The Cavendish - Hertsmere

I have dined at this restaurant twice before and really enjoyed the food and service, but my experience last night was completely different! It was obvious when we arrived that there was a private event happening, but we were seated in an empty dining room. Water was served, but the server did not even ask if we wanted any drinks. The menu selection was okay, but it took at least 20 minutes before our order was taken and once again, we were not asked about drinks. I requested a glass of sparkling rose wine and my partner asked for a non-alcoholic beer, to which the server replied that they were not sure if they had that. Around 10-15 minutes later, the beer arrived for my partner, but there was no sign of my wine. It took another 10 minutes for our appetizers to arrive along with my wine. Throughout the evening, we saw three different servers attending to the other tables, but none of them stayed in the restaurant. At one point, a bottle of red wine that we did not order was brought to our table. When I pointed this out and asked for another glass of wine, the server took the bottle away. The table next to us then claimed that they had actually ordered the red wine, but the server left with the bottle anyway. It took about 45 minutes after finishing our starters for my friend to ask a server when our main courses would be served. We were extremely disappointed with the service and ended up refusing to pay the service charge on the bill. We will not be returning to this restaurant.

The restaurant is situated in a lovely country hotel with a picturesque view. The host who escorted us to our table was friendly and engaging. Though the menu was limited, the food was delicious. Unfortunately, the service was lacking, and the waitstaff seemed a bit indifferent (please smile). We waited for an hour for our main courses with no explanation other than "I will check." We decided to leave before dessert. Despite the issues, we might consider returning in the future.

Living locally this isn't somewhere I've thought about coming before despite having visited and stayed at the hotel several times before as a guest for functions. It's now definitely on the list of restaurants I'll be visiting again. I came here with two friends just...for an evening out. Our waiter, Tom, knew who we were when we arrived (having looked at the bookings) and sat us at our table. The restaurant itself it very well maintained, tastefully decorated and has fantastic views over London. It was quiet when we visited, but not so that it made you uncomfortable as there was background music being played. We all ordered from the set menu. I enjoyed the pork cheek with lentils to start and the herb gnocchi for main. We ordered a side of roast potatoes and a side of broccoli and peas to share between the three of us, which was plenty to go with the veg already with the dishes. Dessert was the chocolate tart. The wine menu offered a good selection. All three courses for all three of us not only looked good, but tasted great. As other reviewers have said, the portions are smaller than you would get at other restaurants, but they are large enough that you feel comfortably satisfied at the end of your meal. The service we received from Tom was outstanding he was on hand to get us everything we needed, but did not hang around the table or push us into ordering or finishing quickly. He even managed to arrange some entertainment for us! One of us happened to mention magic, so Bennie (who was looking after the bar next door) came through and performed some rather impressive card tricks at the table. We had drinks in the bar after dinner and took the time to take in the night view from the terrace. We had the opportunity to talk to Will, the duty manager, who made sure we had enjoyed our evening and recommended that we come back for afternoon tea, which we intend to do soon. Tom, Bennie and Will made sure we had a great evening. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Manor and The Cavendish to family and friends.

My review is slightly bias as we were guests of the hotel. My wife and friends had a disastrous afternoon tea experience and the hotel wanted to “right” the situation and that they did. Would I we go back and pay full price for the...food and service absolutely. The food was absolutely 100% and first class. Starters of Fois Gras, crab and ham hock all were hits. The quality and presentation was exemplary. We then had 2 fillet steaks, halibut and a cod, with extra sides and again the presentation was amazing and the food was sublime. Desert options, we asked the waiter regarding cheese selections and he brought out Perry the Chef who gave us a cheese board for 3 that probably was the best ever. We were not expecting complimentary wine but they provided 2 bottles and water and then waived the entire bill. They very generously rectified the issues the ladies had and are rightfully awarded a review like this because it was all over and above any expectations we had. All 10/10 oh and where do you get a quenelle of butter, here it was just out of this world. The service matches the high quality food!’ Be happy to return and pay full price, and we will!’

We ordered three courses, which was enough for me but not for my husband, who has a larger appetite. We started with the delicious ham hock and crab, and for mains we had the pork belly. The cheese and biscuits provided a good selection. If you have a bigger appetite, be sure to order some sides - the minted potatoes were especially tasty.