WHEN pubs shut and reopen their doors you are never quite sure what to expect especially when the boozer in question has been an old favourite.

Last year PubSpy reviewed the Blue Anchor and was most impressed. Admittedly it is tucked away at the “wrong end” of Station Road in Portslade where there is a limited amount of passing trade but for a time it was extremely popular because of Apple.

For the benefit of any non-regulars, let me explain. Apple is the name of the resident Thai chef and she is one of the best in the business, so much so that the pub was absolutely buzzing when PubSpy and Mrs PubSpy visited.

The food was sensational but then Apple left and things went belly up. A short time later it closed its doors. “Bugger,” I thought at the time. “Another decent community pub gone and seemingly for good, presumably doomed to become either student accommodation or a home of multiple occupancy.

But, praise be, that has not proved to be the case. The Blue Anchor is open once more and most importantly of all, Apple is back in situ.

Now as has been widely documented over the years, PubSpy likes nothing more than a pint or three, a glass or two of the demon grape and in the summer months, if the sun ever decides to shine on a consistent basis, a large gin and tonic.

But occasionally food takes centre stage and so it is with the Blue Anchor with Apple in charge of the wok.

To whet the appetite I once again opted for a large dry pinot rose (£5) while Mrs PubSpy, unusually for a lunchtime, went for a Beefeater blood orange gin and tonic (£4.80).

The menu offers a cornucopia of delights, making swift decisions virtually impossible and made doubly difficult by the fact I had forgotten my glasses.

After much deliberation we both went for the tiger prawn tempura (five quid each) as starters which were delivered to our table by the always affable Apple. Apparently wrapped in wonton, they were succulent, crunchy on the outside and, as expected, absolutely delicious.

For mains I chose the Bpet Makam which was a shade under a tenner and, the menu reliably informed me, consists of sliced, crispy roast duck with mixed vegetables and fried shallots, served with sweet tamarind sauce. It tasted sensational. Mrs PubSpy, whose love of Asian food is unsurpassed, chose the traditional Pad Thai, an absolute bargain at £7.95. She reported between mouthfuls that it was, quote, “superb”.

In terms of décor not much has changed at the Blue Anchor and that is a good thing. The interior is light and airy and still divided into a traditional bar and restaurant.

On the day we visited, with Apple busy in the kitchen, there was only one member of the bar staff on duty and come the time to order a second drink, he had disappeared meaning a five minute wait at an unmanned bar. A minor quibble, but nevertheless.

When we finally managed to attract his attention Mrs P opted for another gin while I switched to a pint of Guinness which as always went down a treat.

We then adjourned to the bar because I had spotted a pool table which, as far as I am concerned, should be mandatory in every single British pub.

I have always loved playing pool, though I hadn’t picked up a cue in at least five years. Mrs P had never played but was keen to give it a go and it was at this juncture that things started to go slightly awry.

After I had broken off (with considerable aplomb I might add) I passed on my expertise only for Mrs P to miscue on three consecutive attempts, give up, stuff the cue back in the rack and retire to a nearby table in a huff, leaving me to pot all of the remaining balls on my own. Never mind, maybe next time.

What we both agreed on, however, is that it is great to see the Blue Anchor open again. We were told that in the evenings it is absolutely buzzing once more and that word of mouth has ensured that the news Apple is back has spread far and wide. The pub has also re-started its enormously popular takeaway service too.

Check it out. It would be a crying shame if it were not to succeed this time around.