Topic ID 4831
Just got back from dinner at 'The Bluecoat' and i can't believe the changes that have been made from before. Gorgeous interior, polite staff and lovely food - i had the belly of pork which was really nice. My only negative was there wasn't enough sauce on our sticky toffee pudding, but i asked for more and that was no problem. I hope a nice restaurant like this can keep open for a long time! Edited by Admin to correct name
Reply ID 69726
Forgive my ignorance, but where is the Bluecoat?
Reply ID 69731
quote:The former Sportsman (formerly The Bluecoat Boy) public house on the corner of Fore Street and South Street, opposite M&S Food.
Originally posted by robbieg
Forgive my ignorance, but where is the Bluecoat?
Reply ID 69734
Aah great thanks - knew there was a new place opening there but didn't know the name. Must give it a try.
Reply ID 69858
We had a great meal here last night. Food was really nice. Staff very friendly. We will definately be going back.
Reply ID 71210
We went on Saturday; restaurant was just about full and the staff were very friendly. The menu is limited (more about that later) - I had scallops and fried pancetta for starters with char grilled calf's liver and bacon for main. The scallops were fresh and lightly cooked and the pancetta added some nice crunch to the dish. The liver was absolutely fantastic, plenty of it and it just melted in the mouth - the dish came with mash, roasted beetroot and baby onions and it was all tasty and perfectly cooked. Mrs. G (BTW not the same Mrs. G as above!) is veggie and this is where the limited menu comes into play as there is only one dish - parsnip soup to start was v. nice apparently and the Ravioli with Spinach and Field Mushrooms was OK but not anything special. Pudding was a shared apple crumble tart with brown bread ice cream - once again very nice, plenty of it and the brown bread ice cream was surprisingly delicious. Food came to about £25 a head - won't mention the drink as I probably went a bit OTT - Fleurie was £26 a bottle. Nice atmosphere in the place with guitarist/singer and some nice tunes at a reasonable volume so that you could talk. I will definitely be returning.
Reply ID 71315
Well on the basis of all these good recommendations, decided to book here for Friday night. Partner is a veggie, so agree the menu looks a little limiting but sure we will manage anyway.
Reply ID 71331
A bit late now, but we went for a meal just before Christmas and were very impressed. Good staff, food and atmosphere etc.
Reply ID 71500
Well I am pleased we followed the recommendations here, as they are certainly true. Had a splendid meal here last Friday and whilst the menu does look limited when looking at the web site, there was an additional specials menu (Plat de Jour)which added another 3 starters and 3 mains - mostly fish which kept my partner happy not being a meat eater. Food was excellent and served piping hot and on hot plates (too many places serve hot food on cold plates). The chips were rather exceptional too - not sure what the chef cooks them in, but they were light, fluffy and slightly crispy - yum. Needless to say, we both left clean empty plates. The restaurant was nearly full and had a good atmosphere with the piano player/singer playing at a reasonable volume so I could still talk without shouting. I noticed that the bill was more or less the same as we paid recently at Loch Fyne and Brasserie Gerard, and yet this place is most definitely superior, both in terms of its food and ambience. Have to strongly reccomend and we will certainly be going back.
Reply ID 74830
I agree with the recommendations above. Prices comparable to chains, quality far better.
Reply ID 74874
quote:I would agree with this. I think it is far better value for money than the chains and better food than Lussmans. The decor is superior to Lussmans and certainly to Hertford House. On Friday and Saturday evenings (and some Sunday lunchtimes) there is live music from a good quality pianist/vocalist that is not intrusive. Not quite "fine dining" but great value in lovely surroundings.
Originally posted by Rachel
I agree with the recommendations above. Prices comparable to chains, quality far better.
Reply ID 75165
Went in a group of 4 for lunch on Saturday (having previously been in December). Luckily, it was still as good as ever. Food good, service good, prices good/reasonable. They actually had a cut down lunch menu but would bring out the full menu on request. One worrying thing was that we were the only people there. Our server assured us that they would be busy in the evening but come on folks, support your local restaurants more as I'd hate to see more going the way of The Merchant House or the original Deco!
Reply ID 75169
quote:What's happened to the Merchant House?
