Based on 640 opinions finded in 2 websites
Based on 640 opinions finded in 2 websites
Nº 210 in 512 in Aylesbury Vale
Nº 6 of 7 Other european cuisines in Aylesbury Vale
Opinions
Very good atmosphere with fast service ,the food came in big portion and it was very tasty .The atmosphere is very welcoming .Definitely will come for a visit again !!!
Siyana Petrova . 2024-11-09
MORE AT Google
The food was delicious it came with big proportion .The environment was lovely and the chef and waitress were very polite and provided with care and attention .
kamellia petrova . 2024-11-09
MORE AT Google
Really delicious food,highly recommended…✅✅✅✅✅
The Daniel Streams . 2024-11-09
MORE AT Google
No regrets visiting this restaurant!!!The food was so delicious and in big size .The service was excellent and friendly with fast pace .The environment its very cozy!Will definitely come here again
Lyuben Petrov . 2024-11-09
MORE AT Google
This is a nice venue to eat. Atmosphere is welcoming and comforting. Staff are friendly and attentive, the food is very nice.
Brian Ford . 2024-10-29
MORE AT Google
First time I’ve ever been and I ordered a take away coffee . How can you charge 12.5% service charge to hand a coffee in my hand . I could have gone to Costa and paid less and had a better coffee
Vlad Popescu . 2024-09-22
MORE AT Google
Have been here a few times now and my only complaint is not frequent this hidden gem! The food is cooked fresh to order and delicious. The service comes with a smile and a friendly chat. Will definitely return 😁
laura troll . 2024-09-20
MORE AT Google
Had lovely brunch today. Highly recommend the Eggs Benedict with Avocado and Bacon. We will be back.
Gyulyay Kyamil . 2024-09-13
MORE AT Google
Popped in here for half-price Turkish style pizzas here on Wednesday. Pizzas were OK, not brilliant. The house white wine was excellent and the service was chilled and friendly.
Ganu Gasperoo . 2024-09-05
MORE AT Google
Delicious food, great service, generous portions. We will definitely be back, shame we live so far away or we would be regulars. Very much recommend a visit.
Tom Beer . 2024-09-01
MORE AT Google
Phenomenal food and atmosphere 👌
Andy Smith . 2024-09-01
MORE AT Google
Extremely delicious breakfast and coffee this morning! Very attentive staff. Very polite young boy who was extremely attentive to collecting our plates and drinks etc and asking how the breakfast was. Thank you so much! 😊
Georgina Stamenova . 2024-08-18
MORE AT Google
Avoid at all cost Döner kebap tasted like frozen supermarket stuff heated up in microwave. Terrible food, rude owner, and 20% service charge. Just don’t
O T . 2024-08-15
MORE AT Google
Food is great. Service is perfect. Definitely coming back. Excellent
gerald low . 2024-08-10
MORE AT Google
Avoid at all cost Döner kebap tasted like frozen supermarket stuff heated up in microwave. Terrible food, rude owner, and 20% service charge. Just don’t
Olgun Tiltay . 2024-08-07
MORE AT Google
Nice Turkish restaurant, great atmosphere and very good service . Mainly kebabs and mezzies on the menu , moussaka was nice
Adarmoth . 2024-08-04
MORE AT Google
Dissapointed customer. I ordered a drink by mistake. ( I called it with a different name) and requested to change it ;I overheard the owner of the restaurant commenting negatively on the matter- she appeared rude. Then they charged extra service charge at the end on the top of the bill ,which is illegal..at least be kind ... I would not go back again .
Aurora Active . 2024-07-05
MORE AT Google
Dissapointed customer. I ordered a drink by mistake. ( I called it with a different name) and requested to change it ;I overheard the owner of the restaurant commenting negatively on the matter- she appeared rude. Then they charged extra service charge at the end on the top of the bill ,which is illegal..at least be kind ... I would not go back again .
