The Bell, Rode

Just got back from visiting the Bell at Rode. Myself and my partner decided to visit for a roast dinner as a treat. The welcome was polite and friendly, the decor felt cosy with xmas tree and log fire. I decided to order the roast beef and my partner the roast chicken. We didnt have to wait long, probably about 15 minutes before our food arrived. On first inspection I was dissapointed, the roast beef not pink as it normally should be, and the yorkshire pudding was flat as a pancake with burnt tops. I decided to tuck in as i was hungry, my suspicions were confirmed, the roast beef was overcooked to an inch of its life and was tough, unfortunately, and this may sound harsh but its true, the first mouthful reminded me of those prepacked birdseye beef in gravy. The carrots, roasted parsnips and brocolli were cooked nicely, but unfortunately the roast potatoes were also a let down. They are not what i would call roast potatoes, sort of boiled/roasted. They were hard too, so not enjoyable to eat, not sure if this is just the potatoes they get or the way in which they are cooked, but i definately wouldnt call them roast potatoes on the menu.
Its a shame because we dont go out for food much and its more of a treat for us and its very annoying when a meal is such a let down. We last visited the Bell about 6 months ago and the roast dinner was great, beef was good with a bit of pink, roasties nice and crispy fluffy in middle and you used to get a side order of brocolli cheese. They used to charge �11.95 for a roast dinner, it is now �9.95. To be honest i think they have cut quality far too much to make up for the lower price. I would much rather pay the extra couple of quid for a meal i know i will enjoy.
It is a nice atmosphre with a pool table, so i would return for a drink, but i won't be returning for food anytime in the future.

4 Dec 2011 14:08

The Barrel of Beer, Beer

Not recommended! Visited Beer this week, decided to treat ourselves to a meal out and picked Barrel O Beer. Menu was fairly varied, mostly fish dishes. My partner picked the Crab and I went for the Skate wing. Both very over priced for what we received. The crab was small with only a bread roll for �15!!!!!!! The Skate wing was underdone, pool of blood in the middle which made me feel quite sick thinking that I had already eaten some of the fish! Chips were also overdone, a terrible meal at the cost of �12.75!
The chef was advised of my bloody skate and all she apparently said was that she thought it was okay!! They only would allow a discount on my meal, I had to pay �10 for fish i hardly ate because the chef cant cook and for overdone chips that i ate only because i was hungry!
I would not recommend anyone go here, food bad, atmosphere uncomfortable and very overpriced.

21 Jul 2010 20:08