La Fourchette, 42 Church Road, Hove

Just to reassure myself that there is life outside of kemp town I've ventured into deepest Hove to check out this delightful patisserie.

Coffee, venue and service are scrutinised for your pleasure.








The coffee: 4

A very nicely presented cappuccino in a thick white porcelain bowl with a hefty teaspoon that screamed quality and attention to detail. The rock sugar available on the table in sealable jars was a nice touch. Unless my taste buds deceive me this place is serving red roaster's house blend coffee. Flavoursome with nicely balanced acidic top notes it's a winner. On the down side the coffee comes in one size only though equal to a double shot at £2.10 is good value. Chocolate was sparingly sprinkled without being requested.

The venue: 4

This is a quality venue with about 35 covers on the ground floor, more seating is available upstairs. Comfortable leatherette captains chairs at the windows front and back with solid wooden tables and chairs in-between. Wooden floors, brown, cream and white decor give the place a classy French coffee house feel. The music was perfectly pitched as a mood setter without interfering with conversation. Popular with ladies who lunch the clientele are a reserved and sophisticated bunch. The place understands it's customer base and the menu is well pitched at the breakfast and lunchtime market, with a few afternoon teatime treats thrown in for good measure. The pricing represents good value for money and the food I had was delicious, fresh and nicely presented. As a patisserie you will not be surprised to learn that the tarts cakes and buns available will have you salivating and thinking forlornly about your waistline. Head to the seats at the back for secluded intimacy otherwise you'll be hobnobbing it with Hove's finest at the front. I would have given the venue a higher score but the place is a tiny bit tired looking around the edges with the floor, white wooden chairs and walls in need of some TLC.

The service : 5

More restaurant than coffee house in terms of service the staff are uniformed in classic black shirts and trousers with coffee baristas aprons worn long in the French style. The service here is aimed at making you feel special and valued and it was working for me. Unhurried personal attention comes with endless courtesy and charm without ever being in your face this is the perfect place to come with your best pals for a bit of self indulgence.

Overall score 13 out of 15