Royal Well Tavern, The

Devery (16 February 2009)

My partner and I ate at the Royal Well Tavern on Friday. I couldn’t have a glass of Riesling; it’s sold by the bottle only. I couldn’t have a Gordon’s Gin either, not stocked so I had a Plymouth. My partner had a glass of beer at £2.50. Our meal was a rib eye steak, I am not convinced it was a rib eye; we requested it to be cooked medium-well done but I could see blood on my partner’s plate. The main was £17.00 per head, which came with a bowl of over salted frozen French fries - not a bit of garnish, tomato or mushroom to be seen. When I asked for mushrooms I was told 'we don’t do mushrooms' so had a side of carrots instead for £3.00. The waitress and barman were very pleasant, the chefs were hard working but I’m sorry, I will not be going again. The overall bill was £65.00, which included a 10% optional charge, which sadly I didn’t realize it was on the receipt until the following morning, otherwise I would have asked for it to be taken off. My partner very generously gave a £5.00 tip over and above so the total bill came to £70.00. For an hours dining, one course and four drinks it was a joke - great expectations - poor delivery.

Robinsons (8 October 2008)

What more can one ask for at a pub? Their service was very efficient, but not intrusive. The food, which was excellent, and well cooked, was beautifully presented with flair and imagination. The portions were very generous, and nothing was too much trouble for them. Of course exceptional, high quality food, made by people who know what they are doing, and who genuinely make a great effort to make the occasion memorable, does not come cheap. It definitely provides real value for money. We strongly recommend Sam and his team if you want an occasion to remember. In London you would have to pay four or five times these prices for food and service, which cannot compare to what they offer here. Well worth a visit as you will not be disappointed.

See more reviews of Royal Well Tavern, The