M's Reviews

Last visited Jan 2009

The Bleeding Heart used to be a local of mine when I worked in the area so I have paid frequent, fairly lengthy visits to this place. Despite numerous visits however I am still totally confused by the number of eating experiences available. I believe I have eaten at various times in “The Restaurant”, “The Bistro”, “The Tavern” and had a drink in “The Bar”, however with so many different rooms and options available you may need to bear with me if I seem a little schizophrenic.

I'd like to start with the bad stuff as there's not much of it and it gets it out the way. My experience of the Tavern will not be repeated. It seems to be where the group bookings get put, the menu was limited, the atmosphere was lacking (nothing to do with the company I was keeping) and altogether disappointing having raved about the place earlier in the day (I hate to be shown up!) Needless to say I have not made a repeat visit so I can only hope that it has improved since.

Now with the good stuff. The bistro and restaurant are both fantastic. Although they are very different to each other they do share some things in common – the quality of the food is great, the menu's have led to much last minute mind-changing and food envy, the winelist is extensive and yummy but my favourite thing is the service. Not necessarily because it is slick, knowledgeable and very professional (which it is) but more because it is a perfect stereotype. Having had the specials whispered in my ear to share with the table and practically having knuckles rapped for daring to top up my own glass I love it for it's absolute french eccentricity. It definitely helps if you are a francophile.

The differences between the bistro and restaurant I would describe as being seasonal. The bistro is definitely my choice for summer when they open up into the courtyard, they also seem to have a slightly lighter menu. The restaurant however is definitely the place for the winter. The downstairs is dimly lit and very… More