There is a first time for everything. I have never reviewed a restaurant and given it zero on all counts. Until now.
I’m passionate about good food. If I find a place that serves delicious food, has great service and makes me feel special, I will most certainly be back for more. I will also shout out about it from the rooftops, because that’s what good eateries deserve.
A while ago, I had afternoon tea at the Cathedral Quarter Hotel in Derby. I didn’t write about it at the time, as the experience was quite frankly forgettable. I believe in spreading positive news. If an eatery has disappointed, I will always try to be frank and constructive. Since then, I have been asked numerous times, by friends asking me what I think of the Cathedral Quarter’s afternoon tea. I think with the advent of summer, more people are looking for summery eating options. I always say, that there are other places to dine in Derby for afternoon tea, but can never think of a place in the city centre that is worthy of a visit.
Yesterday, I visited Lisa Jean’s Brasserie at Bennetts. I was blown away by the food, the service and affable hosts. I will post a review here soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
In the meantime, I shall try to be succinct in my review for afternoon tea at the Cathedral Quarter. We went upstairs and were seated in a near empty, very quiet room. It was Valentine’s Day, so I was expecting it be special.
The service was erratic, the teapot was stained, the milk jug had a large visible crumb (or piece of fluff?) on it, the pastry tier sparse, the bread for the sandwiches cardboard dry, the sandwiches uninspired with just grated cheese and a bit of tomato on one, the tablecloth dirty, the cutlery dirty. The icing on the cake was the presentation of a flat éclair, which was more like a thin pastry sandwich.
I had to return my food. It was most disappointing, considering it was supposed to be a nice day out for Valentine’s Day.
To the powers that be at the Cathedral Quarter, you have a lovely space. Please make use of it, take tips from Lisa Jean’s Brasserie at Bennetts on how afternoon tea should be done, and good luck for the future.
Star Rating 1-10 (1: “I’d rather eat my own shoe, I hated it that much” – 10: “I’d pillage for a meal here”.)
Food: 0
Value for money: 0
Ambience: 0
Service: 0
Rate or Slate? Slate. Sorry.
Cathedral Quarter Hotel, 16 St Mary’s Gate, Derby, DE1 3JR
Website: www.cathedralquarterhotel.com
Tel: 01332 546 080