Hi Gary, I've been in a downward spiral recently with alcohol, depression, loneliness - all that good stuff. I love your reviews because of the positivity, and also the way you guys film it makes me feel like I'm actually there in the restaurant. For 20 or so minutes I can actually get out of my own head which is so nice. When you pulled out that Rick Stein book I was in stitches lol. 🤣Keep being you Gary (and cameraman) you don't always realise who you are helping sometimes. Many thanks, Jacob. edit: Thankyou guys so much for all your amazing messages to me❤I genuinely feel so uplifted the support is unreal. I'm so proud to be part of this community! Sending you all love ❤and see you all on the next video! 👌
Jacob, please know you are not alone. I also deal with loneliness and depression, but I found good people who support and encourage me, where I am in a good place now. Know you are among friends who have excellent taste in an amazing and humble UK food blogger, who shares his food experiences with us all. Sending you healing hugs and prayers that you find the help and care you need. Kindest regards, Anna-Marie in Pennsylvania USA!
So very sorry. I hope you can find some happiness. Since the death of my two husbands I've not been lonely as I have my dogs for company (a commitment, expense and restricting but lovely company) and I volunteer at my local hospital which gives life meaning. I hope you can find what works for you. x
50% of the experience is the environment you sit in. Gary was half way to enjoying his meal, then the attention to detail and quality of the food was brilliant, allowing the experience to be one he will repeat. Very clever customer service. 👍👏👏
So true. I think Gary knew the second he sat down he thought "we're on to a good one here" haha. He's right about London as well. If this was in London it would probably be on every "hidden gem" article on the web.
Well done Gary, these places are hidden gems and deserve to get supported. The cooking is always up to scratch and well done to everyone that highlight these wonderful spots😊❤
100k! Congratulations sir, you're an inspiration to lots of new youtubers! This time next year there will be a PhotoFit of Gary issued to staff of every restaurant in the UK. " If you see this man walk in ..hit the Alert button, drop what you’re doing, don't mess up or you’re sacked!". In 5 years, ‘GaryEats Stars’ will carry more weight than Michelin Stars!!
I used to work for a well known fast service chain and we had mystery shoppers. The results of the mystery shops carried a big weight at head office and as we had cctv we soon could work out who the mystery shoppers were so as long as we were on the ball, they always got extra fast service and of course the hottest fries!!
In a way I hope not. As much as Gary deserves success part of what makes his channel so great is the authenticity of the reviews. If restaurants start recognising him and deliberately giving him great food and service in comparison to the average joe, as I expect they do with other certain big RU-vid reviewers, it'll lose that :(
Superb review Gary as always. I work with a Thai woman who told me proper Thai food needs to be cooked for hours, and this is obviously what’s been done here. You’re a lucky man and this restaurant deserves all the business. My only criticism? I’m watching this in Canada, haven’t eaten dinner yet, and my mouth is watering!!!!! All the best sir, this is a gem.
I have lived in Thailand for 12 years and have never been disappointed . The best food can be found at any stall that is busy. But it is difficult to find anything wrong anywhere.
I know that so many choose to eat at chains that you obviously have to cover them but I absolutely love it when you review independents, especially one as unique and good as this seems to be!
Now that is a restaurant meant for me. My passion is reading and collecting books. You are spot on when you said that there is a calming effect sitting among all those books. Whenever I want that effect I sit in my living room which has seven floor-to-ceiling bookcases holding several thousand hardcover books. I can look at all the ones I've read and all the ones still to be read. I can pull down a favorite and open it at random and read a few pages. And to have that experience while having a wonderful Thai meal, pure heaven. That food looked delicious. I wish we had smell-o-vision.
Hello lovely Gary. What a quaint little place. I absolutely love your channel. You provide so much variety. We're never bored. All those dishes looked delicious. What a super video. Thank you to you and your dear Son. Have a lovely evening sweet x😊
Gary, this is easily my favourite review you’ve ever done. You’ve combined two of my greatest loves in life : food and literature. And Thai food, to boot! I wish I lived closer to this gem of a restaurant. Thank you so much for this, it’s really made my day. An easy 10/10 from me. An extra enthusiastic ‘cheers, mate!’
