3 strikes and you're out.
I really want(ed) to like this place. It is 50 steps from my flat and has an all day kitchen and back patio. It offers counter, individual, communal and private dining options; it is designed beautifully with lush plants and rustic finishes in an airy space. But these details cannot overlook the very real problems I've encountered.
1. On my first visit on a weekday morning - we were the first customers to arrive and I ordered from what appeared to be a fresh display of baked goodies from the front counter. I choked back my shock at the v pricey croissant and looked forward to an out of this world pastry. Much to my surprise, it was dried out and not at all fresh. This was shocking and made me think all the Tesco 80c croissants I've ever had were miles better than the cardboard item I'd struggled to digest at Fare.
2. On my second visit I came for lunch, sat at the counter and ordered the pizza. I got the funghi with mixed mushrooms and truffle. For a mushroom focused dish, they barely made an appearance. Disappointment again.
3. On my third visit I sat in the patio area out back and ordered the Burrata w heritage tomatoes and duck pappardelle. Let me start w the redeeming aspects - I found no fault w the protein plate. The shredded duck was delicious, plentiful and flavourful and the pappardelle smooth and al dente with just the right amount of truffle to not overwhelm the plate. The cheese was another letdown though. Beautiful to behold, it set the bar high but fell short. The tomatoes were perfection and the olive oil with just enough pepper to add some spice but the Burrata was not creamy and quite plain despite absorbing the olive oil and sweet tomato juices. It might as well not have played a role at all for its low impact.
I've given the place 2* for friendly service and easy on the eyes decor but the food speaks for itself, and I can't say I didn't really try to find the positives having ordered a variety of items from its several menus - perhaps better would be to concentrate on one area rather than tackling on several fronts? read more