Retrospective Review

I’m quite pleased with the title for this blogette, mainly because this happened two weekends ago (Halloween weekend) and there were elements of the Retro and Artisanal (!) leanings at the Rudloe Arms Hotel (near Bath) where we had a night away.  See:  www.rudloearms.com .

Paul and I had a Dinner and B&B  deal at this hotel which is owned by Marco Pierre White – the original Bad Boy of the culinary world and enfant terrible chef.  White is the one that had been awarded three Michelin stars by the age of 32 years (in 1994), before handing them back (in 1999 when he retired as chef).
 

I think the Rudloe Arms is owned by MPW but is also part of a franchise (developed 2013) called Black And White Hospitality. The business operates a franchise model which allows property owners to open one of the eight Marco Pierre White branded restaurants within their property – names including, for example, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Mr White’s English Chophouse, Wheeler's of St James’s Oyster Bar & Grill Room, Wheeler’s Fish & Chips, Bardolino Pizzeria Bellini & Espresso Bar and Marconi Coffee & Juice Bar. 

On the whole we enjoyed the experience and the main building – very Gothic and suitably spooky-looking for a Halloween night away – was impressive and comfortable, but we both agreed that we would have been disappointed if we had shelled out the full-price of £300 plus for the privilege.  As it was we spent £150 on the ‘deal’ and, of course, then paid the extra for wine and drinks.  And there’s the rub… upon arrival we had an hour to wait until being given access to our room.  This is fair enough as were early and were accordingly invited to relax in one “of our four lounges”.  These are comfortably furnished and eclectically decorated; quirky and interesting [but very poorly lit].  As I signed the register and handed over the obligatory credit card for security, I mentioned that we were “parched and would love a cup of tea!”.  To which I was hastily informed that yes, they could provide tea but they didn’t do Afternoon Tea and suchlike.  That’s fine, I responded, but I do need something and I’m diabetic “so a biscuit or similar would be great”. Ten minutes later a tray ladened with an elegant teapot, cups and saucers of white porcelain appeared… and that was it, and not so much as even a smile from the receptionist-waitress as she swept in-and-out the lounge!  So, a little while later, after enjoying the tea [only] and dumping our bags in the room (quite flash it has to be said), we high-tailed it to a local Co-Op to get some basic nourishment!?  Hmm… not an auspicious start.  The thing is, when I settled the bill upon departure the next day, that seemingly begrudged pot of tea cost £7.00 – two teabags and some boiling water…. not impressed.

The evening meal was very tasty, nicely presented and the ingredients obviously of a very high standard but again, it was nothing particularly special.  There was a nod to the ‘retro’ with prawn cocktail on the starter menu, and the main choices were heavily weighted to Italian pastas and gnocchi but if you did fancy a steak then there was a £12.00 surcharge and, on top of that, additional charges for any ‘sides’.  Good job we were on “a deal”!

So, in retrospect and reflection, it was a good experience, but we have enjoyed better meals at the local ‘posh’ hotel Ellenborough Park and Winchcombe’s very own No 5 Restaurant… which we can walk-to and meander back after consuming fabulous food and intoxicating wine!