Dalriada Restaurant review

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 21 Jul 2006, 14:17

The Dalriada takes a bit of a bashing in this review from today's EN:

Prom cocktail promises so much but fails to hit the spot

For the record, we had dinner there the other night. I had the fillet steak and it was very good.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 21 Jul 2006, 14:28

Notice that. Not good for them. We've not been for food for ages, but quite partial to a drink or two in the beer garden when the weather is fine

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 21 Jul 2006, 16:08

Unfortunately, the article sums up my experiences exactly.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 21 Jul 2006, 21:52

I just think it's an incredibly difficult act to pull off - running a successful bar, a restaurant and putting on a variety of live entertainment. I also think that as restaurant-goers we all have become a lot more discerning and demanding in recent years. Pub grub doesn't cut it anymore, I'm looking for a standard of cooking I can't match at home. I expect quality, variety, flavour, good presentation and a memorable eating experience. I expect prompt, friendly service and reasonable prices. And if I spend Â£50 and things aren't just perfect, then I might not be prepared to give it another chance.

To achieve all of this you need to pay the going rate for experienced chefs and waiting staff and they don't come cheap. And quality food requires expensive raw ingredients. All this puts pressure on prices and how much are we prepared to pay?

We all want the Dalriada to succeed. I've had one or two disappointing meals there in the past and, to his credit, Terry is the first to admit that they are still learning and trying to improve. The EN review hasn't helped their cause but if they can manage the very difficult balancing act that is required to make it work, I'm sure they will find that there is a very supportive and appreciative local customer base out there.

Post by **wangi** » 21 Jul 2006, 22:25

I don't think there's any need to appologise on their behalf. There's nothing wrong with the staff - the staff are great. It's the food, it's simply hit and miss .

We've thought about inviting people out for dinner to the Dalriada, but while it's a nice place it's just not reliable. It's not just that it can be good one visit, and not so good the next - it can be great one plate and pretty damn poor the one next to it.

I'd have no problem taking folk to Sizzlers - it's always been good food. But they really need to sort out that crap new name - Select - and the even worse (and amazingly cheap looking) sign!

Even the Eastfield is a reliable standard (that Dalriada can beat in it's good days)... Just need to have a word with them about stealing photos...

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 22 Jul 2006, 15:51

I hope the Dalriada have read it and taken the criticism on board. The worst thing I've ever had in there was a plate of 'soup' - haven't eaten there since. Personally I feel that overall there's just something missing from the whole atmosphere of the place. I've tried to like it but I just don't and always end up having the one drink then moving on to the much more atmospheric Ormelie where I feel much more comfortable

Robin! · Post by **Robin!** » 22 Jul 2006, 19:39

I'm not that impressed with the place, we went down, staff were rushing around, they looked disorganised and the service was poor.

Bring back the Bedford I say!

Beach Babe · Post by **Beach Babe** » 22 Jul 2006, 20:08

Went to the Dalraida with a few friends recently. We were sooooo not impressed. It was probably the most surly, unhelpful, unfriendly service that we've ever experienced. Some of the food was nice but the veggie kebabs were virtually raw and in a very strange inedible tomato sauce. After complaining my friend wasn't charged for them but neither was an apology offered. We left absolutely no tip and won't be back in a hurry

seanie · Post by **seanie** » 22 Jul 2006, 21:16

Went one Sunday and a companion ordered fish. Sardines I think.

It came with roast potato, carrots, Yorkshire pudding...

...and gravy.

Whoever thought it a good idea to put that combination on a plate shouldn't be allowed within 500 yards of a kitchen.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 22 Jul 2006, 22:07

Those of us who partook of the inaugural POL Xmas night out still remember the brussel sprouts - not so much al dente as not actually cooked, but we were all far too polite to mention it at the time and to be fair they had just opened. Last year it was Bonoful and the inedible 'reindeer meat'. Anyone dare to suggest a venue for this year?

I also recall a Sunday lunch where we ordered chicken, lamb and beef. They all came served with exactly the same gravy. Moral of the story? If you are going to offer a Sunday roast, just do the one and do it properly.

However, I still want to support their aspirations to offer 'fine cuisine' and if you haven't eaten at the Dalriada for a while, it is fair to mention that they have a new chef, so you might want to give it another go.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 23 Jul 2006, 14:41

Bob Jefferson wrote: if you haven't eaten at the Dalriada for a while, it is fair to mention that they have a new chef, so you might want to give it another go.

not after that evening news review! and if I want to pay town prices - I'd rather go up town than pay through the nose for mediocre food. Great views, great bar but the food lets it down.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 23 Jul 2006, 14:43

wangi wrote:I'd have no problem taking folk to Sizzlers - it's always been good food. But they really need to sort out that crap new name - Select - and the even worse (and amazingly cheap looking) sign!

Sizzlers is guaranteed to be good, though the prices have been put up. I agree the name is awful and the sign pretty tacky. Sure they could have come up with a better name.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 23 Jul 2006, 17:35

Bob Jefferson wrote:Those of us who partook of the inaugural POL Xmas night out still remember the brussel sprouts....

Never mind the sprouts - I remember the toilet seat better

. Was lucky to be able to sit down to eat the sprouts

.

I think we should do the Prince Balti this year (loads off the bill with the Council Card

)