Originally posted by newcomer
Went in a group of 4 for lunch on Saturday (having previously been in December). Luckily, it was still as good as ever. Food good, service good, prices good/reasonable. They actually had a cut down lunch menu but would bring out the full menu on request. One worrying thing was that we were the only people there. Our server assured us that they would be busy in the evening but come on folks, support your local restaurants more as I'd hate to see more going the way of The Merchant House or the original Deco!
Reply ID 75170
quote:Given that the last comment on The Merchant House thread is by you, then one would assume you've been reading it and therefore know the answer to that question. The last three pages discuss the closure of The Merchant House and it's rebirth as an Indian restaurant. http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3313 http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3313 http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3313
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:What's happened to the Merchant House?
Originally posted by newcomer
Went in a group of 4 for lunch on Saturday (having previously been in December). Luckily, it was still as good as ever. Food good, service good, prices good/reasonable. They actually had a cut down lunch menu but would bring out the full menu on request. One worrying thing was that we were the only people there. Our server assured us that they would be busy in the evening but come on folks, support your local restaurants more as I'd hate to see more going the way of The Merchant House or the original Deco!
Reply ID 75178
quote:One would assume that you also read those last three pages on the Merchant House thread and therefore one would also assume you noted the very first mention of the Ruby on this forum was on that thread and by me. This leads one to further assume you might have considered the rather obvious possibility that I mixed up the Merchant House and Masters House. Strewth!
Originally posted by Stevequote:Given that the last comment on The Merchant House thread is by you, then one would assume you've been reading it and therefore know the answer to that question. The last three pages discuss the closure of The Merchant House and it's rebirth as an Indian restaurant. http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3313 http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3313 http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3313
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:What's happened to the Merchant House?
Originally posted by newcomer
Went in a group of 4 for lunch on Saturday (having previously been in December). Luckily, it was still as good as ever. Food good, service good, prices good/reasonable. They actually had a cut down lunch menu but would bring out the full menu on request. One worrying thing was that we were the only people there. Our server assured us that they would be busy in the evening but come on folks, support your local restaurants more as I'd hate to see more going the way of The Merchant House or the original Deco!
Reply ID 75179
quote:Touché!
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:One would assume that you also read those last three pages on the Merchant House thread and therefore one would also assume you noted the very first mention of the Ruby on this forum was on that thread and by me.
Originally posted by Steve
Given that the last comment on The Merchant House thread is by you, then one would assume you've been reading it and therefore know the answer to that question. The last three pages discuss the closure of The Merchant House and it's rebirth as an Indian restaurant. http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3313 http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3313 http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=3313
Reply ID 76028
Went back to the Bluecoat on Friday eve. Wasn't full but pretty busy anyway and the live music is really nice too. Excellent meal with good service as we have had in previous visits.
Reply ID 76212
Wednesday night is Steak Night at the Bluecoat - we went along to sample the delights, and delightful they certainly were. The 8oz steak burger was amazing. Husband reported that his rump steak was the best he has ever eaten, and he eats a lot of steak!! Lovely grilled mushrooms and tomatoes too and a little platter of sauces to accompany. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm will be going back for sure [:)]
Reply ID 80071
Ate here for the first time over the weekend. Good food, attentive and friendly staff, nice atmosphere. Not entirel sure about the pianist but he was pretty unobtrusive and its quite fun to have some live music. The place was fairly packed and we waited a bit longer than we'd have liked for our main course but that is probably my only criticism. All in all a very good option for a nice meal out.
Reply ID 80392
Trying Bluecoats tonight...any recommendations ?
Reply ID 82031
Went to the Bluecoat last night & was extemely impressed with how they catered for my Coeliac disease - they typed up a gluten free menu so I could immediately see what dishes I could have & also said they could adapt dishes if I wanted anything off the normal menu. They even had a gluten free roll which was a joy as normally I have to go without. Food was delicious :)
Reply ID 83667
Very excited to see all the good comments about The Bluecoat restaurant. My hubby and I are having a date night Saturday night, (grandparents are having our little one) and we've booked a table there. We've just moved into the area so hoping our first night out in Hertford will be a success :-) Even better that they seem to cater for coeliacs - our very good friends both suffer so it's so nice to know we can take them out to dinner when they visit :-)
Reply ID 83669
quote:A date night ???? is that where you pretend you are single and accidently bump into each other in the bar and start chatting and fall head over heels in love agian ??
