Visited June 2003

Oh dear!  I so wanted to give a high rating as the staff were so friendly & there was a nice atmosphere.  I organised a surprise get together to celebrate the birthday of a friend, 7 of us in total.  When I phoned to book I was very impressed that I was offered a complimentary banner & party poppers for the table as it was for a celebration!  Was also amazed that I was told it would be perfectly OK to bring my own birthday cake & that they would present it at table & provide plates etc.  The problem was the main ingredient, the food!

Two of us chose Baked Trout stuffed with prawns from the Specials Board, very dry.  Two Rump Steaks, which were requested well done, were also very dry.  The successful choices were Diced Steamed Chicken with Garlic & Herb Butter, Smoked Haddock Wellington & Steak Ale & Mushroom Pie.  The vegetables served included Ratatouille, Swede, Dauphinoise Potatoes & Herb Diced Potatoes.

Several of our party forgot that I had bought the cake & ordered puds!  The girl serving from the excellent sweet trolley was very generous with the portion sizes, those who chose various cheese cakes & flans were overwhelmed!

I had to go & remind them to bring the Birthday Cake.  When they did it was plonked on the table with the candles lit but was not on a plate & I had to go & ask for a knife, plates & forks!  Shame, but they were busy.

Think it is well worth another try!

Cost, with various drinks including 2 bottles of wine: £ £ £ £

Yummy Factor 7/10

Report C. J.