Sitting on its laurels
October 09, 2008
Just to prick the balloon of self-satisfaction that hovers over this beautiful gastro pub (Formosa Dining Rooms), I can remember when it was a run down old pub with ancient patrons, grotty carpet and the landlord had a sheepdog that ran around, unchecked, p*ssing on the table legs. And that's a bit how I felt last time I ate here. I'd telephoned the booking and the young lady I spoke to sounded switched on enough, but when I turned up with friends there was no record of my booking. After that bad start and having to fork out for a round of drinks while standing waiting in the crowded bar for nearly an hour, both the food and the service fell short. The acoustics aren't good, so it gets very noisy, and there was a table of shrieking women nearby; the waiter seemed to want to be our best friend rather than provide any useful service; the wine was corked (oh, yes it was!) and it took an argument before the manager admitted they'd already had problems with that particular batch of wine and brought a replacement; and the food was simply... bland. On that basis, and despite the lovely decor and great location, I can't really recommend this place.
Tags: cuisine: gastro pub
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