Review by Brad on 11th February, 2010

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A truly shocking experience – we didn’t even make it past the bar due to the quite unbelievable attitude of what I thought was a waiter. His greeting to us was “we’re still closed” (how dare we arrive at 6.45pm for a table booked at 7pm appeared the attitude?). This immediately annoyed me, however it was my birthday and my partner had booked the table so ever the diplomat she said no problem we’ll have a cocktail and let you finish…and his reply “no, you can’t have a cocktail”. At this point I did state that we had just walked into a restaurant apparently as customers and been told off once and then told “no” – not “no problem sir, I’ll be right with you” or “take a seat and I’ll fetch you a drink”. Following a brief exchange between myself and this ‘waiter’, in which I highlighted the money we would be spending in the restaurant and also how it looked like they needed it as it was empty, his reply was “we’re still closed”, I then stated how shocked I was at his attitude and I actually observed him rolling his eyes whilst at the till - he then said “well go somewhere else then”. Yes, you did read that right. Unbelievable. I asked to speak to a manager and it turns out he is the manager! All hope is lost. We were actually in there less than 5 minutes and it has been a long time since somebody has been so rude to us (we both work as nurses too!). I called the restaurant later on, spoke to the man responsible for the above and asked for the owner’s name – he said he was the owner. I then asked for his full name, but he seemed reluctant to give it to me. I wonder why? My reply was to remind him that as the proprietor he should take ownership of his behaviour and thus allow me to write a letter of complaint, as well as an online review. He knew my full name (from the booking), now I want his. I’ll show a little mercy and refrain from printing his full name online, but it is 'James'. On the basis of this experience, I would urge anybody to steer well clear of this restaurant and thus avoid a repeat of this quite shocking experience – the food may well be good (although other online reviews suggest otherwise), but without good service then eating out is nothing. We walked round the corner to Prezzo, where the food was basic but the service was excellent and the restaurant was packed – I wonder why? Also, a suggestion to Bearlands restaurant – if you are too inefficient to be prepared for 7pm guests then perhaps refrain from allowing them to book at that time. Also, do not open the doors – thus allowing your guests to walk in! In the interests of free speech, I urge the site administrators to allow this – it really is too outlandish to have made up. I feel this review has been written in a constructive and respectful manner - it is not a witch hunt, merely an honest account. There simply was nothing positive to say. I will also be writing to the owner personally. This treatment of potential customers invites consequence – if it is negative feedback then so be it. Regards. Brad and Jo

Date visited: 6th February 2010

Review by Mark James on 17th November, 2009

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Visited Bearlands for a small family gathering on 13th November 2009 and was very disapointed. I was attracted to Bearlands by the several, excellent reviews of the place on the interenet, (though I notice subsequently that www.restaurant-guide.com has a policy of ONLY publishing positive 'reviews'!). Not a good start when even the bar isn't stocked for many of the 'cocktails'roughly chalked on the board for a fiver...Had previously discussed my wife's dietry needs, which had been forgotten, and she was presented with a "stack" (small pile) of vegatables -for £15.Old wine-cellar setting lovely, to be fair, but distinctly mediocre, pub-quality food served tepid, with gimmicky touchs such as a minute tea-cups of soup mid course to justify the £28 price tag for a lacklustre 3 course meal.Following an embarassingly long wait for the bill, my father was rather tetchily informed that the barman (/duty manager?)that working this out was "one of a lot of things he had to do".I understand that this was, at one point a well-regarded bar-restaraunt, and that it may have recently changed hands. We may have had an exceptionally bad night but I'd advice that you CHECK with somone who's been to Bearlands RECENTLY before booking (especially for Christmas meals).

Date visited: 13th November 2009

Review by Brian Williams on 18th September, 2009

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A very pleasant environment and superb food. The chef obviously knows his stuff. The service and presentation were faultless with just the right time between courses. At £15 for a three course House menu and £25 for something more upmarket you really can't go wrong. Recommended for that romantic evening out with the wife/girlfriend. PS. I was somewhat disappointed at being charged £7 (equivalent) for a pint of Strongbow, but I suppose that is the going rate in a quality restaurant.

Date visited: 17/09/2009

Review by Marion Wood on 16th August, 2008

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After reading a couple of reviews on Bearlands it was with some trepidation that I went for my umpteenth visit. However the food and service was absolutely fantastic, the only moan I would have is that we were in the little room and couldn't see to well what we were eating. The cooking and presentation of the food was excellent and the waitresses were very helpful and polite. I will certainly be going back soon. .

Date visited: 15 August 2008

Review by Glenn Sinyard on 13th November, 2007

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I was shocked to hear that the Bearlands serve foie gras! I cannot believe that UK companies could sell something which is so cruel its production is banned in the UK!