The Feildens Arms, Mellor Brook

Heard that this place had recently re-opened and was being run by "Top chef", Steve Midgley. I had n't been in for several years,since 2001 and thought i had to give it a try.All started well, the staff were friendly and we got a table swiftly.Sadly that was as good as it got !The cutlery was dirty, dead flowers adourned the tables,and the place was freezing cold .The food arrived in terracota pots,resembling a "Greek taverna",certainly not what i expected. The food was tasty, but the portions were on the small side and i begrudge having to pay additionally for vegetables.I was also shocked to see on the menu a �2.50 surcharge for cheese and biscuits. �6.00 for this dessert is too expensive.With the blaze of publicity surrounding this establishments re launch i was full of hopeful anticipation,alas i was disappointed.Maybe it was just teething troubles,however you would expect a fledgling business to be on top of it's game. Given the competition in the local area, they had better sharpen up their act, or i fear it won't be open in 6 months, "Top chef" or not !.The Three Fishes which it apears to be modelling itself on,it certainly isn't.

2 Apr 2007 19:05