Aurora A . 2024-07-05
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Visited for brunch with my husband & young daughter, food & service exceptional as always. We always have a wonderful time here, sometimes accompanied by our dog too, who always gets a treat! Eggs, avocado & bacon were beautifully cooked. Crisp cold Beer & Prosecco to finish and an ice cream for our daughter. Warm atmosphere, dog friendly and a good choice of varied dishes. Lovely little tables to sit outside in the sun. A very lovely local restaurant
Caroline Simmons . 2024-06-03
MORE AT Google
Bland and everything was obviously microwaved. Best to avoid and go elsewhere.
Sam . 2024-05-21
MORE AT Google
After a couple of poor meals in the past,it was time to give Istanbul restaurant,Wendover another try. I was dealt with very poorly by the owner when I quiried the bill The 'LADY ' found it acceptable to bring up a disappointment I had with food 2 YEARS AGO ! stating I'm" always complaining "and this is not the right place for you. " Yes 'sherlock' you are quite right !
John Smith . 2024-05-19
MORE AT Google
A terrible birthday experience. Upon arrival we were advised that the lamb dish main on the menu was not available, nor the king prawn dish that had attracted us to visit the restaurant in the first place. We waited a long time for service though the restaurant only had two diners when we had arrived. My starter was supposedly a GF sausage though I question if it really was GF after suffering the consequences after our visit Myself and another in the party had ordered a beef main. When it arrived the beef was very overcooked, dry and hard work; it was as if we were trying to eat our boots. We returned both dishes. On hearing our concerns the waitress was far from helpful. Not expecting chef to work wonders with seemingly a cheap cut of beef, I asked what they could prepare a GF alternative. The waitress suggested a feta salad. I laughed and I asked for a meat alternative. She replied that she didn’t know which options were GF and she tried to hand the menu to me, advising that she “was too busy”. The manager arrived and she too was far from helpful. I am a carnivore and a coeliac and I was told that it would take too long to cook another meat dish - I opted out and I didn’t have a main. My co-diner opted for a pizza alternative. There was no apology, just rudeness. The awkward moment came at the end of the meal when the waitress served the surprise birthday cake that my co-diners had bought me…She opted to serve it to one of my co-diners even though she was well aware that it was me who was celebrating a birthday, in order to avoid having to communicate with me. Appallingly poor service; poor value for money; cafe-style decor. Never again!
Keith Phillips . 2024-05-12
MORE AT Google
Visited 4th may 2024. Had the mezze and a range of additional dishes. Food was v authentic turkish. Well made and turkish wine also. Service was prompt and courteous. Only negative was the number of dogs, but its dog-friendly restaurant, so I guess you accept that.
Christian Harris . 2024-05-05
MORE AT Google
Great Food, Great Service, wasn't a fan of the evil eyes.
Alfie J Gornall . 2024-05-04
MORE AT Google
Very good with amazing large portions.
John Crossland . 2024-04-15
MORE AT Google
Ordered grilled chicken and avocardo salad with chips. Arrived in under 30mins, really nice lady delivered it to door. Super scummy food, plenty for 2 people and very fresh
Katie BANFIELD . 2024-04-07
MORE AT Google
We thought we would give this restaurant another go, once again I was totally underwhelmed, bottle of wine, humous, sausage starter, and a dry doner kebab, and a 12.5% service charge., over £80. This restaurant is doing a disservice to Turkish cuisine.
MinallUK . 2024-03-17
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Went to this lovely little restaurant with my daughter for Mother's Day. Excellent food! Will be back....
Carol Hiscock . 2024-03-10
MORE AT Google
The food was excellent, and the portion size was massive, full of protein, just the job after an 18-mile walk along the Ridgeway from Watlington to Wendover... in winter conditions.
