The Clarendon, Chandlers Cross

I went to visit this place for the first time last weekend as had driven past a few times and it looked lovely from outside. Booked a table for 2 in the "casual dining canteen area" for sunday lunch. Initially was shown to a table crammed between 2 large tables and asked to move to a nicer area. The waiting staff were very pleasant but that is the only nice thing i can say about this place (apart from toilets)
The food was below average - roast beef was fatty and came with a tiny amount of veg and gravy - and when we asked for more we were given a tiny jug with some extra in. The horse raddish sauce didn't actually appear to have any horse raddish in it!
Then the big shock. I must admit i didn't scan the prices and don't remember the price of a roast being on the menu as it was the "special"- turns out the reason is it was �20 for a roast lunch! We had 2 courses each, 2 glasses of wine and the bill was �87 once service was added on. I feel for the location this is completely unreasonable. When i complained i was told that we were paying "for the experience and passion of the staff"! Would definitely not recommend this and find their attitude arrogant and presumptious. Given it a 2 rating - 1 for staff and 1 for toilets!

10 Jun 2009 09:23