To be fair due to current Covid climate it is difficult to give a fair review. Clearly a lot of effort goes into the dishes. Some of the flavours are amazing but some were confusing. A lovely atmosphere so a good place for a special occasion.
Went here for a special anniversary and had the full tasting menu with prestige wine flight. The food was excellent, but this was marred by inattentive sloppy service. One waitress (Mariana) was excellent, but she seemed to be the only one in the restaurant who knew what was going on, and was trying to serve every table.
When she wasn't available another older gentleman was serving us (same person who greeted us). He had no idea what any of the dishes were, and was unable to explain them or answer any questions. The wine flight was also most disappointing, with the wines seemingly chosen at random and little explanation as to why they had been selected or the provenance given. On 3 occasions the wine was forgotten and then rushed out when we enquired wile our food was getting cold.
We were left for almost an hour between main course and desert and could not flag anyone down for love nor money. Everyone was rushing around heads down. When finally we managed to grab Mariana she realised they'd forgotten another wine pairing completely, so then proceeded to serve a Cotes du Rhone with desert...which is probably the worst pairing you could come up with.
I tried to talk to Mariana about the issues with service and the fact that it didn't seem right that she was trying to do everything while the rest of the staff knew nothing, but she didn't seem to get it or accept the problem. Her suggestion was that if we book again we should request that she is our waitress for the whole night. I don't really think this is the solution.
It's a real shame. There's some good ideas and cooking here, but I won't be returning any time soon. If you're playing high end prices you expect a seamless and stress free experience. Staff should be attentive and checking on you. They should have had training to understand the food they're serving, and why. Spending your whole meal wondering if they'll remember you're still in the restaurant is far from ideal.
Very attentive staff, all with face shields. Beautiful food with complimentary pumpkin soup. We got some great wine advice too. The picture is of the dessert - I don't normally take pictures of my food but couldn't resist here
Excellent all round!
Went for my wife's Birthday and everything was great from the moment we walked through the door.
Apologies as I'm terrible with names, but the guy that greeted us, took our temperature, and seated us (a tall gentleman who looked like perhaps a manager) was very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable and our other server, a lady who's name began with M, perhaps Maria, was also very friendly, attentive and knowledge.
We went for the tasting menu and all the food was fantastic! Each course was delivered to our table with an explanation of what it was, a bit of a story behind the dish and the best way to eat it. Couldn't fault it from start to finish, and the actual size of the dishes, bearing in mind there were more than 10, were very generous!
Highly recommend this place and the tasing menu for any special occasion.
We had the most wonderful dining experience here yesterday on my special Birthday!!
The Staff was very helpful friendly efficient and professional! We were made to feel so welcome.
The food was faultless and the portions generous, served up in a timely manner.
The restaurant itself was extremely cosy with the warmth and smell of an open fire.
The tables spaced out nicely too.
We can t wait to re visit!
Love this place. Delicious food. Absolutely love the food. Service could definitely be better but I recon that's why they don't have a Michelin star! They've nailed it with the food though.
Stovell's is amazing!!! My boyfriend and I went for our 3 year anniversary and it was the right choice to say the least. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming and the staff were very hospitable and friendly (many thanks to Marianna for her fantastic service ) and of course the food was incredible! We will definitely keep this place restaurant in mind for the future
We had an amazing evening at Stovell s for my best friends 50th birthday. The food was amazing as was the service. The food was so beautifully prepared. The drinks matched the food perfectly. The staff are very friendly and know what they are talking about. I will be going back for more of the same! Amazing.
Fantastic meal and great service at Stovell s this evening - they really went the extra mile to make our evening special. Many thanks to manager Joao Soares and his team and of course the chef for a memorable occasion!
stovells.com