Paul Hartnell . 2024-03-02
MORE AT Google
avoid at all costs this indefinitely not an authentic turkish restaurant the we ordered 2 mixed doner kebab's, these were not make from fresh cooked meat and were frozen and either reheated on a hot plate or in a microwave and had never seen a gyros machine. tasted like fake cheap meat The salad was coleslaw one again no onions, tomatoes, cucumber or cabbage. the bread was half a slice of flatbread not turkish bread or even pitta bread. No hummus or bread while you're waiting and the chilly sauce was from a 5 lite jar not made on site either. The venue really carries noise when we were seated we could hear every word sentence pause and breath the female couple were saying who were 3 metres away. they also added a 12.5% service charge not disclosed on the menu. Also the prices have been increased dramatically from the prices on the menu shown here. We so wanted this to be a nice place and only saving grace was the lovely young waitress who was polite and well spoken.
Joe Cooke . 2024-02-21
MORE AT Google
Amazing service, dog friendly as well!
Sean X . 2024-02-03
MORE AT Google
Great food in a very lovely location. A lot of choice to eat and a wide range which caters for lots of different tastes. Between our group we ordered different breakfasts, wraps and egg dishes - all were really good. Very friendly service. Loved the decor too - spent ages spotting different places around the world on the walls.
Mr T_eacher . 2024-01-03
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Just brilliant staff are lovely
Angela . 2023-12-10
MORE AT Google
Delicious food and dependable service, we highly recommend!
Alice Robinson . 2023-11-19
MORE AT Google
First time here and have to say....WOW. Katie our waitress was 5 star, clear, attentive but not over the top and very good. The food was perfectly present and tasted amazing. Really can't fault our meal tonight at all. We will be back very soon 😃
Lou M . 2023-10-08
MORE AT TripAdvisor
The pizza in this place is out of this world. All the food is amazing though. Very generous portions. Great value for money . Excellent service. We will definitely be returning
Nora457 . 2023-09-02
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Kebab was fine, mixed starter was nice. The burgers were cheap and horrible.
Luke . 2023-07-28
MORE AT Google
£18 for a salad. Decaf coffee was like dishwasher. Shame it used to be a good place.
Kevin Fagan . 2023-07-01
MORE AT Google
Beautiful restaurant. Staff were amazing and friendly. Food was hot & full of flavour. Milkshakes are a must too! Couldn’t fault it at all.
Jessie9999 . 2023-06-18
MORE AT TripAdvisor
I was surprised to see the one star reviews for Istanbul. We ate there twice during a recent visit and both times the food was fresh, well presented and well cooked. The service wax friendly and efficient. Recommended!
Popsiwopsi . 2023-06-05
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Delicious kebab. Huge portions!
Eleanor Manson . 2023-05-14
MORE AT Google
Thanks to the lovely waitress working Saturday 18.03. Restaurant owners lucky to have her.
Kay Chattun . 2023-03-18
MORE AT Google
Had the Chicken Shish Kebab, it was really tasty, staff very friendly and great atmosphere. Only area to improve is they only severed half a wrap. There was loads of chicken and I ordered a extra wrap which the. Really hit the spot! I will be back!
James Rickett . 2023-03-08
MORE AT Google
Very poor service the meals were cold and under cooked also the beer was poured into a warm glass which probably just came out of the dish washer? Id never eat or drink here again. A massive disappointment by all.
Departure28404065514 . 2023-02-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Horrendous. Service was very, very slow. There was only one rather forgetful waitress. When the food finally arrived it was only average. They don't serve scrambled eggs for breakfast and no reason was given.
Jack Foster . 2023-02-05
MORE AT Google
Lovely small restaurant 🏵️ Great service, staff very attentive 😊
Nix . 2023-02-05
MORE AT Google
Excellent. Top quality, authentic tasting food. Generous portions - hot and fast service. Excellent waitress - professional, genuine and friendly but not gushy. Well organised. Great atmosphere and sufficiently informal. Looking forward to next visit.
Tom Harrison . 2023-01-14
MORE AT Google
Great restaurant with nice menu options. Would go again and try kebab with rice dishes next time. Thanks.
