Is anywhere better than Stovell's? (old Cloche Hat, Chobham)
Discussion
Thought id bump this up.
Went to Stovell's last night for our 10th anniversary on the basis of this thread/tripadvisor reviews.
Soo disappointed, especially on such an important occasion
Firstly, it took an age to get the food/drinks menu upon arrival, then they didnt have the starter that Sarah wanted. The crab she chose instead was bland/too cold, my deer was ok, but a bit meh. Mains, rabbit was ok, duck was nice, but the presentation was pretty naff imho - some meat chucked on some veg, not exactly "wow". Drinks wise, our "tap" water was diluted with sparkling upon the 2nd fill, making it undrinkable. Naturally we were then charged for sparkling at the end. Lots of waiting around in between each course, crumbs only cleaned away at the end of the meal, generally fairly slow service. Other diners appeared to be served incorrect meals, so i guess we did quite well in that respect.
We had planned to go for a desert, but in the end, decided to call it a night & just get the bill. £100 never felt like so much money. Having been to Petrus in London for our last "posh" meal (similar cost as we went for lunch), Stovell's wasnt on that level at all unfortunately. In fact, id say that we prefer our local pub, 2 courses & drinks for £30 with our gourmet society card.
Went to Stovell's last night for our 10th anniversary on the basis of this thread/tripadvisor reviews.
Soo disappointed, especially on such an important occasion
Firstly, it took an age to get the food/drinks menu upon arrival, then they didnt have the starter that Sarah wanted. The crab she chose instead was bland/too cold, my deer was ok, but a bit meh. Mains, rabbit was ok, duck was nice, but the presentation was pretty naff imho - some meat chucked on some veg, not exactly "wow". Drinks wise, our "tap" water was diluted with sparkling upon the 2nd fill, making it undrinkable. Naturally we were then charged for sparkling at the end. Lots of waiting around in between each course, crumbs only cleaned away at the end of the meal, generally fairly slow service. Other diners appeared to be served incorrect meals, so i guess we did quite well in that respect.
We had planned to go for a desert, but in the end, decided to call it a night & just get the bill. £100 never felt like so much money. Having been to Petrus in London for our last "posh" meal (similar cost as we went for lunch), Stovell's wasnt on that level at all unfortunately. In fact, id say that we prefer our local pub, 2 courses & drinks for £30 with our gourmet society card.
Made a second visit to Stovell's a couple of weekends ago to celebrate an anniversary with the Mrs. Sorry to report it was nowhere near as good as the first. No greeting, took 40 minutes to get a drink in the bar (although, when they arrived, the cocktails were good), good starters, dull mains, service pretty dismal (new recruit, I think, but he didn't know the menu). Overall, distinctly mediocre. First visit was amazing though so will go again; don't need it to be as good as the first visit but if it's like the second, won't be rushing back.
As a result of this thread alone, I have cancelled my booking and instead we are going to Bluebells.
I have Cloche Hatted before, both times were good, expensive, but just about justified.
I am intruiged by Bluebells, as it seems so consistent, unlike Stovells / Cloche - which always seems to get random opinions.
I have Cloche Hatted before, both times were good, expensive, but just about justified.
I am intruiged by Bluebells, as it seems so consistent, unlike Stovells / Cloche - which always seems to get random opinions.
We knocked '39 on the quay' on the head after reading some recent reviews and rumours of them losing their Michelin star for 2015.
Instead we visited the Bugle Inn in Twyford, just outside Winchester last night. More posh pub than fine dining but food was excellent. Decent menu, service was good, not too rushed and food was excellent. 3 courses each plus a couple of drinks came to £82 for the 2 of us. Ididn'tthink was too bad.
Meat is sourced from Laverstoke Park, fish is locally caught. Chateaubriand was £62 for 2', duck liver parfait starter was to die for, and the trio choc desert was almost too rich, but a perfect end
Would highly recommend it as a casual place to go for decent food
Instead we visited the Bugle Inn in Twyford, just outside Winchester last night. More posh pub than fine dining but food was excellent. Decent menu, service was good, not too rushed and food was excellent. 3 courses each plus a couple of drinks came to £82 for the 2 of us. Ididn'tthink was too bad.
Meat is sourced from Laverstoke Park, fish is locally caught. Chateaubriand was £62 for 2', duck liver parfait starter was to die for, and the trio choc desert was almost too rich, but a perfect end
Would highly recommend it as a casual place to go for decent food
Edited by mattman on Saturday 6th December 22:10
mattman said:
More posh pub than fine dining but food was excellent. Decent menu, service was good, not too rushed and food was excellent. 3 courses each plus a couple of drinks came to £82 for the 2 of us. I didn't think was too bad.
Would highly recommend it as a casual place to go for decent food
Similar to the Shurlock Inn in Shurlock Row between Binfield and Twyford in Berks, highly recommend it! All fresh locally sourced food, menu changes every couple of months and it's owned and run by a number of local residents and staff - so they really care!Would highly recommend it as a casual place to go for decent food
spurs coupe said:
Went to the anchor in Ripley last night, I believe it is run by someone from Drakes.
Food was great, came to a fairly pricey £85 for the pair of us, not much alcohol consumed and shared a dessert.
Will be going back
One thing I can say when Chris did the refurbishment the drains had a good clean and CCTV inspection Food was great, came to a fairly pricey £85 for the pair of us, not much alcohol consumed and shared a dessert.
Will be going back
cant vouch for the food as by the time I leave the Ship its far too late.
spurs coupe said:
Went to the anchor in Ripley last night, I believe it is run by someone from Drakes.
Food was great, came to a fairly pricey £85 for the pair of us, not much alcohol consumed and shared a dessert.
Went there a couple of weeks ago. Good quality but high prices for small portions.Food was great, came to a fairly pricey £85 for the pair of us, not much alcohol consumed and shared a dessert.
Can recommend Queens Head in East Clandon.
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