We used to live in Hastings but left before this place came on the scene, we do go back now and again and next time we will be visiting here. Brilliant vid Gary.
Hey Gary, great to see you featuring the town which became my home 9 years ago and there are so many great unique places to eat in Hastings and St Leonards on Sea.
This is probably the happiest I have seen you, and that's saying a lot since you're almost always smiling. You really do bring joy to others. Makes me wish I was in the UK so I could try these places.
Never seen chicken satay served like that, usually little lumps on wooden skewers, that looked mouth watering! I love spicey Thai food, their sauces are to die for, when done well, the way you spoke they were done well and it deserved a 10star because of the way you spoke, with that catching smile on your face, real cloth napkins and shiny cutlery what's not to like!!!
Glad you mentioned the Chicken Satay as I've been bursting to comment but didn't (under no circumstances on this awesome channel) want to post an original negative comment. There's no such thing as CS in Thai food. It's a Malaysian dish and you would be hard-pressed to find it anywhere in Thailand, except for tourist traps that also flog Pad Thai and Green Curry. Satay in Thailand is pork...moo. If you do find it, it would never be chicken breast, always thigh, as breast is 1. too expensive and 2. too dry. I really admire Gary but when it comes to Thai food he's very 'Western'; Green curry is purely a Bangkok thing and Panang or Phanaeng Curry is the mildest Thai curry out there. Restaurant seems quite special though, but he should have gone for the Tom Kha Kai. Anyway, rant over, and sorry to hide it as a reply hehe.
@@jonnywas2665 Wouldn't call it a rant, you sound like you know what you're talking about! Personally and through some experience with Asian foods, the majority of Thai, Chinese, Indian cuisine in the UK are westernised, very little I suspect would be found in the countries they proclaim to be from. When I was still a schoolboy I had a friend whos family was from Jaipur, I went to "tea" many times at his home and ate some wonderful food, most of which I couldn't pronounce, his mother and older sister were amazing cooks, barely any of that food I had there, have I seen in Indian restaurants to this day! After all the most popular "curry" dish in the UK was invented in Glasgow, supposedly! I love tasty, spicey food, not to hot anymore, but food with flavour and oomph! One day when Gary has reached a million, he will probably be able to afford a trip to Thailand or Malaysia or both and try the real thing!
I have lived in Thailand for over 20 years and have NEVER been able to do a review like that. I'm not good at Thai spicy. My English wife is and she just asked me if we could go back for a visit. Som Tam THAI is one of her favourites. Great review Gary.
I know Hastings very well. I know this restuarant, but I've never eaten there. In fact my 1st feature film was made there back in 2022. It has a special place in my heart.
No where but the UK where you get this, so quirky and unique! Love the fact you review unknown places as well as the well-known! I can only imagine how much I these small restaurants appreciate your videos Gary! They must improve their revenue after your reviews (if positive lol). What a promotion of our small business that will boost them and as the channel grows, people will be fighting to book these resturants! Keep up the fantastic work!
Top quality food in a bookshop im stunned and you was and the price its unbelievable really , what more can you ask for food and wine and a good old book , your channel is a 10 ★ never boring , your review is always honest and you bring a smile on all our faces
This channel has come such a long way & it's great to see. Others don't bother with Subscriber interaction once they get above a certain size, yet here we have over 1.5k comments & he replies to the majority... Top man is our Gary
That’s very kind to say thank you very much. I really respect everyone for watching and commenting it is a bit of a struggle to reply to everyone but while I can still do it I definitely will.
Just came across this channel by chance and can't stop myself from watching all the videos. Absolutely brilliant- Gary, I salute you. Keep going onwards and upwards.
Oh, this caught my eye! I love Thai food, and this looks like very homely, honest cooking. You can immediately tell it's no chain restaurant. Lovely sticky rice, care with presentation, and I can just tell from your reaction Gary that it is delicious. Chilli, when used correctly, is like salt; it lifts the flavours in a way that, without it, the meal is just flat. Bravo for Thai food on this channel! 👏
Garys personality is what makes this channel so awesome . Bless you Gary lovely personality I watch youre reviews when I eat nothing better then that❤❤
I love quirky places well away from chains and the herds who eat there (careful Ian!). Great find and this is exactly why your channel is booming, knowledgeable reviews at a great variety of places.
