Oldfields - Durham

I have eaten twice recently in Oldfields in Durham, but many times over the years and buy into their philosophy of local ingredients. I would also like to spend money on local independent and not big chains. Unfortunately, the last two occasions were disappointing and a real departure from where Oldfields were in my opinion. The quality of cooking simply lacks, like consistency. The starter of the lamb cuprole was hardly warm. Great tender meat was great, but there was no concern with the dish and there was similar dog food. Grey bread was cold and soft. The last time I decided to be overcooked for cod as the head I remember. Why spoil beautiful ingredients by simple mistakes? My wife had deep fried squids for the starter this time. The membrane was still attached, making it difficult to eat, the coating was pappy/mushy and had no cripples. The main course for me was the shoulder of pork. This delicate, juicy meat had been pulled by a joint that had been cooked quite slowly for a long time, but the rest of the bowl was disappointing. Three big potatoes, red cabbage and a dark tasteless engraving reminded me of school food. (in less than nostalgic way) My dessert of Eccles cake and ginger custard sounded interesting and quirky, The dish was overwhelmed with ginger aroma, there was hardly any fruit in the Eccles cake (a key feature of an Eccles cake) and the pastry had no tasty taste at all. My wife's chocolate cake was considered to be unbearable after a mouthful. She described the texture as Claggy like Pate, missing crispy base and any chocolate to orange balance of flavors. Wines were also disappointing (we had several wines through the glass) and did not appear well on the dishes offered. The whole menu doesn't catch me like I wanted to eat every dish. I felt underwhelmed by the experience, especially as it costs over £80, which is no problem when it's great tasting food on offer.

Dined on Saturday 14th November prior to attending Lumiere. Ordered the squid starter and tomato and basil soup. The squid was tasteless and lukewarm, lacking seasoning; the soup was like paste and also too cold; as the server took away the plates she made no mention of the fact we had hardly eaten any. The mains were fine, however; I had the cod and my partner the chicken which she enjoyed. I did mention about the starters when I paid, but the maitre'd only advised she would get the kitchen to be more aware and did not offer to refund so unfortunately we left feeling this was very poor value for money overall.

We had a business meeting and even though the food was nice... the service was SOOOOO slow. It took us over 2 and a half hours to have starters and mains for 5 people. We jokingly mentioned it to the staff that didn't seem to grasp what we were saying and they didn't change anything about their service style. Overall pleased with the food but wouldn't return on the basis of the poor service!

We were made very welcome when we arrived and the staff were friendly and courteous. The main course was tasty enough, but despite being cooked from a very cheap cut of meat we still had to pay for two vegetables to accompany it. The dessert was ok but unremarkable. Two courses and a bottle of house wine for a pre theatre meal which cost about £50. Too much I think.

Although there were two office parties, we had great service that was friendly and prompt. The food is well prepared and the fish cakes were great! We even got a cracker to pull!