Originally posted by Ath3na
Very excited to see all the good comments about The Bluecoat restaurant. My hubby and I are having a date night Saturday night, (grandparents are having our little one) and we've booked a table there. We've just moved into the area so hoping our first night out in Hertford will be a success :-) Even better that they seem to cater for coeliacs - our very good friends both suffer so it's so nice to know we can take them out to dinner when they visit :-)
Reply ID 83680
quote:Hope you have a great time!
Originally posted by Ath3na
Very excited to see all the good comments about The Bluecoat restaurant. My hubby and I are having a date night Saturday night, (grandparents are having our little one) and we've booked a table there. We've just moved into the area so hoping our first night out in Hertford will be a success :-) Even better that they seem to cater for coeliacs - our very good friends both suffer so it's so nice to know we can take them out to dinner when they visit :-)
Reply ID 83694
quote:
Originally posted by hertford born and bredquote:A date night ???? is that where you pretend you are single and accidently bump into each other in the bar and start chatting and fall head over heels in love agian ?? [:D] not quite but its nice to palm off our toddler for a night and basically not need to worry about the hangover the following morning [;)]
Originally posted by Ath3na
Very excited to see all the good comments about The Bluecoat restaurant. My hubby and I are having a date night Saturday night, (grandparents are having our little one) and we've booked a table there. We've just moved into the area so hoping our first night out in Hertford will be a success :-) Even better that they seem to cater for coeliacs - our very good friends both suffer so it's so nice to know we can take them out to dinner when they visit :-)
Reply ID 83723
quote:Enjoy
Originally posted by Ath3naquote:
Originally posted by hertford born and bredquote:A date night ???? is that where you pretend you are single and accidently bump into each other in the bar and start chatting and fall head over heels in love agian ?? [:D] not quite but its nice to palm off our toddler for a night and basically not need to worry about the hangover the following morning [;)]
Originally posted by Ath3na
Very excited to see all the good comments about The Bluecoat restaurant. My hubby and I are having a date night Saturday night, (grandparents are having our little one) and we've booked a table there. We've just moved into the area so hoping our first night out in Hertford will be a success :-) Even better that they seem to cater for coeliacs - our very good friends both suffer so it's so nice to know we can take them out to dinner when they visit :-)
Reply ID 84348
Went to the Bluecoat this weekend for the first time. We will certainly be returning. The staff were friendly and attentive, the menu had a great reange of options and the food was lovely - well presented and nicely cooked. The decor was lovely, temperature just right, and we loved the music theme (the grand piano, violin, guitar, horn and recorder etc). We only have good words to describe The Bluecoat. The only sour point was that we regret not having discovered it sooner!
Reply ID 84727
Have been to the Bluecoats before and enjoyed their food. So booked in for Xmas dinner this year on Christmas Day. The menu included the traditional Xmas turkey dinner that most people want Somewhat concerned that I have just received an email that the Restaurant is closing for 10 days and will be refurbished as an Italian Restaurant called "Aqua Ristorante". The email states that they should be able to accomodate existing bookings and we will be advised of menu changes. Does anyone know anything more about this as I am thinking I might end up with Pizza on Xmas day !
Reply ID 84728
quote:I did wonder when I saw workmen in there yesterday. Ironic that ASK is also closed for refurbishment.
Originally posted by theadmans
Have been to the Bluecoats before and enjoyed their food. So booked in for Xmas dinner this year on Christmas Day. The menu included the traditional Xmas turkey dinner that most people want Somewhat concerned that I have just received an email that the Restaurant is closing for 10 days and will be refurbished as an Italian Restaurant called "Aqua Ristorante". The email states that they should be able to accomodate existing bookings and we will be advised of menu changes. Does anyone know anything more about this as I am thinking I might end up with Pizza on Xmas day !
Reply ID 84743
Aqua has a restaurant in old Welwyn, must be the same people. Not bad but not great is my experience of this one