A la Colthard/ The Jetty, Chichester Harbour

For many years Murrays at the Ship Hotel was the destination of choice for a meal at Chichester. It has now been taken over by the Harbour chain that operate boutique hotels along the south coast. It’s had a total makeover with the familiar mustard banquettes of the Brighton Harbour. It keeps the same name and menu as the Brighton one.

The service was little short of appalling. There was no one to greet us. We found a waiter who confessed it was his first day who found a greeter. The greeter could not find our reservation. The waitress could not open the fizzy water, did not know the menu, took too long to bring a gin and tonic and forgot the coffee. Otherwise she was fine. The food was however of the high standard of the Brighton Jetty. I ordered the cheese soufflé and calves liver followed by a full cheese board. All excellent. Our ambience was spoiled by a screaming baby. Simon Maguire, the overall operations director manager whom I know from the Hotel du Vin Brighton, will get it right I am sure but it needs a far stronger managerial grip and better trained staff. At £60 per head with wine by the glass (we had three) it’s reasonable value and the fixed price menu very good value.

We all loved Fiddler on the Roof but yours truly would not have lasted long in that community as Tevye’ s daughter!!!