Oriel review by John Scott
Went at 3.30 this afternoon. I frankly just wanted a simple steak and chips. Arrived and was sat promptly and them waited....waited...etc. 10 mins later (and I appreciate the fact that it's handover time) a waiter arrived and took my order. He had no pen, paper/pad. I immediately thought of 'Michael Winner' who always maintains that he will only give an order to a waiter with a pad as they usually get it very wrong without one. I was tempted to say to the culprit "please write it down!" but I gave him the benefit. I ordered a crab salad followed by Entrecote steak, frites and a beer.
I was not dissapointed. Having opened my paper I waited and waited. Nothing happened. I concentrated on my paper. Staff arrived and chatted at the bar. Let's not be harsh I thought and read a few more pages. Starter arrived . Loads of crab (white meat) with rocket, garlic flavoured beans.
It was good. I asked the waiter for my beer. It was not my waiter but he was the deliverer. He consulted my waiter who was chatting in a corner and delivered my beer confiding in me that I would not be charged. That was nice.
My plate was cleared and I continued to read. Wait not long now. My steak was delivered by the plump French receptionist who had first welcomed me.
"That's a nice piece of steak" she said as I contemplated the tough lukewarm looking peice of flesh which accompanied the undercooked edge blackened chips. You know the ones; soggy on the inside and undercooked but blackened on the out.
"Really" I replied; "I'm not so sure", meaning I didn't want the input , comment or advice as I've eaten enough steaks in my life to judge a good one all by my little self.
"It is excellent" she replied,"I would never allow my customers get a bad steak!"
I proceeded to cut around the gristely bits and consumed the more giving parts. Across from me another couple was negotiating a similarly treacherous task as they attempted to get the attention of a person who cared.
I pushed plate to one side with cutlery together to signify I was finished and continued to re-read my paper.
My waiter and the Manageress continued to pass my table. Nothing was cleared.
I read more... still nothing as they continued to troop backwards and forewards.
I wanted the bill and eventuall raised my voice to get the attention of waiter and asked for the bill. Still more time elapsed as staff chatted and argued.
It is the only time in my life where I have been tempted to walk out of a restaurant without paying. I couldn't as they still had my card?! ..
I signed it; (didn't think they could take youre card away for 10 minutes with a chip & pin yet alone have to sign). Strange. I waited for my receipt......
I walked out. Maybe I shouldn't have.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Overall rating 
Food 4 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 4
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