MRA 13 . 2023-01-08
MORE AT Google
Amazing food, friendly atmosphere and reasonable price. Well worth a visit.
Neil Spencer . 2023-01-01
MORE AT Google
Okay service , food was not good, tables were dirty , there was hair in my food. Would Not recommend
Aleksandr Popov . 2022-12-19
MORE AT Google
You should be careful eating here, owned by dishonest people. Food is stored in disgusting containers , no hygiene what so ever!
Rebecca Eternally . 2022-12-04
MORE AT Google
If you see how they store their food , you will run a mile. They store all their food in a dirty shed in the garden , in dirty containers with rats. You will be sick if you eat here, the food will make you sick! You have been warned.
Sherry Sherry . 2022-12-04
MORE AT Google
Just love it. My favourite spot in Wendover to eat. As the best expresso coffee I've ever had in England. The food is amazing, good portions and price accordingly. The staff is very nice always there to help you and give the best advice in terms of what you can expect about the food. The owners of the restaurant are absolutely amazing. Recommend it 🙂
Hugo Silva . 2022-12-01
MORE AT Google
Our family of five loves this place! The kids really enjoyed the pita and hummus and their kids meals and my wife and I loved the sampler that we got a second serving of hummus and halloumi. I would 10/10 recommend.
Peter Yusckat . 2022-11-29
MORE AT Google
Nice Turkish restaurant offering good food and a friendly service
Nathan Higgins . 2022-10-01
MORE AT Google
Service was fabulous but food was disappointing and price did not reflect quality. Vegetarian main dish option was not available.
P8516AJelizabethw . 2022-09-22
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Good service and the portions are huge. Pizza night on a Wednesday is a particular favourite.
Graeme Lewin . 2022-09-15
MORE AT Google
Great food & excellent service in a lovely cosy environment...
Mickey Pardamec . 2022-08-21
MORE AT Google
Popped in for lunch Sunday. I had lamb (mutton) and rice, my wife Chicken and rice Kebabs with (flat) lemonade (flat even after being replaced) £49... Very poor quality, lamb was as I mutton and my wife's chicken not a lot better. Won't be eating there again.
David Bedford . 2022-08-21
MORE AT Google
Good food ,great service, good value.
Graham Ford . 2022-08-14
MORE AT Google
Good food in a gorgeous village
Didier Debae . 2022-08-09
MORE AT Google
The food was amazing, the staff were like family. Portion sizes were huge. You need to visit here and try the menu. You will not be disappointed!
Philip J . 2022-07-20
MORE AT TripAdvisor
The service was top notch. I just can’t wait to be here again with the rest of my family. The place is very nice beautiful and will not hesitate to recommend to anyone. It’s a must place to be with friends and family.
princeo821 . 2022-07-20
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Class food pizza was great and customer service was on point, recommend to go
rory dixon . 2022-07-20
MORE AT Google
Went here for something a bit different from our usual fair and wasn't disappointed. Food was good and the staff knowledgeable and helpful. The menu was very comprehensive and there is something to suit almost any taste.
Ian Roberts . 2022-07-13
MORE AT Google
Good food fair prices and friendly staff. Nice atmosphere
Stephen Trace . 2022-05-29
MORE AT Google
Visited with my daughter for a lunchtime treat. My glass of beer came straight away but had to wait 10 minutes for her banana milkshake. Sadly her burger was poor quality, our halloumi was deep fried in what I suspect was overused oil (unpleasant taste) and the Turkish sausage was undercooked in the middle. We were served a generous portion of chips but they were clearly from frozen and the ketchup was the poor quality cheap stuff you usually find in motorway service stations that had been pumped into an old plastic Heinze squeezy bottle. I should have known better as the state of the menu was a big red flag with dreary plastic sleeves and bad photography. If a restaurant doesn't care about its menu then it's not going to care about its food!
