The Bonnie Badger

We went for a meal on Saturday evening to The Stables restaurant which was a special birthday treat. The starters were delicious, scallops and chicken liver parfait. However the mains of ribeye steak and lobster with chips and salad were average - we did not expect average for the price! Salad was the most basic, no imagination or variety, presentation of main courses was poor, no special touches. Definitely will not return.

I normally love coming here, which is why I chose to bring my friend today. We came especially from Edinburgh hoping for a quick lunch or even just coffee, but on arrival we were told that walk-ins were not being accepted. I asked if this was a new policy, as I visit regularly on weekends and have never had this issue before. The restaurant didn’t appear busy, with several empty tables in the main dining area, so I kindly asked again if anything could be arranged. Unfortunately, nothing was offered. As someone who works in hospitality myself, I found this quite surprising and disappointing. I think the staff should be train better and change their attitude towards regular customers.

Didn’t stay in the hotel. We have been to restaurant twice the first visit was breakfast and disappointing but I thought I’d give it another go for lunch, unfortunately I was disappointed again. First visit: we had a gluten free scone two coffees, two orange juices and I had a breakfast item I can’t see on the menu now it was half an English muffin, a slice of bacon a sausage and half a tomato. This and the scone and drinks came to just shy of £40 which I thought was ridiculous. Second visit we were five a gift voucher and we decided to have lunch my wife had a fish and chips which I tasted and was nice over seasoned with salt on the chips and mushy peas this was £21 which I felt was steep. I had the Caesar salad and got two bits of lettuce and some bacon shavings and seafood in the middle of the lettuce I could not eat this I’m usually one who doesn’t have huge standards for taste I can eat almost anything but for the first time I had to leave it as it was so pungent with a fishy taste I understand there was anchovies in it but I suspect the seafood was frozen and tasted off. I also got a side of mac and cheese and once you broke through the top burnt cheese layer the cheese sauce was like water the worst Mac and cheese piece ever had. The service wasn’t the best no food check until they noticed my wife’s empty plate and my full plates. Also I wanted the burger but this was going to take 35 minutes. For a burger? In my opinion this place is all aesthetic and none of the substance service is poor to average and the food is some of the most disappointing food I’ve had in terms of flavour, portion size for price and overall price for the low quality.

Went for breakfast yesterday with 8 adults and 2 children. Really disappointing food experience. disproportionately expensive for small portions and average food. £220 for breakfast is steep at the best of times and neither food or service was close to value for that price. Nice setting and decor.