Before starting post-grad life and getting swamped with work, I felt it was a good time to catch up with old friends.
So today, my school friend Charlotte and I headed out for lunch in Hailsham. After some foodie-googling, we decided to try out Bucklers cafe and tapas bar at the end of St. Mary’s walk, Hailsham.
On a bustling Saturday, we managed to get a table in the cosy and light decor. Eventually (after lots of chatting), we ordered our lunch – two steak sandwiches (cooked medium to order) with rocket and parmesan in toasted ciabatta, served with crisps and a fruit pot (£9.95).
From their extensive drinks menu (46 gins on offer!), Charlotte went for the vanilla milkshake (made with East Sussex Downsview Farm ice cream) and I went for a refreshing elderflower presse.
The steak was plentiful, tender and cooked beautifully on a bed of rocket with grated parmesan. Though the fruit pot looked pretty, we both felt it wasn’t a necessary accompaniment – a side salad or even just the crisps would have worked just as well.
We did find that a sauce on the side was necessary so I went for mayonnaise and Charlotte ketchup – so there’s anything to improve, maybe a little aioli in the ciabatta would’ve made it the perfect lunch.
Throughout, the customer service was attentive and friendly and the varied menu is crafted with a lovely emphasis on local produce (meat from The Sussex Larder butchers opposite the cafe!)
We fancied a little more and ordered the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and a white chocolate sauce to share (£5.95).
Very quickly, a rich, indulgent warm chocolate brownie was delivered to us (plenty for the two of us to share!), which was thankfully not too sweet even alongside the white chocolate sauce.
The rest of their dessert menu – much like the entire menu – looks very promising (I had my eye on the salted caramel tart or the lemon posset with blackberry compote) so I’ll definitely be returning to try out more!
With their side venture of The Deli practically next door – full of local produce and freshly baked goods – I fully expect more of the same culinary loveliness.
In all, Bucklers cafe is wonderful upmarket addition to the Hailsham food scene – perfect for a cuppa and cake, a hearty lunch or evening tapas and cocktails. It’s likely I’ll return so stay tuned for more!
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