Thats a very quirky, unique restaurant! Your face on 1st bite of the starter told me everything! It did look like art! I thought the beef sauce looked so beautiful. Thai cuisine is very intelligent. The whole ethos is balance. Great review Gary! A footnote, I have no issue with cash-only to avoid extortionate banking fees, although many commenters equate it to tax-fiddles!
What a brilliant idea for a restaurant. However, I suspect for bookworms it's rather dangerous to the wallet. You're bound to eat for long enough to spot many books to purchase.
What a gem!! My husband & I love that area of Old Hastings and you have reminded us to take a day trip there soon, and try this treasure. Thank you Gary & Cameraman 🙌
Just watched the Christmas dinner at The Old Fighting Cocks, at the end you say something you often do “Would I go back?” Would be a nice little series to revisit some of the places from back in the day before you were famous 😂
What a delightful review Gary and so pleased you enjoyed the meal. Can't say I've ever eaten in a library before! Hope you didn't spill any food on their beautiful tablecloth!
Gary your attention to detail in describing the food is just as awesome as the food itself. What a wonderful place and relaxing atmosphere. Well done to those who recommended it. Great review 👏
Gary another gem of a restaurant. Thai food is one of my favorites the food here looked absolutely amazing. I was drooling thru the entire video, I haven't had lunch yet, you are a lucky man. Another outstanding local business, a restaurant/bookstore is an interesting combination. Loved the review a solid ten for sure.........Cheers.
We’ve been fortunate enough to have eaten here many times when we lived in East Sussex! The place is, as you said Gary, stunning! The Thai chef is fantastic and is happy to tailor any dish to the individual’s needs! We’re made up to see your video Gary, and that the place has not changed. Glad you liked the place as much as we did!! 👍👍🇹🇭
Oh my goodness, books, my favourite things, food to eat, and it looked amazing, obviously tasted amazing, surrounded by books, what more could anybody ask for. Excellent show today.
I prefer using cash. It's my money and I'll spend it how I like, without being tracked!!! Looks like a great place. Plenty books, which I like and food! Brilliant.
I think we should always try to use cash in small business. There is nothing worse than waiting on your money to be transferred and then their fees never mind the costs of upkeep on the card machines.
*Outstanding and Stand Out - This is how I would sum up what I’ve just watched 💯🙌👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻* It felt crystal clear that these plates are from the heart- a passion to make meticulous food totally amazing,one for the books and the list !!
@@GaryEats absolutely lovely place I love books. The wall cupboard was packed top to bottom for some time with me. Have always dreamed of having a nice corner with my books actually 💯👍☺️☺️
Reminds me of the Little Britain sketch where she (Ting Tong) turned the guy’s flat into a Thai restaurant when he was out. 😊 And as a foot note I’d rate Thai food (having been there) as the best in the world.
Another Grat Review Gary. Haven't been to Hastings for about 13 years, but I so want to go there now to visit this place. Great to see your subscription numbers are growing so quickly!
i looked at the curry and was to me not very much. either. there is not that much meat either it is packed out with rice. i really would ask what G. on that plate does there even look like a 400g meal. but with a bit more flavour
Gary, I discovered your Channel about a month ago (I still have many past episodes to watch). I believe you are a very skilled 'foodie' from experience starting in your mum and dads Pub. You have a great deal of 'knowledge'. Your audience consciously or unconsciously know this, hence building quickly to 104k subscribers (and many more to come). Also, your presentation is superb. Thank you and your 'camera man' for all your hard work.
Thank you Rose. I really appreciate that you have noticed that. What a wonderful comment. I do make mistakes and that's part of the experience, everything you see is authentic and thank you from the bottom of my heart
Well done mate, another excellent review and another winner. Good luck to the viewers that recommended this little gem, they've done us all a favour. You and your son, keep up the great work, thanks to you both.
