The Vineyard at Stockcross

Despite everything that we'd read and heard about The Vineyard, this as one of the most expensive disappointments of any hotel stay we'd ever had. The venue itself is missing something, it is a bit like an expensively done-out, mid-range Hilton.

We arrived at about 3pm and headed for the spa, wich was a very nice, relaxing and pleasant area. The trouble started when we headed to the bar/restaurant. Our booking was for 9pm, so we deceide on cocktails at 7.30pm. Ordereing a 2nd drink was not easy despite their being a plethora of staff drifting around we waited a good 10 minutes to get the chance to order another. Also the waiter seemed less than happy that we wanted more drinks. This was heightened by another waiter arriving and asking if we wanted to eat earlier, when I said no, he huffed and walked away, nose in the air and in digust.

The someiller was not helpful at all, made a few half hearted suggestions and seemed more interested in selling the hotel's Californian range, which was available to order for home delivery.

The real fun was at dinner, with 2 michelin stars we were really looking forward to enjoying the taster menu. Sadly we had to keep asking for our wine, as the waiter wasn't noticing that our glasses were running low. At one point we were asked if we wanted another bottle whilst still having 3/4 of one left at the waiting station.

We were served our courses in the wrong order and as a result there were some at least 20 minute gaps between courses. After apologies they took the plates away, both of ours, and we waited 15 minutes for a replacement. Apart from 3 of the courses the food wasn't that good, the risotto was divine. Some were cold when they shouldn't have been. At one point the couple on the next table said that it looked like we were having a bad night. They had heard quite a few of the apologies being made to us.

We were the last couple in the restaurant and about 11pm and on a Friday night! The waiter arrived to ask if we wanted any more drinks or coffee. I asked if that was all of the courses, only to be told no, we had one last one left. Which we waited 15 minutes for whilst watching the clean up and setting for breakfast take place.

All in all we were very disappointed with the service and quality of the food. Mistakes can happen it just seemed that we had a catalogue of them.

We would definately not return to this place.
Comment on this reader review

SnG Knox
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Thursday, October 16, 2008

We've just returned from lunch at The Vineyard and have to say the setting is

absolutely stunning. The grounds of the restaurant are simply beautiful and really set the mood before you step foot into the premises.

The staff are friendly and not stuck up or stuffy in any way.

The food i must admit was a slight let down as our mains were under seasoned and my starter was bland. We're willing to forgive these rookie mistakes as they had introduced a new menu that very day so were probably experiencing a few teething problems in the kitchen.

Will we be going back? Can't wait :-)
Comment on this reader review

Mitch & Beejal Desour
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, September 12, 2008