The French Horn

Very friendly helpful staff here. Stayed in cottage which was comfortable and spacious, loved it! Only suggestion is bathroom dated and old shower in bath needs updating to walk in shower. It’s a bit dangerous to climb in bath for shower for elderly guests. However we really enjoyed our stay and will return. Stunning views.

My friend and I went for lunch for my birthday. As we had done the same last year and had an exceptional experience we were excited. Sadly this visit was disappointing to say the least. Lovely welcome to begin by the lady owner, with delicious champagne but it was all downhill after that. The service was slapdash with badly dressed waitresses. We both ordered halibut, a fabulous fish and one of my favourites. One dish looked like the fish had slid across the plate and the garnish had slipped off, sauce was tepid and the fish was so overcooked my friend couldn't eat much of hers. She told the waiter when he asked how we had enjoyed it, that it was very dry. He made absolutely no comment. The side dishes (green beans and potatoes Dauphinoise) were rather meagre and lacklustre with no real presentation. So onto dessert, my plate was plonked in front of me rather casually, but the chocolate pudding was very delicious. My friend had to send the hazelnut soufflé back because it tasted only of beaten egg-white, I can confirm I tasted it, no flavour at all. She then ordered the chocolate also, strange that her's had nicely piped caramel cream at the side but mind looked just spread on, but this pudding was nice as I said. We decided not to spend any more money on coffee etc. But they did give us the nice chocolates at the end which we appreciated. When the bill came there was no comment on our difficulties, no apology, no reduction. The bill came to £162 which I felt, considering the standard, a ridiculous price. We left no tip and vowed to go to the Manoir aux Quatre Saisons next year. Recounting our experience to my neighbour later he told me that apparently you are entitled to pay what you feel the meal was worth but have to alert staff to issues (which we did) so they can attempt to rectify them. I wish I had known that earlier. My issue with this experience is that they were well aware that we had issues with the meal, sending back the dessert brought no comment, no effort was made to make us feel like valued customers and it seemed they could care less if we ever came back. It makes me sad to have to leave a review like this. Let's hope they make some changes because it is a really beautiful venue by the river.

Where to begin. This place is a disaster. Two rooms booked at £390 for a single night bed and (continental) breakfast. No restaurant open in which to eat breakfast with the rest of our party. £390 remember! No kettle in the bedroom with which to make any tea but tea bags present. No hot water. Water pressure like a new borns wee strength. No ironing board. A door in the bathroom that accessed the next room bathroom but which thankfully is locked. But the door is so feeble we can hear all the personal toilet habits of the unfortunate guests next door. I continually phoned reception as advised but no one picks up. I’m encouraged to leave a message and someone will get back. Guess what? Walked down to reception and hear running water. This time it ain’t the Thames it’s literally water pouring through the roof into the reception. Had drinks on the patio overlooking the Thames but had to continually go to reception to order more drinks although we genuinely appeared to be just one of a very few number of people staying. Oh! And if you go out until after 10.30 and you forget your keys you won’t get back in. Sorry but this all adds up to a tragic event.