We had a table for 4 booked at Cafe des Amis for 8pm. Because the previous diners were taking so long to finish, we didn't actually sit down until after 8.45pm, by which time we had been to enquire several times as we were getting very hungry.

The woman at front of house could not have been more accommodating, despite the situation being somewhat out of her control. When we eventually got our table, we were given a complimentary bottle of champagne to begin with – then the exclusion of steak dishes from the 50% discount was removed and we were allowed an upgrade from house wine to our own wine choice. All of this without having to ask for it. This was exemplary service and shows what is possible with confident and decisive management. We all left very happy after a wonderful meal, having completely forgotten the disorganisation earlier. Despite having visited Cafe des Amis on and off for probably 25 years, this experience has elevated my positive opinions of the place to a whole new level.