27/1/16
TOTALLY New…read moreReview from previous ones I submitted about the place. I wish there was a .5 option, and I would make it 4.5.
The rooms were refurbished some time back, and are clean and modern.
They are attempting a variation with their specials' menu or I they call it "Chefs (sic!) Menu".
Two courses are now £20 per person, and an extra £4.95 for an additional course.
Club Carlson "Concierge" members would normally get 20% discount, but not off this menu.
The everyday RBG menu is quite varied, and there is a decent offer for two people dining, which includes a glass of wine, This is still eligible for the 20% discount referred to above.
The present Chef's Menu is as follows:
Starters:
Chefs (sic!) Homemade Soup of the Day.
Smoked Chicken and Apricot Terrine with a Chicory and Walnut Salad and Spiced Poached Pear.
Thai Style Fishcake on an Avocado and Mango Salad topped with a Soft Poached Egg.
Glazed Goats (sic!) Cheese and Rosemary Bruschetta with a Radicchio and Chive Salad
Mains
Orange and Ginger Spiced Chicken Breast on a Bed of Oregano Coconut Rice with a Ginger infused Balsamic Reduction.
Pan Seared Gressingham Duck Breast on a Bed of Braised Cabbage served with a Blueberry Croquette and Raspberry Glaze.
Creamy Seafood Risotto with Crispy Calamari Rings, Pan Fried Garlic Squid Tentacles and Pea Shoot Garnish.
Roasted Cauliflower and Hazelnut Carbonara with Thyme and Pesto Dressing.
Desserts
Chocolate and Raspberry Mille Feuille with Crème Chantilly.
Cointreau and Lime Panna Cotta with Citrus Granola and a Blueberry Syrup.
(Cranachan) Honey Glazed Raspberries, Toasted Oats and a Whisky Cream.
Hot Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream and a Mint Tuile.
---------------------
Given the above, the quality can be variable. Last night I had carrot and coriander soup, and it was like picking out the bones from a piece of fish in your mouth. The chef hadn't strained the soup and removed the coriander stalks. His reason given back to the waiter was he hadn't had time!!!
So I am only knocking off one point for the hit and miss of the evening food.
The breakfast is the standard, fried eggs, scrambled, bacon, sausage, etc., but you can request: poached or boiled. Plus you can ask for porridge. The cold buffet is quite good too.
There have been comments with regards to the warmth of the food, but this is down to the serving area needing upgrading, and the plate warmer spring needs replacing so that you can get a hot plate. Just be aware, and you can always ask for a hotter plate.....
-------------------
I have never met a rude member of staff.
The bar can sometimes be left unattended, but a nod to reception can sort that out.
--------------------
There have been occasional problems with safe not working, but this very rare, and rectified fairly quickly.
Has a good gym for the size of the hotel, and a swimming pool. The latter I've found to be too hot in the past, so not sure if that has changed.
---------------------
There are two types of wifi available: fast (no charge), Superfast (£5.70 per day).