The Garden Room at Stoke Place

The food here is fantastic – better than some Michelin-starred restaurants I've eaten at and at a better price. We enjoyed some exciting and interesting flavour combinations such as apple and fennel sorbet, veal with tamarind and chocolate crisp, and I really enjoyed all the little extras (amuse bouche, sorbet, beautifully flavoured breads with high quality butter). The dining room itself is a little informal and not what I was expecting. There's nothing wrong with it, but it's not quite in keeping with the style of food. I'd like to come back and try the set lunch some day – it looks like good value and the hotel is a hidden gem with lots of extras – outdoor games and walks – perfect for a weekend afternoon.

*Review has been re-submitted due to changes since writing the first review.

I booked a table for Mother's Day through the Square Meal site, which showed availability and provided a confirmation email. I proceeded to inform my guests of the booking and they made their travel arrangements accordingly. I later received an abrupt call from the restaurant stating that they were fully booked and offering no alternatives or much in the way of apology. When i advised them i had received confirmation from the booking site, they informed me that it was the booking sites fault as they had told them they were full. I assume this is far from the truth and it was an admin error on behalf of the restaurant that failed to see them close out to Square Meal, as i had received ‘no availability’ comments from other restaurants i previously had attempted to book with. So please be cautious of this if placing a booking, as they obviously do not up-date their third party booking sites regularly and you may assume you have made a reservation only to be disappointed on arrival.

I am disappointed at the basic admin error that allowed me to book and make arrangements around the reservation and the manner in which i was informed of this failure. Over-all very disappointing in both basic admin and customer service skills and a warning to other bookers to re-confirm bookings at this venue!

*I am extremely pleased to say that since writing this review, i was contacted by another member of the restaurant who not only offered alternative dining arrangements, but also extended a discount as a way of apology. Myself and my family enjoyed a very pleasant meal and can highly recommend the food.