Small & Beautiful

Went to this cozy little restaurant last night for dinner with my two girlfriends and was pretty impressed with their quantities- were quite generous.Two of us had the pizza deal with a soft drink for 6 quid and the other had a greek salad which had generous portions.For desserts, the mango sorbet was really nice.However, the lumpy bumpy chocolate dessert was a bit too sweet for our liking.A meal for 3 of us with our soft drinks and desserts came up to 30 quid and whilst it was a bit annoying that they didnt accept card,we were able to pay our respective shares with cash though the waiter was a bit confused with dealing with giving us the change.A pleasant experience barring the fact that one waiter would keep hovering around our table from time to time to ask us if we were finished and ready to move on to the next course.Barring that,it is a nice,cosy place and I would definitely visit again.

My boyfriend and I strolled down to the next town along to check out this cute little restaurant that had been described to me as ‘Cheap & Cheerful’ by friends. However I’d read the online reviews and most shamed the restaurant for its poor service, cold food, and the hand written menu’s. But I completely disagree with the reviews. Firstly, I loved the hand written Menu’s, it was a very unique touch. And the food that was served to us – hot food may I point out – was absolutely scrumptious. I couldn’t fault it. We ate every last scrap. We each had our own starter and then shared some Potato skins, and all three were delicious. As for the mains, my Salmon was lovely, very large for such a small price (I paid £20 for a salmon last week that wasn’t nearly as nice, this was £5.95)). However, as delicious as my Salmon was, I felt incredible food envy when my boyfriends lamb was presented to him. My mouth actually watered. Upon tasting his, I knew I’d made the wrong to decision to go with the Salmon. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed my fish.
And finally the service- okay, so it wasn’t the most spectacular service I’ve ever had, but it was still service with a smile, and that’s all that matters right? Our drinks came quick, as did our food, so no complaints there. I was however disappointed to discover from the waitress that there was no Vanilla Cheesecake left, ten minutes after I had ordered it, and was waiting for it fork in hand. But I was so impressed with our starters and mains that I could easily let it slide (not to mention I would have had to unzip my jeans upon attempting to eat it).
The nicest surprise of all, was just how cheap Small and Beautiful is. And for such good food – it’s almost a wonder how they make any money. I’d definitely recommend it as a great place for a romantic date, or for a small group of friends. I can absolutely see myself eating at Small & Beautiful again. If only to order that lamb!
Notes:
- You can get a Pizza and a beer for £6
- Small and Beautiful serve Breakfast everyday till 5pm, ideal for late risers like me
- At Christmas time a set menu is available – a 3 course meal, £20 per person; perfect for staff parties
- Small & Beautiful only accept cash or cheques. They do not accept cards which is fairly annoying – however, it’s situated on the busy high street which has plenty of cash points dotted closely around.
http://www.allabouttink.co.uk

any pizza and carlsberg or soft drink ---> £5 AMAZING!!!

I must admit to being fairly startled by the bad reviews here - personally I'd tend to agree with the Time Out review and Emma's. Over the past four or five years I've frequented Small and Beautiful maybe a dozen times when visiting The Luminaire (which tragically closes this very evening) as both a punter and promoter. Many of the bands that have played shows for us at the Lumi have chosen to dine at S&B, and all have given glowing feedback afterwards.

The food and service have been dependably pleasant, and the minor-but-welcome complimentary flourishes such as olives and bread whilst ordering add to the cosy, welcoming atmosphere. I can only vouch for the meat-free options (I particularly recommend the vegetarian wellington) but there is a decent selection given the relatively small menu, and my meals there have always been hearty, tasty and well-priced. Small & Beautiful is unquestionably my principle recommendation for cheap eats in this part of town.

First went to this place on Tuesday with two friends - had a great time! Complimentary bread & olives on arrival, then we each had a starter and a main, plus a large glass of wine each and it only came to £8 each. Absolutel bargain - the food was absolutely fine, nothing astonishing but for £5 for a very nice calamari followed by canneloni it was very good indeed. Perfectly nice service and great ambience. I fully intend to go back very soon and would recommend you give it a try!!

Very disappointing, such a shame as its a really pretty restaurant. Given our main meal but no cutlery, left sitting there watching our meal get cold, then they begrudgingly got them without any apologies. Food was awful, everything was really salty, hair garnish on mayo, veg was soggy and wellington tasted like it was straight out the freezer. I realise the food is very cheap so our expectations weren't very high, but it was barely edible. We're broke and this was a celebration meal for us, it would of been nice if we could of eaten it. I feel a bit rough now. Think we'll stick to Casareccia down the road in future.

Think the other reviews are pretty harsh. I've eaten at S&B several times and have always been perfectly happy with both the food and staff.

Yes it's not a gourmet establishment, but it's perfectly good value for money.

Yes the service is a little slow, especially at busy times, but the staff have always been very pleasant to me.

A had a very enjoyable lazy Sunday lunch there a week ago, two courses for £5. Squid starter was good, and one of my friends had a lovely plate of mussels. I had the roast beef (only complaint, too much gravy) and my friends had the lamb and we were all happy.

If you want a gourmet dinner you should probably look elsewhere, but for cheap eats it's perfectly nice.

Suspect the

The £5 two course sunday lunch can't be beaten for value. You

the worst attitude i've come across ever! The waitress(es) was nice enough but obvliously far too busy to pay attention to anyone. After two cou
rses- both nothing like described on the menu- i was slightly irritated but yet understanding. Even after two minutes of staring at the waitress cleaning the tables around me and rushing back and forths for whatever cause, i was rather easily pleased. Once paid, i asked if i could speak to the manager. I was summoned to a man behind the bar (he refused to leave it) with a sultry look on his face and contempt for anyone approaching him. For my fairly nice approach(already paid my bill and hadn't asked for anything) I was slammed with aggretion. When descring my ordeal with receving dishes far from the discribtion on the menu I ws greeted with the managers 'what-what would you like me to do, jump of the bridge!' . No indeed i wouldn't. What I would have him done to take take take the criticism on board and be slightly more customer oriantated. All and all reminded me of the east block with queues of hundred metres and the promise of stale bread (which i only got after standing up and asking).
Wou.ld you like to try litle bit forgotten communist 'no need of service', please stop by since whatever you didn't order y.ou should take by gratitude

Went here with 7 friends tonight.

Yes it was cheap, but the food was average at best, terrible at worst. Staff had no idea who's meal was who's (a major problem if you've ordered 4 differently cooked steaks). and the main courses took an age to arrive.

Bill came to £207.13 including service charge. We left £207 despite being relatively unhappy with the food and the service, so imagine our disgust when the waiter tried to stop us leaving because we were 13p short!!!!!

Disgraceful behaviour. Will never return, suggest you avoid.