Review by Mike Conyers, 2006-08-18 Rating:
Staying at the splendid Royal Garden Hotel, we dined as a chance 2 on a balmy August evening and chose to dine inside as opposed to outside - that was a mistake!
There is a large parrot allowed to hop about on top of its cage inside the restaurant and every now and again the parrot emits an ear shattering screech. The accompanying litter tray is in full view - not very appetising.
We were seated next to a couple who choreographed their meal with regular breaks for smoking, talking on the 'phone (not to each other) and/or kiising the face of each other (as they say in Glasgow). The sooner they pass a complete "no smoking" ban the better - I don't mind the kissing bit - she was quite attractive (I did not pay much attention to him).
Service is prompt and reasonably efficient but many of the items on the menu were not available and both mains originally ordered had to be changed.
The starter of liver pate was home made, OK and in minute quantity (£7) - there is also a £1 charge for bread and butter.
The fresh pasta mains were adequately cooked and reasonably tasty but with small portions.
The wine chosen was a different vintage from that on the list. (Valpolicella Classico Superior, 2004 as opposed to 2003 - £17.50)
The meal for two with wine (2 starters, 2 mains, 1 cheese, 4 ports at £6.75 each) came to £97.80 with service of £12.25 automatically added to the bill.
The meal was generally OK, the company was good but I would not rush back.
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