Number 26 - Stafford

I visited this restaurant today for Mother's Day lunch. The ambiance was perfect, the staff were excellent, and they offered a special 3-course menu with many o... read more I visited this restaurant today for Mother's Day lunch. The ambiance was perfect, the staff were excellent, and they offered a special 3-course menu with many options to choose from. We stayed at our table for over 2 hours and then enjoyed coffee in the bar area. There is plenty of outdoor seating for warmer days and it was nice to see all the narrow boats docked in the marina. I would love to visit again and highly recommend it to others.

I had a wonderful evening celebrating my 50th birthday at this restaurant. The party of 10 was well organized and the service was quick. The food and drinks wer... read more I had a wonderful evening celebrating my 50th birthday at this restaurant. The party of 10 was well organized and the service was quick. The food and drinks were delicious. Our server Immy was very attentive, efficient, and pleasant. The only downside was the limited selection of ales, with only one available, but it didn't spoil the night.

Unfortunately, our Sunday lunch was very poor, the Beef was so tough we were unable to eat it, it had been sliced very thin but we were still unable to cut it.... read more Unfortunately, our Sunday lunch was very poor, the Beef was so tough we were unable to eat it, it had been sliced very thin but we were still unable to cut it. The vegetables were very good and so were the roast potatoes. Starter and...

We love it here. The Marina is lovely, very peaceful and beautiful. You can have a short walk around the Marina and the kids love looking at the Canal boats and... read more We love it here. The Marina is lovely, very peaceful and beautiful. You can have a short walk around the Marina and the kids love looking at the Canal boats and Wildlife. The restaurant is lovely. Staff are friendly and food is gorgeous.

I had booked the restaurant based on the fact it seemed to have a good gluten-free menu there were even some dishes that could be adapted to be gluten free. I p... read more I had booked the restaurant based on the fact it seemed to have a good gluten-free menu there were even some dishes that could be adapted to be gluten free. I personally find the venue lacks atmosphere inside but that’s a personal opinion it was a bit more light and pleasant in the conservatory where we were sat. I made sure I told the waitress that I wanted the gluten free option as I had an allergy (I’m coeliac) and the dish I chose was one that could be adapted to be so. When it came it was a noodle/coconut dish, a bit like a coconut curry but all stuck to the noodles instead of being saucy. I wasn’t really much for it, but thats how it goes when you’re ordering something blind and you’ve not tried it before. I think when you pay a little bit extra at a place like Aston marina you probably expect a bit better. Anyway as soon as I got home I was very ill, I knew I had been glutenized. Then I was feeling ill all my weekend off and into the next week where I was still boated like a beach ball. I went in after work and complained politely. The manager completed a form and ultimately, credit to them they admitted that the noodles I had been given had not been gluten free after a short investigation. I was offered a £50 voucher as a goodwill gesture. Considering I had spent over £25 in there (with a pre meal drink) it was little compensation for being ill and totally ruining my weekend. However the manager who rang me back assured me that extra training would be given to staff so that really is the very best outcome that hopefully nobody else will get ill again. I have a lot of respect for the fact that they admitted to their mistake and confirmed that it did say on the order I’d requested gluten-free. I will use the voucher for drinks! I am satisfied with the outcome. Mistakes happen. I have been to places where a manager takes any order of a customer with an allergy and I’d recommend that as best practice.