The Athenaeum

Booked the 50% off food offer, requiring us to book a table after 9.30pm. This was not a pleasurable experience. The quality of the food was average and not as good as expected. The big let down was the service. The waitress seemed to be unhappy with our 9.30 booking and was more interested in what was going on in the bar area than in providing good service. She didn't like the fact that we didn't take the bottled Hildon water at approximately £6 per bottle and her response to me pouring my own wine at one stage was 'oh my god'. She also came very close to spilling food over my wife's dress.

All in all- a disappointment, especially as this was my 50th birthday meal and we were staying at the hotel. When my wife conveyed our disappointment to the hotel staff, they provided recompense in the form of not charging us for breakfast the following morning.
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D Roberts
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 5
Saturday, May 14, 2011

Went here for a hen day girlie lunch on saturday and had a great experience.

The decor is safe and comfortably posh, although lacking a bit of personality.

With the lunchtime offer, the price was worth it. The food was OK, nice enough, good presentation, but nothing to write home about.

What really stood out for us was the outstanding friendliness and helpfulness of the staff! They were accomodating and understanding even when certain members of our party were late.. very late!

Complimentary water, coffee and truffles was a nice touch!

Thanks so much to the staff who made it an extra special experience for the bride to be :)
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Cherry - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, July 13, 2010