FOUR LONDON ROAD - Horndean, PO8 0BZ

^This week we broke from the norm. Like hungry maverick's, we were on a mission to find some new and exciting food, but not in a pub. This time we would be exploring the offerings of Four London road. So jump on board and see what we uncovered.

The first thing that popped in to my little mind upon entering was, cool. The owners have managed to create a perfectly relaxed ambiance, with slick design and the ultimate in chill out playlists, not to mention the section of glass floor looking down in to the cellar. We were greeted in a friendly manor, and once we had picked out the lucky table that wood accommodate us, the waitress explained how things worked. If you go for the small plate angle, it is recommended that you pick four or five plates between two people. Each plate costing around £6. There is also a wood fired pizza oven in house if you fancy something more round. These range from about £8 to £14 from memory, obviously depending on which topping you choose. There is also the option of nibbles, brunch and a vegan menu.

^{We started off with some olives while we pondered over the menu. For the record, the olives were good. Eventually we picked out five plates which we decided should be accompanied by some sweet potato fries. This is what we went for.}

Sweet Potato Falafels
Red pepper couscous and tzatziki

Crispy Manchego Cheese
Served with a dark and sticky fig chutney

Smoked Trout Pate
Ciabatta crostini, dressed orange, rocket and fennel salad

Beetroot and Gin Cured Salmon
Horseradish crème fraiche, caper berries, pickled cucumbers, crayfish and fresh dill

Smoked Trout Pate
Ciabatta crostini, dressed orange, rocket and fennel salad

Roasted Sumac and Lemon Chicken
Tahini dressing, tomato, coriander and pine nuts

^{As I'm sure you can tell, this was a very well thought out and put together menu. No matter your taste, you will be able to find something here to make you happy.}

^{Rather than picking my way through every item, it is probably easier to just say that everything was very good indeed. Considering the amount of different ingredients that we sampled, it is a compliment to say that we could find nothing to grumble about, which was nice. We were both particularly taken with the crispy manchego, which went beautifully with the fig chutney. Everything here is made in house and it shows.}

^{The biggest compliment we can give to Four London road, is that we are gutted we didn't come here earlier. It is now well and truly on our foodie map, and if you want a comfortable environment to relax and unwind with a bit of food and a bottle of wine, or gin, this is the place to go. The atmosphere was great, the music was perfect and the service was excellent. If you haven't been yet, we highly recommend that you give it a try.}

^{Atmosphere            9}

^{Service                   9}

^{Food                      8}

^{Value                     7}

^{Verdict                   4.5*}