Row J . 2022-05-27
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Amazing food, fabulous atmosphere. The staff were very helpful, attentive, and accommodating. Besides a few well known favourites, the menu was not your run of the mill flavours, but they fit with the Turkish theme. The portions were generous and piping hot. We had pizza, halloumi, and coffee, all of which I highly recommend. Price was ££, but a lovely evening out. I really liked that they also had a small selection of board games and we had a lot of fun trying a few out.
Erica Ashton-Smith . 2022-05-14
MORE AT Google
Went for dinner and it was great. The staff were friendly and the service was good. Had a nice atmosphere, people coming and going. You can collect takeaway from here too. The portion sizes were big so be prepared and everything was cooked and flavoured really well. Will visit again. Did notice they do pizzas and on Wednesday’s it’s 50% off…
Alex Jackson . 2022-04-23
MORE AT Google
Friendly welcome and nice decor. Tasty Full English breakfast just a bit pricey.
Joshua Fernie . 2022-04-22
MORE AT Google
we had the lamb and the mix donner and the portions were enormous. food was pretty good too for a small village grill.
Omar Aziz . 2022-04-21
MORE AT Google
Really pleased with our meal, the owners to their credit are trying different initiatives to attract customers, most other reviews seem to be positive.
MinallUK . 2022-04-20
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Booked in a last minute table for 25 on a Friday night and we had a great time. Katie and Lauren served us and were brilliant. The food was lovely and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Thanks for the memories
878eliash . 2022-03-26
MORE AT TripAdvisor
First time eating here would highly recommend that you try this place. We went Sunday evening food was amazing really tasty and really filling also came really quick, was greeted by a lovely waitress who looked after us for the whole evening and was very good at what she did. There is a lovely atmosphere in the restaurant and it is very clean, will definitely be back again, thank you Istanbul 😊
Carlene Carter . 2022-03-21
MORE AT Google
Phoned from Wendover whilst out and the staff kindly found us a slot. Table for 6. Staff were very helpful and food was amazing. Great food to end a great night.
howiepumpkin . 2022-03-09
MORE AT TripAdvisor
I called in for a coffee and sandwich on 24th February. Ordered a tea and a cheese and ham toastie. The cafe was very busy but staff were attentive and service was fairly quick considering. As soon as my sandwich was delivered I noticed that the crust on the bread was covered in green mould spots. Staff replaced it straight away but Im left wondering if mouldy bread can be served what care is given to other food standards?
GrahamB1754 . 2022-02-28
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Good authentic Turkish food. Lively atmosphere and attentive staff.
Dave Perkes . 2022-02-28
MORE AT Google
Ordered a mega burger for lunch and it was amazing! The food arrived quickly and tasted amazing, and the waitress who served me was nice. If you're looking for a filling lunch, this is the place to go! Update: The dessert was just as nice as the main course! I highly recommend this place!
Kai Fautley . 2022-02-17
MORE AT Google
Calamari was very tough and rubbery to eat. I had rust on my coke bottle. However the Lamb chops were good. | Visited a second time. Pizza was amazing. Didnt have any rust on my coke bottle which was good.
Liberatorgamer . 2022-02-16
MORE AT Google
Excellent service and delicious food definitely would recommend
ilhan beysimov . 2022-02-13
MORE AT Google
I only recently found this lovely place and WHAT A FIND! Fantastic vegetarian and vegan options, good value and lovely Turkish tea. I will definitely be returning :-)
Garrett P . 2021-12-29
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Ordered a Chicken Shish Wrap with chips, salad, cheese and garlic sauce. Ordered Oreo cheesecake for dessert but they were out, the restaurant phoned me straight away to say they didn't have any and if I wanted them to replace e it with something delicious. I said yes and was not disappointed. Not sure what it was but had chocolate and cream and went down a treat. The wrap was amazing too, could have fed two of us. I ordered online through their website and it was straigh forward. Although they pre warn and say the delivery would take an hour, my food was there within 20 mins. Absolutely delicious. Would absolutely recommend and will be ordering again. Didn't take any photos cause I was enjoying it so much.
