Alfredo Cranwell

Review of The Marcliffe at Pitfodels

Disappointing birthday treat. After searching for ...

Disappointing birthday treat. After searching for the best restaurant in Aberdeen at the end of a 3 day break the Marcliffe seemed to be the one. Unfortunately what started as a good evening rapidly went down hill.
After drinks in the lounge and placing our order(including wine for the main course). The table wasn't fully set - which is forgivable. We had very tasty starters but the chefs in the open kitchen were eagerly watching us eat them, so when they were cleared, within 3 minutes the main course was served, without my partner present and consequently the wine came 5 minutes after the main course was served! The venison was overcooked and looked thrown on the plate (although tasted good)and my steak straight from under the salamander so wasn't rested meaning all the juices came out onto the plate and was not cooked to my stated preference as the "chefs" rapidly exited. I immediately spoke to the manager to voice my concerns who with due respect offered a replacement, as it was 2130, we were the last guests and the chefs had gone I politely declined so he took it off the bill. We never saw the restaurant manager again for the rest of the meal or coffee in the lounge to round the night off. Upon paying the bill he was present at reception where the night porter served us, he had little to say except when questioned about his lack of presence I was informed "you felt rushed" where I corrected him that we didn't feel rushed, we were rushed, which for a "5 star" establishment was a let down, paying good money for the experience and a personal touch which seriously lacked on the last night of our trip. The young waitress did do a great job although obviously lacking experience.