We love family run restaurants that source local produce and The House by Hilly Gant meets all these requirements. Yes, an odd name but check out the map and look at the lane next to the building. As soon as you enter the warmth of staff and management hits you. So friendly. Shown to a table on their patio because it was during a warm spell. Nice to eat al fresco, normally abroad but not the UK. Drinks order taken and they arrived promptly. Small menu, thank goodness. A hate is large menus that cannot provide the quality. Wine list is of a reasonable range at reasonable pricing. Our first course arrived. Wonderful chilli prawns in garlic butter on toasted sourdough bread. Delicious. The main course was difficult to choose. My partner decided on Essex grass-fed beef, medium rare. That looked to me, a brilliant choice. Cooked to perfection and, she said, tasted exquisite. Was I jealous? No way, as my East coast skate wing covered the plate. Pan-fried with a parsley and parmesan crumb. Skate wing is deceptive as the 'meat' covers both sides of the wing. Too much for me as I gave in after about 75%. After a short break we shared a platter of cheeses. I did like that the biscuits were my favourite of water biscuits. My choice as the minimal flavour doesn't distract the subtleties of the cheese. All in all a wonderful evening. Professional, friendly service. Nice ambience. Thank you everyone. See you again soon. read more