Here's the rub; the food at Merchant of Venice is really rather great. The portions are generous but not wastefully enormous, the flavours well-considered and the menu is quite authentic. They even handled my gluten-free situation with aplomb.
The service on the other hand is nothing short of dismal.
I dined in a group of three. We were seated in what seemed to be a walkway, in a spot that was quite draughty. So much so, that on a chilly night and wearing four layers, I kept my coat on (which the staff did not seem to notice). Approximately 20 minutes after arriving, three Bellini cocktails that we did not order were brought to our table with no explanation beyond a mumbled 'Bellini'. (It didn't appear on the bill, we still don't know what the story was there!). It took 90 minutes for us to receive our entrees.
The staff seemed unable to anticipate any requirement - we asked for bread, we asked for side plates, we asked for butter, we asked for a drinks menu... you get the idea.
On the whole, I wanted to love this place, and the food almost makes it worth returning. Just anticipate poor service and hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised. read more