All reader reviews by rentawitch

Belvedere

I have been to the Belvedere on three previous occasions, last Christmas and twice previously for dinner over the last say, six years. Yesterday I went for the early sitting for Sunday lunch.

Our main problem - we were two - was how rushed everything seemed. I know we were first sitting but before we had got our coats off a server was saying 'come with me please'. I said one moment as we were still arranging the coat storage and putting the ticket away.

It is still a lovely room and in the late winter sunshine quite lovely. We were very quickly asked about water but were not offered a wine list! Weird. We debated over our choices with several questions. These were answered politely but I was told that boudin noir was a sauce. The waiter then subsequently rushed back to say it was actually black pudding. One would think the staff should know the menus intimately.

So scallops with black pudding - ok. nice shellfish but not a happy combination. Companion had foie gras which was extremely liver-ey. After the foie gras terrine we had at Whit's on Friday, it was a great disappointment.

Main courses were traditional Sunday roast. My suckling pig was good with excellent crackling. Roast potatoes had been cooked with rosemary but this could be seen but not tasted. Vegetables were properly cooked, cabbage, french beans and mangetout. There was not enough gravy. My companion had the beef. They forgot to offer an accompaniment and mustard had to be requested.

Oh we were offered bread and when we asked what the choices were, got a VERY curt - white or brown.

The sticky toffee pudding with rum and raisin ice cream, was dry in the middle and the sauce seemed thin. Coconut pannacotta was very good but no champagne taste could be detected in the champagne sauce.

Coffee was in a branded cup and not good at all. Very bitter.

We were in and out in 1 hour 40 including a visit to the loo. It took two attempts to request the bill. I am going there again for Christmas lunch with my company. I hope the experience is better mid-week.

The piano player might be a nice touch but it was MUCH TOO LOUD! - although full marks for him playing Jingle Bells along with a toddlers computer toy. :)

Monday, December 06, 2010
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7