Bistro at Hotel du Vin - Newcastle Reviews

I have to disagree strongly with the previous reviewer. I stayed in the hotel with my partner last weekend, and we entertained a few family members on Friday night in the Bistro. The service was nothing less than superb, fully attentive and warm. Moreover, on discovering that one of our party was celebrating her fiftieth birthday, the chef laid on surprise extra treats for dessert. In the morning I snuck down to breakfast on my own, and was happy to be left alone to read my paper and not be continually bothered by waiting members of staff. My body language clearly indicated I wanted to be intruded upon minimally, and only when absolutely necessary. I felt that the staff got that I was now a different person to the one who had been with a party of seven the night before, happy to be waited upon hand and foot.

The following day, I was joined at breakfast by three family members, and again the members of staff adjusted to a new set of clues, and were fully attentive once more. I wonder what body language and verbal clues the previous reviewer gave the staff.

Unfortunately I cannot agree with the previous review. On discovering that the Bistro at Hotel du Vin had opened, I decided to walk up from my home on the Quayside and see what was on offer. My initial welcome was pleasant and my order was taken swiftly. I had decided to go for the du Vin special lunch. I ordered the fish cake with spinach and some pomme puree. The dish arrived and it was adequate, but that's when things went downhill. It’s normal in quality restaurants for a member of waiting staff to ask if everything is okay. So maybe I'm being picky, but I'll let them off with that.

After my dish was cleared I waited twenty five minutes to be offered dessert or coffee; the coffee was included in my special, but the offer never came. I gave up. Was I invisible or is a single diner not as lucrative as a group? The funny thing is I could actually see good service being delivered to couples and groups. Maybe they have a thing about single diners? Who knows? On asking for the bill I again wasn't asked if I had enjoyed lunch, and then I wasn't even given a goodbye as I left the dining room.

Overall the hotel looks great however; it does seem a bit similar to their sister hotel Malmaison down the road. I think I'll leave it a while before I come back. I had planned a family celebration there next week, but….

9/10 for décor, but 2/10 for service. Hotel du Vin please sort this out, you have potential, but you need to do some work before this is realised.

I recently enjoyed a fantastic meal at the Hotel du Vin, wonderful wine, as you would hope and great food. Our steaks were done perfectly and the service was fantastic. I have never known a waiter know as much about the cheese board as ours did - she was amazing - she didn't only know about the taste, but also about the history of the cheese. After some disappointing stays at the Hotel du Vin in York and Bristol, we were delighted to find that this stylish new hotel is more than worth a visit.