A BRAND-NEW feature where we send anonymous members of the team to check out local pubs, cafes and restaurants to give you an honest review. These visits are not pre-arranged, and the venues do not know they are reviewing the food and drink!
The Custom Café is on the main arterial route, it’s difficult not to notice it. Having driven past so many times, we’ve only visited once in all the years, but it has changed hands since so we decided to give them a visit.
I remember some four or five years ago, when it first changed hands, it had undergone quite extensive renovation to get it to how it is now. It spent some long months shrouded in plastic as the secrets of the building works was, quite literally, kept under wraps.
From a modest café to a modern American-style ranch which always attracted motorists — especially motorcyclists — in their droves, there’s now a lot more to get excited about when visiting the Custom Café, which is located on the Marsh Road between Pevensey and Cooden,
With a classic American car as part of the exterior memorabilia, it’s a real treat to look at. But that’s just the beginning. There’s a generous amount of subtly-lit outside seating for the upcoming long summer nights.
From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world of rustic charm and hidden gems. The wooden-clad interior of the restaurant is divided into two distinct areas. At the front, a dynamic setup with a small stage and presentation area dominates, perfect for hosting events. The main bar is the centrepiece, surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere that’s sure to excite.
Meanwhile, at the back of the restaurant, a more intimate dining area offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. No matter where you look, there’s always something interesting to see – the walls are covered in lively American memorabilia that sparks conversation and adds to the restaurant’s unique character.
The menu was interesting. Typically American, as you would expect given that it was an America-style diner. Reading the menu is always a refreshing insight into the type of produce they offer. It’s heartening to see that they’re committed to using locally sourced produce.
From all the usual suspects to something a little different, larger portions or light bites, there’s bound to be something that suits your appetite.
We went for the Lamb Stew on the Specials Board and the ‘Trailer Trash Pie’ — Beef (or veggie) chilli, topped with mac & cheese with a crunchy smoked cheese topping. At first, the idea of chilli con carne with pasta on the top sounded very strange (hence the name Trailer Trash), however, the taste test came back extremely positively — so much so that it’s a recipe we’ve decided to include in our own repertoire at home. It was served in quite a small tin plate, but it was really deep and extremely filling!
The Lamb Stew was excellent. I would’ve liked a few more pieces of meat, as I think I only had three; however, the gravy was so thick and tasty it included all the usual root vegetables and served with mashed swede and spinach.
Overall, it was a very reasonably priced meal out. The total bill coming to just over £50 for two alcoholic drinks, two mains and a shared desert.
Shortly after finishing our meal, the jammin’ was ramping up on the other side of the restaurant and it was starting to fill up.
We left the restaurant in such a buzz with all the music and positivity, satisfied with a belly-full of great tucker and wonderful customer service — we definitely won’t take so long to return next time!
