The Artichoke, Elstree

This pub is now an italian restuarant. I was there for dinner last night & i would strongly suggest that no-one sets foot in this establishment unless they are fond of bland, microwaved food. The lasagne was quite tastless & appeared to have been recently coaxed out of it's plastic container. A plate of pasta & supposedly shiitake mushrooms, (there were 6 dubious looking dark pieces) had less punch than a pot noodle. A chicken dish was returned after it gave of a pungent fishy aroma & taste. This was blamed on the parmesan cheese placed on top by my dinner guest. A replacement was offered but the distinct waft of fish accompanied it yet again. The dish went uneaten.
We should have realised that our dining experience would not go smoothly, as when we entered, the first thing that caught my gaze were the paper tablecloths & the complete lack of other customers.
Give this place a very wide berth & if you're in the area then two very good alternatives are Prezzo & Va Pensiero, both in Radlett.

30 Jul 2009 10:03