The Cottage in the Wood

The location and interior were nice, and on a summer evening I imagine the views could be great, but we wouldn't return. We spent £300 for five, which felt pricey, and there were no wow moments. We booked a birthday meal and had noted that a vegetarian and a vegan would be there. I'd also contacted them beforehand about vegan food and was told the options would be emailed, but nothing arrived. We booked anyway because they seemed well intentioned. At the restaurant, both diners got regular menus with no vegetarian or vegan mains or suggestions. Eventually a waiter offered vegan gnocchi, which the vegan was excited to order, but the dish that arrived was only mushrooms. The waiters and kitchen seemed unclear about what was being served, and although the four people who served us were generally polite, the service felt muddled. The other food looked good but was more style than substance. The pork loin and belly was a small piece of belly with no crackling, the triple-cooked chips were soggy, and the fish had soggy skin and bones in it. Most dishes missed the mark, and they made no effort for the birthday girl.

The views can be wonderful if you get the right room, so check carefully. The food was good, though breakfast was better than dinner, and neither was exceptional. Everything arrived vaguely warm instead of hot, and we chose to eat out with friends on our second night. The atmosphere is cosy but faded, with lots of maintenance needed, especially in the main house, which felt somewhat unloved. The staff were pleasant, but they didn't work as a team and didn't seem professional. There wasn't anything actually wrong with the place, but it didn't meet my expectations and we wouldn't return.

For my 30th birthday in December, we went to Cottage in the Woods for the tasting menu, about £100 each. I've had tasting menus elsewhere, and this was by far the worst. The food lacked flavour, the atmosphere was poor, and the venue felt bland and unwelcoming, especially at Christmas. We were put at the back of the restaurant at a wobbly table. After we asked to move, we ended up near the kitchen, which didn't feel special either. My mum had the vegetarian dishes and my aunt and I had fish, but none of it was tasty. Only the bread and first appetizer were any good. Given the price and reputation, the meal was underwhelming and not the birthday celebration we wanted. We didn't feel the £40 service charge was justified, and I won't recommend it.

The food at this luxury Christmas high tea was excellent, but the whole thing felt underwhelming. I'd booked ahead and brought my elderly mum, and we were all looking forward to a special treat. Instead, we were asked to wait in the hall while they set up the table, even though the place was nearly empty. Then we were served at a sad Formica table, without the tablecloth I'd expected for Christmas tea. The staff interaction was dreadful, and my husband got champagne before any of the ladies. The bill for four was £184.50. A few inexpensive tweaks and more experienced staff could have made it delightful.