John Lyne
Google
Well first of all I think a venue talking about being high end and with high end prices should have a high end level of service. Let's start with someone answering the phone to book a table. I got an answer phone message asking me to email reservations and they will get back to me in 24 hours. To be honest not good enough when I am looking for a table the same evening. I am still waiting a response days after. I would expect a high end establishment to have a much better on line presence and booking system, which would at least tell me whether a table is available or not. I would rather know that the answer is 'no table' than be left in limbo. Even with an email system I would expect a response within a much quicker time as emails are virtually instant and can be directed to and checked on any device, so yes I would have expected better.
We were found a table due to someone who did not attend which was great. The service was good. However a word to the wise. I totally accept that locals and regulars are important to any business and you do need to look after them. But please make it less obvious that they are getting a different and better level of service. It was certainly obvious to my table that the tables around me got a little bit extra, extra bread to soak up that sauce, larger portions of the amuse bouche, and offered larger slices of the deserts. This potentially means I am paying more or getting a smaller portion. I absolutely get looking after regulars, but make it much less obvious as it makes you feel inferior, and we may actually be your next regulars and certainly may be an influencer to others.
The food was well cooked and presented if a little pricey. The clams with chorizo peas and Broad beans was very nice although the sauce lacked a bit of depth . The cod was well cooked. The steak was a bit on the small side and a little on the rare side for a medium rare, the sauce a bit over reduced so slightly too salty.
Another issue is the sample menu on the website es and costs vary, but then please update your sample menu on the website to make it more realistic to the actual prices you are currently charging. I think that is only fair to your customers, to ensure you give them a reasonable idea of potential prices.
Not a bad restaurant, but not one I would be running back to.
To others, I would say give it a go for something special, but be aware it is high end prices.