Cauldron Bistro

Martyn (10 October 2007)

Having come across the place whilst on holiday a couple of months ago, we were impressed by the charm of the unusual looking restaurant. Once inside, we found it quiet with few other customers. As the previous reviewer has very accurately described the quirky paper card menu system I will not dwell on it except to add that the whole menu selection process seems a little surreal and slightly ritualistic, maybe this is the point, but I’m not sure.

Anyway, our starters arrived quickly and looked (and tasted) good. However for my main course I ordered one of my favourite dishes, lobster Thermidor. This proved a little problematic and whilst the dish looked good it was found to be still ice chilled in the middle. I raised the problem with the waitress (or should I say school mistress), only to be confronted a series of defensive excuses, eventually being told that, lobster was not supposed to be served hot! Finally after having to find my more assertive side, I managed to get the argumentative school mistress to take my lobster and stick it back under the grill for a few minutes. Whilst it seemed to do the trick, the service went down hill from there. We then paid up and left, my only regret is that I paid up, (albeit without a tip). I’ll bear this in mind, I’m sure it’s not all bad but, we won’t be going back in to the caldron.

Anna (1 May 2007)

Came across this bistro whilst on holiday down there. Best meal I’ve had in ages. The foie gras pate to start was delicious, main course of guinea fowl was very good and the bread and butter pudding with saffron custard was out of this world. Good house wine and all reasonably priced. Great service but it was very quiet that night. So good though I’m thinking of going down there for my birthday even though it would be a three hour drive!

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