Kelly Loder . 2021-12-09
MORE AT Google
Firstly the menu on the website is 2 years out of date, and not what's currently available. Nice small restaurant and nice friendly staff. I was a little bit disappointed with the menu, wide selection of starters. Mains choice chicken or lamb kebab shish/kofta and...
A5740OHdavidd . 2021-12-05
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Very nice small restaurant with attentive polite staff. The food was very nice and arrived in good time.
garyhO3133RC . 2021-11-22
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Booked a Sunday lunchtime appointment for 4 of us. One of our party is Gluten intolerant and was dealt with very well with a huge serving of delicious chicken wings & rice. The rest of us shared a meze platter and a selection of starters, all freshly prepared. Very impressed with the food, attentive - but not intrusive - service and surroundings. Recommended!
Gary Walton . 2021-11-22
MORE AT Google
Incredible food and service. Staff are so friendly and accommodating. And the food was delicious
L B . 2021-11-20
MORE AT Google
Some of the best food out there, especially the Special Double Chicken burger
Umar Akhtar . 2021-11-20
MORE AT Google
I'd highly recommend this place for a great breakfast spot! I stumbled across it on my first trip to Wendover and the service was outstanding! I felt very welcomed and the owner Sevgi was incredibly friendly giving me further advice about other local spots to check out. I stayed for many hours after doing work and ordering more tea and cake. Great small business to support - check it out!! :)
Nayani Anpalagan . 2021-11-14
MORE AT Google
Wonderful food for a late lunch today, superb portions, good value for money and lovely service, highly recommended
Rachel H . 2021-11-07
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We’ve eaten there a couple times and had takeaway too but I have never been impressed by the food nor the service. Once my meat portion was small but flavoursome and the last time the meat portion was big but bland. I feel that the...
JOre666z . 2021-11-01
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Visited here as a couple on a Saturday night, very friendly and welcoming owners and staff, we were showed to a lovely candlelit table, temperature perfect inside for a chilly October evening, light background music playing, very nice atmosphere and interiors. Ordered a halloumi starter,...
887Caroline . 2021-10-30
MORE AT TripAdvisor
The food was very oily but okay; very overpriced for what it was. Waitresses were inexperienced, didn’t pour wine and charged us extra for pitta bread when there wasn’t enough for the dip. The reason for the 1 star is the restaurant is clearly being...
SueperFoodie . 2021-10-23
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We had visited the area for a small break away and were recommended this restaurant. It has super friendly staff, a really friendly atmosphere and Huge portions. The Istanbul meat feast pizza was one of the tasties pizzas I've had in years, the shared Meze platter was great too (especially the beef sausage, falafel and hummus). Highly recommended.
Chris L . 2021-10-19
MORE AT Google
A friend and I went for dinner on a Friday evening, they were busy with takeaways and sit in diners but we had really good, friendly service throughout. Our food was brought quickly and was very nice. I would go again.
Gillian N . 2021-10-17
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We visited this restaurant for a hen do bottomless brunch celebration - the food was delicious, great service and lovely atmosphere. Will definitely be visiting again. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had the best time.
katiemN9509JQ . 2021-10-17
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We went to Istanbul Meze & Grill Bar for a hen do and had an amazing time. The brunch was delicious and the service was outstanding. The staff went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. We would definitely go back again!
