Very disappointed in the service
For many years we have enjoyed this restaurant at its old location and now in its new premises but in this recent visit, a special anniversary, we were very disappointed. First the good things: the booking system was easy to use and friendly in its confirmations and reminders; our greeting on arrival was friendly as they recognised us as regular customers; the food, as always in our experience, was excellent. Unfortunately, this wasn't matched by the quality of service. Dorian was quite attentive asking for a drinks order but the bottle of wine we asked for he said wasn't available. So we selected another at £26 a bottle and that wasn't available either. Nonetheless, he helpfully said he had an alternative, “just as good and a bit cheaper”, and came back with what we recognised as a cheap wine. He tried to convince us it was just as good but we had done this to us on our last visit to the old premises so we said no, we’ll just have tap water. He then miraculously found just one bottle of the wine we chose in the first place. We have since learned that this has happened to others too. I asked if he had cask beers. He said, yes, Wainright. I ordered a pint when it arrived it was obviously keg. I told him and he explained how they can't keep cask long enough. I said you should have said so when I asked. I do know about real ale and quality wine so really felt I was being taken for a fool. After the meal arrived I asked a young male waiter for some black pepper. He didn't answer but brought pepper and salt and just dumped on the table as passed. Didn't even look at us. Some training needed there. When the main course arrived another young male waiter brought just my wife’s meal and looked at me and said, “What are you having” I told him and he came straight back with mine. After the mains we sat for some time expecting to be asked if we wanted a sweet. After waiting about five minutes I managed to catch the waiter’s eye and he brought the menus. We waited almost quarter of an hour still no sight of anyone to take the order. The owner (Eva I think) passed near our table so I shouted can we order please? She said yes on her way back to the bar. She then started wiping the counter top. Then two customers came in who she obviously knew very well because they started chatting. Ten minutes later, she was still chatting, the young waiter came to our table and gave us our bill. I was really angry by this time. I said I haven't asked for the bill; have asked to order two sweets. He sent back and Dorian returned to take our order at last. Two of the smallest crême brulés I've ever seen. But they were tasty. So for an anniversary meal it wasn't exactly what I'd expected. This is a beautiful restaurant with good food but if it doesn't up its service I think it will lose its regulars. I doubt we will go again. Great pity. Such potential.
6 september 2024
Omdöme utan inbjudan