Anything but chips and chains!

Back in my home town of Worthing for Christmas I was looking for a decent place to meet with a friend for lunch. In the past Worthing has had few cafes that offer good lunches that weren't pubs, chains or chippies. For those who aren't familiar with the town, Worthing is a pleasant enough seaside resort and for that reason has become the retiree's destination of choice. Unfortunately growing up in Worthing meant we were denied fresh, modern and inspirational cuisine and instead were offered the traditional tourists favourite of greasy fish and chips or a stodgy fifties fare.

But thank god Brighton's influence is finally spilling over into this sleepy seaside resort. My friend and I caught up at Pestle and Morter in Portland Place over pot after pot of green tea. The cafe used to be a pub we frequented as teenagers, then turned into a Thai restaurant which in my opinion says a lot about the town - it just oozes tackiness.

The menu was promising. It was fresh with many of the ingredients sourced locally. The cafe specialises in local cheeses and there is an impressive cheese counter. We both chose mackerel and avocado salad, which was simple and light, although covered in too much dressing. The bread served alongside wasn't the best, and seemed to me to be shop bought. This was despite the homemade offerings sold at the counter. It was only when paying did I notice the amazing looking cakes on sale, ranging from blueberry scones to carrot cake.

Worthing maybe half way there to getting a decent local lunch venue, but it still has a lot to learn from Brighton's cafe culture.