Chef & Brewer Review

Overall Rating

I recently invited some relatives and friends for an evening meal celebrating my wife's birthday at chef and brewer.

As there was 14 of us I had to pre-order,giving 14 days notice, which I did. The order was on a spreadsheet explaining all that was required so nothing could go wrong - (WRONG!). At some time the Management rang me asking for the pre-order which had been submitted in person by me a week previously, at this point I should have realised that this was not going to go well. However, I assumed that this was a minor "glitch" as in previous years I have had some excellent meals there (I assume pre "Chef & Brewer" days).

On the evening they got an order wrong, mine, and I had to wait approximately 15 minutes whilst everyone were eating theirs.

When my meal did arrive at the table some of the potatoes were BLACK, a couple of the carrots were discoloured, the bacon wrapped chicken with mozzarella cheese must have been "blitzed" in the microwave then cut in half, probably to see if it was cooked, where it should have been presented as a whole wrapped chicken portion.

My meal should have not left the kitchen, except for the swill bin.

Further complaints:
1. Cold vegetables.
2. No asparagus in the "Asparagus, brie and mushroom pie.
3. Poor quality steak.
4. The apple in the Apple Crumble resemble a mushed baby food.
5. Had to keep asking for sauces etc which should have been offered.
6. Poorly stocked bar.
7. Dirty curtains and general shabbiness of the restaurant.
8. A remark made by one of the waiting staff regarding the kitchen staff was not very inspiring.
9. The bill was approximately £30 over the prices stated on the current menu and had to be adjusted.

My last visit some years ago the restaurant had an excellent and professionally cooked menu.

In conclusion, a poorly kept, poorly managed venue both public side and kitchen/bar side. This venue has deteriorated over a period of time.
Drastic action is needed to bring this venue back to an acceptable standard. I tried not to give any rating stars but the fields are mandatory unfortunately. I would not recommend this place to anyone - avoid like the plague.

I would not even accept complimentary tickets - I would regard it as an insult.