I visited Brighton to show a continental friend the Royal Pavilion. What a great joy it is to visit this place with its friendly staff.

Afterwards we went for a fish and chip lunch on the Palace Pier. Oh dear. We were pointed to a table some way across the restaurant. It had been cleared of utensils but was in a filthy state.

The message on the menu that this was the most luxurious fish and chip restaurant on the south coast took some believing. Perhaps Trading Standards might like to look into that one.

We sat there for some time but, despite the fact that the place was half empty, nobody came to take our order. We walked out.

We crossed the road to Harry Ramsden's. What a difference. Polite friendly service, clean tables and good food. Well done, Mr Ramsden.

As for the Palace Pier, perhaps the ignoble company running it should put its house in order and make it, once again, the finest in the world.

-Brain Coomber, Shoreham