The Cavendish - Hertsmere

Had a bad steak experience. steak was over boiled. dry and gummy. (Rib Eye) vegetables were served after steak was eaten.

I have dined at this restaurant twice before and really enjoyed the food and service, but my experience last night was completely different! It was obvious when we arrived that there was a private event happening, but we were seated in an empty dining room. Water was served, but the server did not even ask if we wanted any drinks. The menu selection was okay, but it took at least 20 minutes before our order was taken and once again, we were not asked about drinks. I requested a glass of sparkling rose wine and my partner asked for a non-alcoholic beer, to which the server replied that they were not sure if they had that. Around 10-15 minutes later, the beer arrived for my partner, but there was no sign of my wine. It took another 10 minutes for our appetizers to arrive along with my wine. Throughout the evening, we saw three different servers attending to the other tables, but none of them stayed in the restaurant. At one point, a bottle of red wine that we did not order was brought to our table. When I pointed this out and asked for another glass of wine, the server took the bottle away. The table next to us then claimed that they had actually ordered the red wine, but the server left with the bottle anyway. It took about 45 minutes after finishing our starters for my friend to ask a server when our main courses would be served. We were extremely disappointed with the service and ended up refusing to pay the service charge on the bill. We will not be returning to this restaurant.

A total bad meal from beginning to end. only 4 net parts, one of which was out in the evening. Also missing the choice of appetizers, I went for the crab that was fresh still drowning in a strange, astringent green oil. for the venison main and received about a mouthful part of the flesh each. the accompanying sides were tasteless and without a spicy. our beers were served warm, we had to get up again and again to get our wein from the ice cup at the side of the room, as no personal was present. no problem, but just stick it on our table if they don't want to pour it! Once each bottle ran empty, we had to wait until a worker occurs and ask to open another, a savvy restaurant manager might have realized that we enjoy the wee and keep it flowing in view of the size of our party. the last disappointment was dessert, the parfait was similar to eating wax. we also got the bill before we finished our final course. to give something good, had a member of our partly sirloin steak from the bar menu, which presented a better value and came with well cooked chips. the chocolate fondant was also gooey and warm when they visit, maybe stay on the bar menu!

The restaurant is situated in a lovely country hotel with a picturesque view. The host who escorted us to our table was friendly and engaging. Though the menu was limited, the food was delicious. Unfortunately, the service was lacking, and the waitstaff seemed a bit indifferent (please smile). We waited for an hour for our main courses with no explanation other than "I will check." We decided to leave before dessert. Despite the issues, we might consider returning in the future.

My review is slightly bias as we were guests of the hotel. My wife and friends had a disastrous afternoon tea experience and the hotel wanted to “right” the situation and that they did. Would I we go back and pay full price for the...food and service absolutely. The food was absolutely 100% and first class. Starters of Fois Gras, crab and ham hock all were hits. The quality and presentation was exemplary. We then had 2 fillet steaks, halibut and a cod, with extra sides and again the presentation was amazing and the food was sublime. Desert options, we asked the waiter regarding cheese selections and he brought out Perry the Chef who gave us a cheese board for 3 that probably was the best ever. We were not expecting complimentary wine but they provided 2 bottles and water and then waived the entire bill. They very generously rectified the issues the ladies had and are rightfully awarded a review like this because it was all over and above any expectations we had. All 10/10 oh and where do you get a quenelle of butter, here it was just out of this world. The service matches the high quality food!’ Be happy to return and pay full price, and we will!’