Hannah Hornby . 2021-10-17
MORE AT Google
Most un-impressed, my wife & I arrived and were shown to our table, we chose our meals and waited. First of all in another area of the restaurant was a larger party who were shouting at each other at the top of their voices, the...
ianc169 . 2021-10-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Delicious food and friendly staff
Ivan Panev . 2021-10-05
MORE AT Google
Not good enough. Bland and mostly tasteless, uninspired food; the moussaka was awful, the salad was dry and certainly not fresh. Strange menu with lots of British oven food like chicken nuggets and chips (not so much Turkish). Also very pricy for what it is! Their desserts are perhaps the only somewhat strong point (baklava). The décor is okay, but there's ornaments and items from various parts of the world displayed that isn't in keeping with the theme of Turkey whatsoever. Felt like their own house with personal items strewn everywhere. They also don't seem to have purchased licensing rights to play regular music produced by original artists, so there was a string of (often bad) cover pop songs being played. I'd have liked to have heard some authentic Turkish music. The service seemed okay, but they shouldn't be serving anyone until this place gets an overhaul. I strongly suspect many of the positive reviews have been faked for this place. I understand they don't want their business to go under, but I'd rather they took steps to improve the restaurant than depend on misleading Google reviews to take advantage of people passing through Wendover. Another warning sign is how the restaurant owners treat negative reviews. If you scroll through the negative reviews you'll see them commenting on several accusing them of “trying to take us down”. It's utterly juvenile and a sign the management is in denial about its shortcomings.
Tom Bombadil . 2021-09-26
MORE AT Google
Although the service was very good the food was very poor. I ordered the grilled prawns, 3 prawns for £20!, which would have been ok if they were edible. The prawns were overdone, rubbery and tasteless. I tried one and left the remainder. I admit...
Shelley G . 2021-09-24
MORE AT TripAdvisor
These schedules may not be completely accurate on special days. Please always confirm with the restaurant
Similary restaurants in South East
1018 Opinions
Absolutely loved my stay at this beautiful hotel, only wish it was longer
164 Opinions
Amazing portuguese culture hub, great food and drinks. Staff friendly.
1307 Opinions
1671 Opinions
Wow! I thought serious food at lunch like this had pretty much died out! Stepped through the door for a pint of Greene King IPA with a friend and decided to stay for lunch. Interior is clean and simple with an extensive well-lit dining room but I preferred to take a table in the bar. On Thursday lunchtime, it's unlikely to be packed but even so a couple of tables of appreciative regulars were in place. The service is impeccable, helpful and knowledgeable. Rarely use the term 'gastro pub' but if that's a place that turns out great food and can keep beer well, then, this is it. I did linger over the wine list but was driving so couldn't be tempted to even a decent fino sherry to start or a glass of the excellent Hungarian dry tokai or a bottle from the impressive list on clarets. The evident quality of the produce and the fact that local suppliers for beef, game and poultry inter alia, get star billing is a major tick of approval in my book. Enough of me blathering. After an amuse-bouche of pumpkin soup topped with a spiced oil which really hit the spot, my starter of confit pork belly - caramelised underneath with a layer of crispy crackling on top - with herbs, microgreens, apple and vibrant dashi stock was one of the best starters I've had in a very long time. My guest's spiced chicken was similarly impressive and kept this curry fanatic very happy with it's nod to the enduringly popular chicken tikka masala. Sadly, it was a quick lunch or we would have tried the prawn cocktail in savoury cornet and the venison dish from the snacks list as well. I have to admit lasagna rarely sets my pulse rating on a menu. I'm pleased that the unusual combination of pine nuts, aubergine and sage 'reeled me' in but was still not prepared for the rich, highly flavoured stack with which I was presented. A momentary doubt that it might be a bit dry was immediately corrected by the addition, at table, of a fabulous cheese sauce closely followed by another which resembled more a pesto than a sauce. These together with deep fried sage leaves completed what amounted to a substantial dish. The control of ingredients and exact techniques of this kitchen were also on show with lamb main course chosen by my guest. Can't say much more because my concentration was taken up with my lasagna! Would have loved to have tried either the cheeses or one of the magnificent puddings on offer but time did not allow. I ear-wigged from a conversation with the manager on another table that the kitchen here has five chefs at lunch on a week day; seven in the evening! That's an investment in quality and technique that one is rarely confronted by nowadays when you call in a for a casual lunch. Great food, great pub setting, wonderful service. The two or three course lunch menu also represents great value in these uncertain times. I shall be back!