Another Sunday lunch with the parents. I would categorise the Alyn as 'family friendly'. For some this is ideal but personally there is nothing worse than sharing a meal with the chattering and bickering of bloody kids. Admittedly that is what one must expect on a Sunday however the restaurant radiated that 'family fun' atmosphere. The chintzy, dated interior didn't help either. It wasn't the sound of children that irritated me either, the music they played was horrendous; a medley of crooners and swingers serenaded us at a volume that was a touch too loud and, worse, played on repeat.
To the food. I went for the pork and it was good. Fairly tender though not too flavoursome and I would have appreciated some crackling on the side. Vegetables came in individual dishes for all each of us and were tepid and bland. The good dollop of stuffing was the best thing on my plate.
I went for a dessert; after being told that the sticky toffee pudding was off the menu I went for the warm chocolate cake. I'm glad that I was denied my first choice because the cake was delightful. Thick and rich layers of melted chocolate between a light sponge cake and with an incredible load of cream on the side that tasted better than the pudding itself.
I'm struggling to give this place three stars. Overall it is a good place for dinner, though a bit on the pricey side at £10 each for what it is, basic. Also I wasn't too impressed with the service. Not only did we wait what seemed like an age to have our plates cleared for dessert but the waiter also asked us if we wanted apple sauce and horseradish provided - this is something I expect on the plate beforehand and shouldn't have to be specifically requested.
Slow and clueless sums this place up and to top it off my parents had been to the Chester Grosvenor the night before and told me about their meal as we ate. 'Nuff said. read more
