrots, broccoli, leeks and savoy cabbage which were cooked just right and served from the kitchen to the table. For non-meat eaters there is a vegetarian option and also a catch of the day on the menu. Our dinner was washed down with a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc – reasonably priced at £22 – and I am not sure quite how we managed it but we still had room left for dessert which was a no brainer for both us: the seasonal fruit crumble, homemade of course and served with cream and ice cream. The perfect ending to a wonderful meal. Carvery prices are £12.95 for one course and children 12 and under eat for half the price while under 3s eat for free. Starters and desserts are £4.50 each course and I would recommend booking in advance so as not to be left disappointed. When he is not serving up traditional fine fare of a Sunday, the rest of the week Gordon is cooking up great British cuisine with an international fusion. There is an a la carte menu, a table d’hote offering Monday to Saturday from 5-7pm – with three courses for £19.95 – a comprehensive lunch menu from 12-3pm and a serving of afternoon tea at £14.95 from 3-5pm daily. There are is also a host of event nights so the website is well worth a look. Like I said at the start, I am almost reluctant to share the secret of this little gem within the Devonshire Quarter but that would be just plain greedy.