Beaner_Saja
October 4, 2023
Last December I wrote a very glowing review of a great Sunday lunch we had here, and we have had lunch there 3 times since and things mostly remained fine. Sadly, the Sunday lunch we had recently was very different and most disappointing particularly as we took our son and his fiancée who were visiting from London. So, this is what has changed. The welcome: we arrived at 1.45pm at almost empty restaurant ( I relies lack of punters is out of their control) but no staff in sight. The member who did turn up seemed confused about were to seat us despite the fact most tables were empty. No music and no atmosphere. Service: The same staff member served us and could not remember who had ordered what (there were only 4 of us and only 2 different things were chosen). They dumped the wine bottle on the table without even taking off the screw top or offering a tasting. (There were only 2 other tables to be served and one couple came during our visit so there was time to take more care of us). No small talk at all. The food: Starter and desert were OK but the main Sunday roast very different from before. The beef was tasty but not such a good cut of beef. The roast potatoes were terrible they were tough and not at all crispy. (I realised why on our way out as I saw the remaining potatoes languishing under a heat lamp much the same a chain restaurant carvery!). Previously there was a generous supply of vegetable served separately in bowls ( 4 bowls between 2 of us) this time a small dollop of mash and a carrot was already on the plate and only 2 small bowls of veg were supplied to share between 4. Disappointing as it was the same amount of veg to share between 2, given to the couple near us. The price: The price has obviously gone up from before (by £3 for 2 courses) but sadly the cut of meat and quality and quantity of vegetables and service has gone down. On this occasion we had 3 courses each at £32pp x4, a bottle of medium price wine, 2 pints of beer, and a bottle of sparking water. Add to that the service and the bill was £200 for lunch. Would I recommend the Sunday lunch now? Probably not, considering how amazing it was in the past. Most of us are finding price rises challenging, we go out to eat very rarely these days so it is extra disappointing when places which were once really special, on this occasion at least, are no longer.