Anoo's Reviews

There was something rather Seventies about this place. Was it the single carnation on the table, the chintzy decor, the live piano, the haphazard service or the simple fact it's in a country hotel? I'm not sure but if it is in a time warp it is a strangely comforting one. The meal got off to a bad start with a cold and chalky risotto ball ‘amuse-bouche’ but picked up with a tasty starter of grilled and smoked salmon, a pleasant although unmemorable main (yes, sorry I've completely forgotten what I had although it was only a week ago) and a quality selection of British cheeses to end the meal. The wine list was well put together although our creamy, nutty white Rioja was banished to an ice bucket on a sideboard (sideboard!? told you it was old school) and with serving staff highly skilled in customer avoidance techniques I had to sneak over to retrieve it myself. Perhaps I am too used to the polished performance of London establishments? Anyway, despite my gripes we had a lovely evening, the accomplished pianist added to the romantic, albeit quaint atmosphere, especially at the end when he broke away from the cheesy classics to play some of our jazz requests. The menu we had was part of a one-night stay package which worked out to be pretty good value with spa treatments, tea and cake and room all included.

I had one of the most stressful meals of my life here last saturday. For a start it was so dark I wondered if I had inadvertently stumbled into ‘Dans le Noir’ and had to use my mobile phone light to even locate the menu on the table, let alone read it! The pumping house music raised my blood pressure further, as did the slightly pushy service, where a request for tap water was met with a sneer. The food itself – steak, chips, salad – was simple but tasty but having to order sides seperately bumped up the price considerably. The exclusively Argentinean wine list was well laid out and descriptive with some interesting choices at reasonable prices although my first three choices were out of stock! All in all, good if you prefer clubbing to dining, but I won't be rushing back.