The food was okay, but quite overpriced for what it is. Very disappointed that the Beef and Guinness pie was ground beef - for the price I expected to be at least roast beef.
The fish and chips were average - the fish itself was fine, however the chips were quite good.
The Scotch egg was the best thing we had. The Welsh Rarebit was good.
I was most exited to try the sticky toffee pudding, but it arrived with the ice cream half melted already. The flavor was almost bitter and I couldn't tell if it was the stout in the caramel or if the caramel was burned, but it also had a flavor of too much clove... the flavor was confusing, and to be honest, it wasn't very good in my opinion.
What's really off about this restaurant is that it presents itself as a higher class of dining (still or sparkling water to start; menus printed daily; fresh cutlery with each course; dedicated food runners; etc.) yet their waitstaff lack the most basic of training.
My sever approached me to order while my companion was in the restroom (I should have taken that as a sign.) Upon ordering, I asked if we could order a Cesar salad instead of the Baby gem (the Cesar salad was a composed side for the Chicken Kiev, but not offered individually in the menu). They could accommodate - great!
I also specifically asked that the salad arrive AFTER the appetizers and BEFORE the entrees. My companion and I were at a small 2 top table, and with the salt and pepper grinders, lamp, bottle of water, water glasses, additional beverages, and side plates - I did not want to navigate an extremely full table.
After we finished our appetizers, our server replaced our silverware and mentioned we needed them for our entrees, and at that time I said " for the salad, too" and she agreed and acknowledged me.
So we waited, and waited, and the sever never even returned to ask us if we wanted another beverage; my cocktail glass was empty and sat on the table.
I flagged our server down to ask about the salad, and she said it was going to come with the entrees. I asked her to "please bring the salad before the entrees" (as I had originally requested upon ordering) - and she all but told me no.
Shortly after our entrees arrived, they THEN they brought over the salad.
I would LOVE for someone to explain to me why it's an unreasonable request to want to receive a salad before our entrees. This is one of the dumbest things I have ever encountered at this style of restaurant. Is there some sort of British rule where you can't have a salad in between appetizers and entrees? Was there an issue with the kitchen not wanting to release the salad for some dumb reason? Was the server too embarrassed or scared to call for the salad? Has the gal ever even worked in a real restaurant before?
Dingles wasn't even at capacity on a Saturday evening, as if a full restaurant would be an excuse for such a small and normal request. We were sat by the entrance and I saw several parties sat at tables right away. (I pay attention in restaurants.)
THEN, after our server basically told us no about the salad request, THE HOSTESS was our server for the remainder of our time there with no explanation. I was not rude, sassy, or hostile in any way to our server. I simply stood up for myself and asked for the salad to arrive before the entrees. I have never had this sort of thing happen - EVER. Also, the hostess had a weird and uncomfortable vibe for the remainder of our meal. SO OFF-PUTTING.
Eventually the hostess came over to take our empty salad bowl and tell us they weren't charging us for the salad... at least they did that right.
I worked FOH in restaurants for 15 years in all kinds of establishments including fine dining, so I have a deep knowledge of how restaurants work. This sort of request was one of the most normal things I can think of, and I've seen a lot of weird things!
This situation was probably the most off-putting and awkward experience I've ever had as a customer - and for something so insanely small and basic... it boggles my mind. I frequent all kinds of restaurants, and I love nice restaurants, and this was just - not right.
So... all in all, I cannot recommend this restaurant because the service isn't worth the price, and neither is the food. We definitely won't be back. read more