Steve's Reviews

I hosted three business guests at a dinner at Le Gavroche in March 2009. The restaurant had not been my choice and I was slightly wary having been disappointed on a previous visit made by my wife and I, many years ago. My recollection from the past was of a rather gloomy business oriented restaurant, which failed to deliver on its (then) 3 star rating. I was therefore pleasantly surprised to see that my fellow diners included several couples and small groups of friends. Conversations were bubbly and the atmosphere was much more relaxed than I had remembered from the past. The tables are laid out closely but without compromising privacy; there are a series of semi-alcoves at the sides of the restaurant for couples. The waiters were courteous, polite and very (very) efficient. The standard of food surprised me, and (despite my trepidation) I was very impressed. My starter was artichoke with a foie gras, which was outstanding. I had T-bone of turbot to follow, which was served with a clam sauce, so light that it almost floated. My guests were equally impressed with their respective choices. The sommelier helped me with a choice of a white Chassagne Montrachet and red Bordeaux (the name eludes me) that impressed by guests, but also my bank manager. Not everyone wanted desert and so I chose the assiette du chef, which consisted of about ten different delicacies. We all tucked in – excellent! The bill, damaged by the wine, was £170 per head and I guess that I was OK (ish) about that. In summary, I left Le Gavroche much more impressed than I had previously. It delivered on the quality of the food and, contrary to many gourmet establishments, served up substantial portions that left me feeling fully satisfied. Would I go back? With a key business client, if the bill could be justified, then definitely yes. Would I take my wife there? No, there are more romantic places, which compare on service and food.

I was entertaining a friend and his wife from India, who were visiting England for the first time. I chose to go to the Dorchester because it represented what I hoped would be a great example of a classic British restaurant, as opposed to many of our ‘top’ restaurants that are French or Italian inspired. Both of my guests were vegetarians. However, the Grill Room web-site claimed that they catered specifically for vegetarians and I was pleased to download a sample vegetarian menu to review. This looked great and it had lot's of choice. Making sure that I emphasised that two of my party of six were vegetarians on making (and re-confirming) the booking, I was confident of a great evening. You know what is coming next, don't you!! The amuse bouche was made of chicken and there was no alternative offered. The only starter suitable for them was a cheese pasta. Well, not too bad, but disappointing that there was no choice. For the main meal, again there was only one suitable plate on offer. Guess what! Pasta … with a cheese sauce. My guests were of course gallant and polite, but I was deeply embarrassed. The waiters were seemingly unconcerned, and the ‘maitre de’ unable or unwilling to push the kitchen to be more creative for us. How a top hotel can fail in this way is really inexcusable. For the rest of the party the food was acceptable, but expensive. I shall not be returning!

We discovered the Drunken Duck when staying at Hawkshead several years ago. Enjoying a meal in the bar along with beer brewed on the premises was great fun. As indeed was the story of how the pub got it's name. Attached to the bar is a restaurant, with great quality food that we were surprised to find in such an 'out of the way' Lakeland inn. Cod served with mini black puddings exemplified the adventurous nature of the menu. We have returned on several occaisions spanning several years and found the food (and beer!) quality to be high and consistent. Cream tea in the garden on a sunny day was also a real treat. We have stayed overnight in the rooms of the adjoining building, which were well furbished, light and airy. This is a firm favourite and enjoyed also by our young children.