Reviews by missg

Mandeville Hotel (Hotel)
15 October 2006

We had a good deal via Expedia, on the ever-worrying basis of 'room allocated on arrival'. Room was fairly small, but well laid out and clean. (Strangely the only mirror was in the bathroom.) The decor is rather confused, as the room styling was a mix of urban chic, art deco and 'fin de siecle' glam.

All was well until we were asked to sign for our 2nd (inclusive) very average breakfast. This was eventually resolved, but clearly not to the hotel's satisfaction. Although this is a well located, clean and tidy hotel (with an excellent concierge), I'm not sure we'd go back. The De Ville restaurant, however, was superb and I would thoroughly recommend it.

Roast (Restaurant)
15 October 2006

I chose Roast on the recommendation of a friend. I booked online, but guess what, no record of the booking when we arrived. Fortunately I had the email confirmation and the hostess was apologetic. After a short wait in the bar area, we were seated at a distant table. Initially I wasn't too happy about this, since my email had asked for a good table as we were having a very special celebration. However, our waiter was excellent and at least we didn't have people constantly walking past us.

Starters of pilchards and Parma-style British ham arrived promptly and were tasty. Mains of roast chicken and beef wellington followed soon after. These portions were very generous and neither of us could finish our meals. Eventually space was found for a very tasty apple crumble.

At some point toward the end of the meal, my husband told the waiter that this had been to celebrate my birthday and that there had been no record of the reservation. Wheels turned, both the hostess and the manager apologised profusely and gave us complementary glasses of bubbly.

Although the food was good, I wouldn't say it was outstanding. Would I go again? Probably not.