Croydon, 32 Selsdon Road, South Croydon, CR2 6PB Tel: 0208 649 9544 www.littlebay.co.uk
O UR pre-Christmas trip here was a joy and an indication of the build-up to their busy party season.
The atmosphere buzzes and we were fortunate enough to get seated in one of the gilded balconys, overlooking the dance and dining floor.
Elaborate decoration boasting colourful drapes, gold leaf and antique artefacts on the walls, this is definitely a fun venue. Its rustic and theatrical ambience a welcome departure from the average.
I've been coming here for years and the value for money for tasty interesting food has never wavered. In fact you will find this has got to be the best deal in town where parties of 12 or more you can get a three-course meal, for £9.95 per person. And that deal applies all year round as well as Christmas and the price stays the same on special days such as Valentines and Mother's Day.
So we knew we were going to get good value – and how!
My pal chose the large crab filled choux pastry – light and crispy and bursting with moist crab meat accompanied with a piquant citrus Hollandaise, this proved thoroughly appetising.
Avocado and chunky juicy prawns with a tomato salsa was refreshing and filling, particularly when tucking into the complimentary fresh bread and butter.
The standard was raised further with my pal's choice of the fashionable braised pork belly served here with apple and potato mash, black pudding, and soya ginger sauce. She rated it highly.
My main course featured oven-roasted spiced salmon, the crisp and crusty skin topping fragrant spiced pink flakes of moist salmon. With this was a delicious couscous with nuts and raisins and chick peas.
And then came dessert, my friend opting for a 'light and lovely' pistachio parfait with white chocolate which she only just managed, so generous had been the previous dishes.
Two giant profiteroles, stuffed with double cream and slices of banana and topped with hot chocolate sauce was the wicked and yummy confection with which I ended our meal.
Although the kitchen was clearly busy, service was quick and staff were friendly and helpful when we were undecided about choices.
I made a note that there is still live opera on Monday and Wednesday evenings, which would add further to any celebration or get together.
Speaking of which, The Little Bay is where you can book for Christmas Day. Open from 12 noon to 6pm the traditional five-course set lunch is just £27.95p per person.
Friends of mine booked here last year and were thrilled to exchange cooking and washing up for the family in favour of bringing them here.
At the time she told me it was 'fabulous and everyone loved it' which is the sort of reaction of many who eat out at this value for money concern.
Throughout the year you can dine here cheaper between 12 noon and 7pm. Starters and desserts are £2.75p in the day and £3.45 in the evening; main dishes £6.25 and then £7.55p after 7pm. And there's a wealth of choice in each category.
The perfect excuse to visit time and again.
Patsy Payne
