It was the Sunday before the so-called Blue Monday and like a few folks we were at a bit of a loose end. We nipped into Arnold to do a bit of shopping and decided upon an impromptu Sunday lunch. There are a few options in Arnold but decided to try Home Bar on the High Street.
We’d been a couple of times before and it had seemed a little bit nicer than your average pub. The trendy signage is an indication of the modern yet contemporary interior which sees huge elaborate chandeliers hung over the ground floor, the decor of which is dark wooden flooring, with dark tables and trendy high back brown leather chairs. Lavish vintage flock wall paper and a colour palate of gold, chocolate and cream.
We were only going to have a light lunch but then noticed a sign offering a two course Lunch for £9.95. How could we go wrong?….
We were told the restaurant was busy but they could manage a table for two and so led us to the upstairs seating area. Once seated it became apparent we were on the next table to a family with two maybe three small children. I say two maybe three – it was hard to tell as they didn’t sit still long enough but certainly made their presence known by a series of cries and squeals. The parents, then tried talking over the children about their various medical conditions. At this point we decided to see if we could move or leave. I’m not a kill joy I just wanted a quiet Sunday lunch without feeling like I’m in a crèche or a doctors surgery. Our waitress knew as soon as she saw us what the problem was and happily seated us downstairs without any problems. Full marks for observation.
I opted for a main course and a dessert. The restaurant didn’t seem overly busy and yet it still took a while for my meal to arrive. I was driving so just ordered a cappuccino. I finished that then ordered an Americano as the meal still hadn’t arrived. Another cappuccino appeared. I didn’t say anything, I probably should have but I was hungry and just wanted my dinner. Two cappuccinos in and still no sign of food. We were sat near the open kitchen. The staff seemed busy but they could hardly be rushed off their feet. Finally the food arrived. Honestly? It was ok. I had ordered the cod. It was soft, white and fell apart as it should, however it lacked a little in the flavour department. The accompanying veg and potato were freshly cooked and tasty but not particularly worthy of the wait. Never mind I thought, maybe dessert will make up for it. So we waited and we waited and we waited some more. Our waitress chased up the kitchen and we waited and waited and….asked for the bill. There shouldn’t be any excuse for such a long wait for a dessert alone.
I understand that the restaurant has recently changed hands so maybe it was teething problems. Will I visit again? Maybe but like the service – I’m not in a hurry.
Tanya Raybould
