National shame
Having visited Terrace on a number of occasions since my initial review a year ago, it is with a huge degree of disappointment that I now find myself having to write a less than glowing update. Yes, the staff are still enthusiastic and engaging, yes the menu is still varied with dishes to suit all tastes and yes, the small plates approach works really well for pre-theatre. What lets it down somewhat now is that the dishes are noticeably smaller than previous but of course, prices have not followed the same trajectory. Whilst the quality of dishes is in the main, pretty good (the tipsy octopus and venison meatballs our particular standouts), our sharing platter of meat and cheese was an absolute disgrace. £15 for two small triangles of a non-descript hard cheese (possibly Manchengo), 2 small cubes of an ok-ish blue (think Roquefort), four tiny discs of some sort of salami and a slice of parma ham. Topped off by two small pieces of bread, a wedge of lettuce and a few sun dried tomatoes, we were somewhat underwhelmed to say the very least. For once, the bloke decided to voice his opinion, only for the server to say she had to agree with him and that a few customers had made the same observation! D’oh, doesn’t that tell you that you need to adjust either the price or the content Terrace?? A small adjustment to our bill (£93 for 5 dishes, bread, one dessert, bottle of wine and service) may have eased the disappointment but was neither asked for nor offered. A shame as for convenience alone when visiting the National, this really was my “go to” restaurant, but will be looking for alternative eateries when we go to see Twelfth Night next year.