S & B (16 March 2008)

A visit to a good restaurant should, above all be a pleasurable experience, in which the atmosphere of the venue should be complemented by dedicated staff providing an excellent welcome, followed by a varied selection of well prepared, cooked and presented food, the whole experience in exchange for fair financial re-imbursement, and in an atmosphere of mutual respect between client and customer, equal partners in a mutually satisfactory and pleasurable transaction.

Such was my hope when I made an answer-phone booking request for a table for four at Le Clos Du Marquis, to enjoy a wedding celebration. Before the event my partner and I decided to check the venue for ourselves. Upon entry, it was immediately made very clear to both of us by the attitude of the proprietor that our visit at that time was not welcome, but nevertheless, on requesting a single drink each, we were shown begrudgingly though to a lounge area with an open fire, where we sat taking in the atmosphere.

After a few minutes, the proprietor approached and proceeded to give us a lecture on how such visits disrupted the arrangements for guests eating in the restaurant, and this was not common practice and would not normally be acceptable. Out experience was so negative that we cancelled our booking without even tasting their food. We felt inferior and unwelcome.

Allan Banfield (7 November 2007)

I stumbled across the gem of a restaurant 2005 and revisited again in 2007. The friendly welcome, service, food and ambience is superb, particularly on the first Wednesday night of each month with gentle live music in the background. It’s highly recommended.