Hardwick, The Reviews

It has been my ambition to visit The Hardwick and sample Stephen Terry's cooking after seeing him cooking on the great British menu on the BBC. My lovely girlfriend decided that after hearing me going on and on about it that she should treat me, and boy I am grateful and may even marry her after all. Anyway back to the Hardwick, the food was fabulous and at the end of a great chat with Stephen, what more could anyone ask for? Ten out of ten.

I agree a hundred per cent with the earlier reviewer. I was a bit early, but they had no problem; they welcomed me in, gave me a drink and made me feel at home. Other restaurants will make you wait outside until the minute of their exact opening time, and I really detest that kind of an attitude. The food was as the earlier reviewer had mentioned, and not the microscopic portion on a large plate affair, which I hate with vigour.

I feel jealous of those have enjoyed the wonderful food at Hardwick. However, as a wheelchair user, it is my policy to avoid places where I have to enter through a different door to everybody else. On ringing to book a table I was told that I would have to come in through the cellar and that there was one step to the bar. But there had been wheelchairs in there before. I believe this constitutes an inferior level of service and remember people in wheelchairs rarely go out alone. In this case, the booking would have been for five.

Wow! What can I say? I visited The Hardwick after seeing Stephen on The Great British Menu. What a lovely lunch! - Just the right amount, beautifully cooked with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is very relaxing and the service, first class. We will return.

After seeing Stephen Terry on BBC 2's 'Great British Menu' and seeing the talent he showed, we booked on friday June 6th 2008.

The food was simply Outstanding! The crispy breadcrumbed Gloucester old spot pork belly and black pudding with dandelion, apple and mustard sauce was simply delicious, as was all dishes we tried on the new menu.

The new menu is not on the internet as of today but is well worth the drive, though since the programme they are very busy I would imagine so book early as this chef will surely be in demand.

If you like fine food, wine and a relaxed atmosphere, then try The Hardwick.

I managed to get a table today. What a lovely atmosphere, excellent food and service! This lovely little restaurant offers a choice of food that is different. I strongly recommend a visit for those who want to taste great food in a lovely environment.

The Hardwick is an excellent addition to Abergavenny’s growing reputation as a food hotspot. It has an unpretentious and comfortable atmosphere with well sourced local food, which is cooked well and reasonably priced. The relaxed feel about the place should enable anyone to have a great time with a good range of beers and affordable wines to satisfy virtually any palate. If you enjoy good food, this place is worth a visit.

This is the best food in twenty miles. Unusual mixtures which work, comfort food, lovely puddings. The surroundings are restful and the staff exceptional - altogether a positive experience. Good value.

This restaurant was the Horse and Jockey Pub. It was refurbished and renamed by Stephen Terry, one of the two people who took over the Walnut Tree from Franco Taruschio. It is a pleasant restaurant on the Old Raglan Road just North of Abergavenny. Because of Stephen Terry's name it has been mentioned in the national press on several occasions. The food can be excellent but it does not aspire to the standards of the Franco Taruschio's Walnut Tree. The wine list is good and reasonably priced and the service can be rather disorganised. It is worth a try and it will be interesting to see how it improves, or not, over the next couple of years.