Retro Bistrot

Appalling place! Don't be fooled by the alleged flamboyant maitre d'. It's all an act. We had to wait almost an hour for our table that we had pre-booked. When we inquired when it would be available, he was rude, sarcastic and very patronising. Never again.
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0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, December 21, 2011

We have eaten here a few times and always been happy. The last time however was a huge disappointment. We went for a special family occassion. They said they can cater for children - they can't. They offered to put meat from one of the mains - it was lamb or steak on this day - with chips for the children. Smaller portion, no vegetables, sauce or trimmings. When the bill came they had charged the child's meal as an adult meal. They did the same for a single scoop of vanilla ice-cream - they tried to charge the same as one of their fancy puddings. When we disputed these costs, they argued with us and wouldn't budge - unbelievable. The bill was £135 for 2 adults and 2 children. The children drank water and we had a small carafe of wine. A huge amount of money for a very disappointing meal and service - never again.
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2 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Friday, September 02, 2011

Have had yet another wonderful experience at Rétro. Fabrice and Vincent looked after us impeccably, as ever. Food to die for and fantastic wines - even a Brazilian Riesling. Cannot recommond this place enough!
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George MacDonald
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, April 17, 2011

Is there a better out of town bistro? I haven't found it yet.

Start with the Oysters. Followed by lobster and frites and toast the season with the house fizz.

Fantastic service from the effervescent hosts- great place.
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9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Love this restaurant, have been a few times now and is consistently good.

Delicious food in a sophisticated but fun atmosphere.
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rsnmorgan
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, September 23, 2010

Was hungry 3 hours after meal having eaten 3 courses. Food a bit bland and size of servings not very substantial. Size of scallops (starter) and portion of fish (main) miniscule. Have always vowed never to return to a restaurant where I am left feeling hungry after eating a full course meal.
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P L
4 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 2
Sunday, August 01, 2010

First visit to this restaurant last night and was absolutely charmed by the reception, ambiance, versatility of this venue as it hosted a gastro event of champagne, 7 course meal and art display as well as maintaining business as usual in the next room. The staff are very passionate about everything they do and huge compliments to the chef for ensuring hot, well cooked/flavoured beautifully presented dishes (about 50 diners all at one big table - amazing) with ease, hats off to you.

A real treat of food matched with champagnes and wines with expert advice and the owner of the vineyard present to introduce each carefully selected bottle. The flamboyant Vincent ever circling to ensure all our needs were met and the delightful Fabrice who didn't stop smiling all evening. A perfect night.

To read negative comments about this place is sad as I can only praise it to the highest. The decor is wonderful and represents the owner perfectly, unique, fun and decadent with simplicity.

Try it with an open mind.
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Lynda latte
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 03, 2010

Complacency is a dangerous thing in the restaurant world. We've had good food here in the past; this time was very different. A bland pile of prawns in Hellman's was described as "potted" prawns, rillettes was an underseasoned meat paste rather than unctuous shreds of meat preserved in fat, and the fois gras terrine contained precisely 1 sq cm of fois gras.

However it was the main course that had us running for the door. Our steak mignon was a wafer thin slice of beef atop a pile of stone-cold potatoes. Our request for hot ones was met with a sneer and, while my friend and I waited for them to be re-heated, our husbands finished their main courses. When they were eventually returned to us they had been heated to a temperature hotter then the centre of the earth and the liberally applied sauce had turned to cement. Upon complaining again the maitre-de swept over to our table and spat "I don't know where you usually eat, but this is not a sauce it is a reduction and is supposed to be sticky!" So sticky it glues your tongue to the roof of your mouth? The offending (and offensive) plate was left in front of me while he flounced off.

Take my advice and steer clear!
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Teddington Gourmet - View all reviews by this user
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Spectacularly uncomfortable wooden cafe seats. Very draughty near the door. Food good but not adventurous Service brusque. Camp decor..! £19.20 for three glasses of fairly ordinary rose wine . Not a venue I would rush to return to....
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4 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Had a lovely birthday dinner for my huuby here on Tuesday night.

We shared a moules to start had the Chateaubriand and puddings - everything was delicious and even found a wine from Cahors on their list which is where we honeymooned - all perfect. Sadly we were 2 of just 4 customers who braved the foul rain to eat out that night, but the staff were lovely and there when you needed them, but otherwise left you alone.

Great night, will definitely be back!
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ukcannuck
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, March 26, 2010