Gilbert's - Menu

I have visited this restaurant many times, for various occasions such as my sister's wedding and my baptism lunch. I have also enjoyed walking around the beauti... read more I have visited this restaurant many times, for various occasions such as my sister's wedding and my baptism lunch. I have also enjoyed walking around the beautiful gardens on multiple occasions. Recently, I decided to recreate a visit from when my children were young. However, my experience this time was disappointing. I had to leave a deposit for my booking, which I found unusual. The service was slow due to limited staff, and the food was average at best. The prices had increased significantly compared to before, and there were signs of cost-cutting measures such as inexperienced staff and no tablecloths on the tables. The afternoon tea was particularly disappointing, with small portions and lack of choice. The duty manager was rude when I questioned the bill, and overall, the customer service was poor. Despite these issues, the restaurant still has beautiful grounds and a calm atmosphere. It may be worth visiting for a drink or a stroll in the garden, but don't expect a great dining experience. In summary, the restaurant has deteriorated, and there are better options available.

This is the first time I’ve been back here since the pandemic and boy, has it changed. I used to use this place to meet up with a couple of work colleagues; we’... read more This is the first time I’ve been back here since the pandemic and boy, has it changed. I used to use this place to meet up with a couple of work colleagues; we’d do work with a laptop (using their wifi) in one of the spare rooms like the morning room followed by one of their prix fixe menus which offered good value for money. However, since the pandemic, they now take a deposit of £10 per head. I don’t like this, but I also didn’t get this refunded even though I gave them a three week notice of cancellation. Instead they say the deposit goes towards your next visit which for me, wasn’t until three months later. Another new charge was the use of the morning room now £50 an hour! instead we hovered in the hall trying to do some work on a laptop before lunch. The lunch wasn’t good either. Portions too big and didn’t taste great. All four of us left food on our plates from our main course. The fish and chips were nuclear hot and one of our party had a very uncomfortable time as burning hot food went down his throat. Both people who had the fish and chips didn’t like the batter of the fish and then waiting for the food to cool, found it went cold very quickly after. I had the prawn starter but didn’t enjoy the taste of the sauce and it was too big a portion size. Served in a bowl, it was impossible to use a knife and fork to cut up the food. When I mentioned this to the waitress she said it was because of the presentation and hard to make a pile of prawns and gnocchi look good on a plate. I had the burger which was far too thick and not seasoned well, so I left some of that. The burger was not in a brioche bun which they put in the menu. The desserts were nice though. Food needs to be less portion wise and more fine dining rather than country pub fare. You are have a great setting with a wonderful history. Make the food match the surroundings.