Harbour City

TheBlade

A little disappointing 23rd February 2009

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We expected a great deal, having had the place recommended. However, perhaps because they were extremely busy, the end product was a little disappointing. Firstly, we waited too long at the bar. An 8 pm reservation should mean that give or take 15 mins. 45 mins wait is not acceptable. Then, having to ask to order is similarly unacceptable.
We went for the £30 a head set menu. Starters included pancake rolls with thick, pastry like casing and dry fish-based balls, for want of a better description.
Crispy duck was extremely fatty
For mains, an assortment of dishes arrived. Alas the rice did not - at least not for at least 10 mins after the main dishes.
Sweets were the banana fritter and fried strawberry variety.
Too many people are crammed in. The one bar man cannot properly cope and the waiters have too much to do.
The wine list is on the pricey side, although the extremely mediocre Sancerre was not properly chilled, and the overall cost places this at the top end of the market, with the cost of a taxi to add.
For me, this place tries hard but doesn't quite cut it. For posh nosh, somewhere like the Old Bakery is a better bet, while the chinese food at the good old Phoenix or Ocean is probably better.
There is also Thai food to be had. But why eat Thai in a Chinese retaurant?