Fredrick's - Maidenhead

We visited Fredrick’s for an afternoon tea on a Groupon voucher deal. It’s a lovely looking hotel, good decor, lovely looking grounds and attractive dining room... read more We visited Fredrick’s for an afternoon tea on a Groupon voucher deal. It’s a lovely looking hotel, good decor, lovely looking grounds and attractive dining room. The afternoon tea was delicious and good value. I would give Fredrick’s five stars but for the service. It wasn’t bad but it was just missing a special touch. Little things like being told that the hot water for tea would be topped up but we had to ask for one pot to be topped up and the other two weren’t done at the same time. Another thing was that when the afternoon tea stands arrived there was no room on the table and space had to be made to fit them (it wasn’t a surprise there would be three stands as we were a party of seven) and we all helped make the room. I ended up holding a tea pot and was left holding the tea pot with no room on the table for it. And the other thing that springs to mind is the young waiter brought the bill but there was no space on the table for it and he tried to put it in my hand. I did feel he should’ve made the room on the table for it. These all sound really petty but they’re just examples of the difference of when service can be really great or just mediocre. Shame for a four star hotel. Don’t let it put you off going here but don’t expect to be made to feel really special.

The dinner that we had was cooked to perfection but it has to be said that we are not big fans of this nouvelle cuisine style of cooking as there is not enough... read more The dinner that we had was cooked to perfection but it has to be said that we are not big fans of this nouvelle cuisine style of cooking as there is not enough food put on your plate and one tends to leave the table still feeling hungry.

I had attended a family do at lunch through to tea and decided to stay at the hotel, with dinner in the restaurant. Fortunately the meal was included in my room... read more I had attended a family do at lunch through to tea and decided to stay at the hotel, with dinner in the restaurant. Fortunately the meal was included in my room rate as I wouldn't have been happy paying for it. There was a menu in my room so that I could decide on my meal in advance. This arrangement naturally only works if the menu in the room is the same as what is being served in the restaurant, which it wasn't. Having had an entirely carnivorous lunch I thought I should balance my intake by choosing a vegetarian dinner. The sole vegetarian dishes did not appeal so using the restaurant's menu I chose goat cheese mouse followed by pan fried duck breast. I didn't really know what to expect from my starter. It was quite pleasant as a one off but not to be repeated. The duck breast consisted of two fingers of medium rare duck with soggy skin and about 10 grams of vegetables. Discarding the skin the meal was very nice but no help at all in helping me reach my recommended vegetable intake. According to the NHS I should eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day where a portion is 80 grams. After a private lunch and a dinner at Fredrick's I may have reached a total of 20 grams towards my target of 400 grams. There was no option on the menu for ordering side orders of vegetables. I should point out that service was very good. The staff were attentive and cheerful without being too familiar. If I had been paying separately for a two course meal the above would have cost £35.

My friend and I recently visited this hotel and restaurant for the Sunday Spa deal, which cost £99 each and included bed and breakfast, a 30-minute spa treatmen... read more My friend and I recently visited this hotel and restaurant for the Sunday Spa deal, which cost £99 each and included bed and breakfast, a 30-minute spa treatment, and a two-course dinner in the restaurant. As part of the deal, we were also upgraded to a suite. We enjoyed our stay in the President Suite, which was spacious and luxurious. However, we did notice that the room had not been properly cleaned, as there were still some items left on the floor by previous guests. The suite overlooked the car park, so there was some noise from traffic and deliveries if the window was left open. The spa treatment was delightful and the staff were very friendly, although I am unable to recall their names.

I thoroughly enjoyed the food and wine quality at this restaurant. The tarbot I had was delicious, beautifully presented on my plate, and the sauce was excellen... read more I thoroughly enjoyed the food and wine quality at this restaurant. The tarbot I had was delicious, beautifully presented on my plate, and the sauce was excellent. The duck for my main course was tender and well-prepared, although the accompanying vegetables were lacking. I paired each course with the recommended wines, and the red wine was particularly outstanding. I ended my meal with cheese and a glass of port, which was a lovely combination. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience.