The Garden Restaurant in Winchester

A perfect spot for a leisurely lunch. In fairness, this hotel has been part of my family's celebrations, gatherings, weddings etc (through multiple hotel owners and chains) since about 1973. We keep coming back. Excellent staff, knowledgeable and helpful. Sunday lunch 12MAY2024.

Went for Christmas dinner and while the staff is lovely the service was poor. A lack of organisation was obvious and people throughout the room was sharing comments and confusion. Sat at our table and within seconds they had brought the starters. It took close to half an hour to get someone's attention and ask for the complimentary drink we were supposed to have at the bar area 🤷🏻‍♀️ Very quickly we noticed what was happening at our table was happening all around. The food was ok. Between the starter being finished and the main arriving there was a bit more than 1h which was also a common theme in the room. Overall that was quite a confusing and disorganised atmosphere which doesn't make you want to come back.

It is a lovely setting, the staff were friendly and welcoming, leaving us alone to enjoy our afternoon tea. We would have appreciated being asked if we wanted water,  or indeed anything else though. It was a far from generous afternoon tea, the normal 4 sandwich fingers (nothing spectacular there), 1 average size scone (decent amount of clotted cream), 1 small finger of carrot cake (delicious), 1 profitterol  and a small piece of brownie. I didn't feel full afterwards unlike with pretty much every afternoon tea I have ever had. It wasn't unpleasant but I won't be going again.

Awesome food and friendly service.