Fishes Restaurant

John, Surrey (26 September 2007)

It was a disappointing and expensive experience. We were very much looking forward to dining there, having read reviews that the owners/chefs had previously worked with Rick Stein. Unfortunately, it did not live up to our expectations. I ordered the red gurnard. The food arrived relatively quickly after the order and upon cutting the fish I found a worm inside which I quickly pointed out to the waitress. They replaced the meal but the bacon on top of the fish was burnt. At the end of the meal the bill was presented and I queried with the waitress (a different one than the first who took the plate away) whether a discount should have been given in light of there being a worm in the food. She initially did not believe me, but went to check with the chef. I was informed that the food had been replaced, that these things happen and therefore no discount would be given. I would not recommend this restaurant.

Morbiato (16 September 2007)

Wonderfully prepared food but the establishment needs to be given a kick start, in a region not to be mentioned in polite company. The evening we visited there were a total of nine people dining when we left at 10 pm and we were very surprised that the restaurant seems to need [rather tedious] music. Starter of fish soup was wonderful but although served from a large bowl into a small dish the helping was very small and no extra was offered, the scallops on a coriander mash were perfectly cooked but the mash tasted like it was only coloured with green dye as there was no taste of the herb at all. Main course of monkfish on pasta was very good but the perfectly cooked roast cod came with an odd selection of vegetables. A combination of spinach, wild mushrooms and leeks besides another unidentified, but caramelised, item really didn't go with the dish; the potatoes [which were overcooked] looked terrific. An excellent bottle of Pouilly Vinzelles [for £30] was rather too cold but this was easily cured by being left out of the ice bucket.

Service was adequate for England but then perhaps it was unkind to compare it to continental establishments where there was a whole different and much friendlier ethos. Total cost was just under £100 and we felt that it was at least £25 to £30 too much. It is really sad that we would feel unable to suggest to any of our friends that it might be worth a visit.

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