Smithy Bistro, The

Wallace (29 July 2008)

We booked recently for an 8.30pm table on a Saturday evening. On arrival we were shown to the table by very pleasant member of staff. Although quite busy when we initially arrived, very quickly the restaurant emptied, probably most diners were taking advantage of the early evening special prices. When we were given the menu we were quite taken aback by the lack of choice – lots of meat dishes. If you're a vegetarian there is a mushroom dish and that's it for main course. We ordered Caesar salad for starters and on ordering the waitress asked if we wanted anchovies with them - one said yes and three of us said no. What is the point of asking us that when the dressing was made from them? It's simple enough and very acceptable to omit the anchovies from the dressing. The main course was brought to us very quickly after clearing the starters. We all ordered steaks but the choice of sauce was béarnaise. I asked for no sauce and just simple garlic butter instead. In the end all of us asked for the same and couldn't complain about the steak – it was beautifully cooked and rare, just as we requested. However, there was a small portion of what appeared to be micro waved vegetables to share between us. I declined those - just as well as there was nowhere near enough to share. The other small dish was mash potatoes, which looked rather grey and discoloured - again not enough to share. In the height of summer and with so many beautiful potatoes around I found mash quite unusual to serve at this time of the year. I didn't fancy being charged over the odds for a dessert so declined the menu. Average price for starter and main course each and a couple of small glasses of wine worked out at over £40 per head. We are more than happy to pay that when prices are in-line with quality and quantity. Our opinion is you don't get that at The Smithy.

Smithy Bistro (6 September 2007)

It had a relaxing location with ambient music, and the staff were very helpful and obliging without hovering over our shoulder. Menu had something for everyone. Every meal arrived promptly and was well presented. Could find no fault with any dish and it was good value for money. I have been on numerous occasions with and without my two year old daughter and have always had a pleasant experience. I have recommended The Smithy to friends and family who have all concurred with my opinion.