All reader reviews by Alan Martin

Oporto

Sorry to start on a bad note with this establishment.

We, we decided to go for a "brunch" at about 1.30pm on Sunday. Parked nearby, and it wasn't crowded - with a few people inside and a few people sitting outside.

We seated ourselves and the waiter attended fairly promptly with his "pad". Trouble was, there was no sign of any menus - so perhaps we were meant to make our decision on the one by the main entrance door.

I politely asked to see a menu and the waiter grabbed one from a nearby chair and sort of dropped it on the table - that's what it seemed like - it wasn't handed to me.

He came back five minutes or so later - which was fine and took the order for 2 x Oporto Special All Day Breakfast.

"No coffee" he said abruptly. "We have no coffee today" (repeat). So we asked for tea instead. No hint of "can I get you something else?", or "we won't charge for it". Off he went.

The order arrived - absolutely fine - a good large portion of breakfast and quality ingredients, nicely cooked, no complaints about that at all. Lovely freshly squeezed juice.

All I am complaining about is the attitude of the waiter (who I think was the manager too). He was quite abrupt and impolite; certainly didn't make us feel welcome.

We only "overheard" in a later conversation that the coffee machine had broken down. He hadn't bothered to explain that to us.

£15 is over the odds for a brunch (x2) - there's better value and certainly better manners elsewhere. I do wish The Walpole had been open!.

The bill stated "Service not included" - that was so true!.

We will not go back again.

Sunday, May 03, 2009
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6