Severnshed Restaurant

Niel Bassom (3 September 2009)

I am writing to congratulate the staff of Severn Shed, Bristol during a visit to the restaurant on a September evening. I had booked a table at the restaurant to take my fiancée out for a birthday celebration meal. On arrival we were greeted politely and shown to our table with minimal fuss, along with the concierge, Matt, offering to take our coats and umbrella with complete professionalism, and also asking if we would like some drinks. On sitting we were soon greeted by our waitress for the evening, Petra, who made sure we were comfortable before offering further drinks and said she would be back when we were ready for our order. Once we had decided our choices Petra was immediately available, even though the restaurant was becoming busier, to take our order. At first we ordered a freshly baked bread basket with olive oil and balsamic vinegar which was brought to our table promptly and with a nice presentation. A short while later, in fact a nice period of time had elapsed in order to allow the bread to digest, our starters of carpaccio of beef, served with crisp rocket and shaved parmesan plus a risotto of lobster and asparagus with parmesan au gratin were brought to our table. Again the presentation was immaculate and the portion was exactly the right amount. Once we had finished the course our plates were cleared effectively, but not as if to hurry us in any way. Again after a great period of time our main courses were brought to our table, this time a pan seared breast of duck with carrot and parsnip mash, roasted beetroot and redcurrant jus, plus a thyme flavoured breast of chicken with mild mushroom sauce creamed mash and chilli infused sugar snap peas. Yet again the presentation and portion was excellent.

As we were eating our food this is when the events of the evening would show the staff’s real qualities. For some unknown reason there was a power cut, taking out the main restaurant lights and gas, still leaving a lovely ambient emergency lighting. To the members of staff on duty's credit there was no immediate flapping and unless I had been looking around the restaurant I would have had no idea what had happened. It was only when I overheard the staff quietly discussing the situation did I become aware of what had happened. Still though the staff did not fret and acted extremely professional and took great care of the customers within the restaurant. As customers were still coming into the restaurant, from our table we could hear Matt explaining the situation and offering the people suggestions on where else they would be able to eat locally. Petra came to our table and explained the situation to us in a calm voice and said they were trying to solve this but the power cut had affected several local businesses. As we finished our main course again the plates were cleared effectively and Petra came back to enquire as to whether we required desserts. As my fiancée and I wished to have cold desserts we placed an order. Again a short time passed before our desserts of a shed mess, a strawberry and raspberry mess with crushed meringue, ice cream, cream and butterscotch sauce, plus a tangy lemon tart with the required ice cream rather than whipped cream were brought to our table. Throughout the situation the presentation was brilliant and the portions were great. On finishing our desserts Petra came to check whether everything was alright, when I asked if the bill could be hand written as we were intending on paying by cash. She said that this was fine and went to provide us with our bill, before coming back immediately with it. On settling our bill, Petra thanked us for our custom and went to get our coats and umbrella for us before apologising again for the events of the evening. All in all I believe the restaurant and it's staff deserve the highest credit available as not only was the food, presentation, and service of the highest quality but during some of our visit this service was provided under what can only be described as adverse conditions, yet us as the customer were never made to feel like this was the case. I would like to thank the staff for the evening and will certainly be returning to the restaurant and recommending it to all.

Stephanie Hunter (30 November 2004)

Apprehensive due to the trendy reputation, and opinion not improved by interesting toilet design. However when the wine arrived all changed - wine a bit cool but deliciously quaffable. Food expensive - but rightfully so!! £17 for a fillet steak the size of a small cow seems bargain enough for me. Lovely atmosphere staff very friendly, if a bit over worked, and food absolutely delicious. Spot on in every respect, fantastic evening can't wait to go again. Perfect for a graduation celebration with parents. Couldn’t recommend it more!!

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