My small local corner shop actually charge the customer a 60 pence transaction fee if using a debit/credit card. They do not highlight this and only on checking my receipt one day, did I realise that. So they must be making a fortune on this. So obviously they are not paying bank charges on their card machine but their customers are. I find that abhorrent. However, if this cafe adopted this form of payment, then they would not be responsible for payment. For such quality of food customers would only be happy to pay a small admin fee - well I would.
Gonna make a recommendation, from years ago. We were alpinists, young and highly dedicated, but relatively poor. And basing ourselves out of Chamonix in the alps, whenever we finished a big and probably dangerous climb, we got a group together and drove south through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Entreves in The Italian alps. Here was a restaurant called "Maison de Filipo", Italian mountain food with low beam ceilings and many courses, I think back in 1975 about $10. Probably a lot more expensive nowadays, and they had a second place in Courmayeur. Love for you to visit. cheers.
Great place, the books everywhere certainly makes this place different, totally agree with you supporting the family run business, all the food look wonderful glad you enjoyed your meal 😊thanks for sharing great review 😀
What a gem! Thank you for introducing us to this haven of coziness of books and culinary comfort. You looked right at home, Gary. My guess is the owners appreciated your visit.
What a great review Gary. Omg what a beautiful find. Great Thai food surrounded by books. The Thais really know how to cook and balance all the different spices . That food looked amazing and so nicely presented. I have visited Bangkok lots of times and just love the food. Who am I kidding I just love food lol. Fantastic as always Gary and it’s amazing that people in need are getting so much love and support thro your channel. Thanks for such a brilliant channel take care. Great score.
Gary - I just got hooked and did some binge watching on your channel - thank you for your positivity. I cannot send you any recommendations for the UK, but you just got yourself a new follower from Austria. Cheers! 😃😋
Just had your food channel recommended to me, watched your 5 guys vid in kingston, and love your delivery and how you demolish and describe the food your eating, you come across as a really decent chap. You should show your cameraman (if he/she is willing) tucking into the food that you dont eat. I have subscribed and looing forward to more of your food videos
I am so glad I found you I eagerly await your new vlogs, you are a fantastic food reviewer and always put a big smile on my face thank you Gary, you deserve all the viewers in the world xx
Gary that's a hidden gem for sure. Your viewers have done you proud on this one. I would urge people to "bookmark" this location... absolutely outstanding.
What a really heavenly review ❤! That food experience has to be the best so far with amazing food surrounded by really fascinating books. Thanks for this great experience Gary! It definitely brightened up my day 🙏🏼!
Loved the whole concept of this place. What struck me was the fact that it seemed so calm. I loved the fact that there was no music blaring in the background as I hate that if I’m going out for a meal as it takes away from the relaxation.
Another independent restaurant serving great food. Quirky setting in a bookshop. Thanks to the people who recommended it. Gary loved your enjoyment of the experience. Another great review.
You lucky man. After a 3 week holiday in Thailand in 2000 (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Koh Samui) Thai food became my number one. It's just the best! The use of coconut instead of dairy is a big win for me and the huge variety of dishes never ends. Your chicken satay was perfect. Beautiful presentation. Confusion still exists about the curries. As I'm sure you know, green curry is hotter than red curry, counter intuitive given the colours! One more thing. These days "Kaffir" is considered a racial slur. Rightly or wrongly, they are now generally referred to as Makrut lime leaves. Whatever makes people happy 😁 Outstanding idea a bookshop and a restaurant, I wish them every success. Good job as always Gary.
Absolutely love this! Presentation alone is fabulous as to the food quality quality quality! Thank you for another brilliant review! Positivity peace and love ♥️
Best reviewer on the internet. Really are my guilty evening pleasure Gary. Love your honest and straight forward reviews No pretense, just a straight dive in, taste and tell. This place looks fabulous. When Thai food is right - it's banging.
What a great review! Seems that the quality was superb although the portions (main courses) were on the small side. The Satay looked great and appetizing. Love the idea of all those books and the fact that you can buy them if you so wish. Nice one Gary, thanks a million.
