The Rendezvous

I had lunch here recently: first choice of quiche was not available. Explanation: they had quiches available last week and nobody ordered them so now off the menu (why not cross it off?). Sandwich took quite a long time to come. Other diners had to settle for third choice (scallops also off the menu). It is apparently family-​run and ‘Dad’ was not dressed for company as he was undertaking DIY at the back of the restaurant wearing a scruffy T-​shirt. Much arguing ensued from the kitchen with apparently Mum and daughter joining in. At one stage son went off in a huff (I don’t blame him as he was not being allowed any responsibility for taking orders). He made a very reasonable flat white coffee however. It’s a shame that this café/​restaurant is not living up to its previous existence as Browns.

We visited this Bistro style restaurant on a Saturday night in August. The restaurant had just sent a chef home following an accident, so they were short staffed in the kitchen and this should be taken into account when reading this review. The restaurant itself is small and attractive.
There were two of us dining and we started by ordering a bottle of wine, this exercise drew our attention to an extensive wine list, most of which was not available. I understand the owners are new and changes are being made but how long does it take to type out a new list?
We both ordered scallops in creamy leeks to start, one with black pudding and pancetta, the other without meat. These were well cooked and presented, a good start. Our main courses were Mushroom Risotto (with a side order of chips) and Sea Bass (with asparagus and new potatoes). The Mushroom Risotto was very unusual and not to our taste, the chips tasted of well used oil. The Sea Bass dish was excellent, the fish cooked perfectly.
The service at this Bistro was a little on the amateur side and overly serious but also very funny at times (think Fawlty Towers!).
If the new owners can smooth over the cracks in service, this place has potential.