Topic ID 4312
Does anyone know anything of the progress of the Master’s House bar/restaurant/hotel in Fore Street? Significant work was being undertaken on this historic building around this time last year, but all work seems to have stopped. The company behind it advertised in the Richard Hale Association Magazine, just before Christmas. I imagine they might be a victim of the credit crunch, but wondered if anyone knew anything solid?
Reply ID 62447
been discussed on here before, but the people behind the hotel are also the people behind Loftcat and a number of other ventures in Hertfordshire.
Reply ID 69522
what a strange place - went for lunch this week. Prepared to be open minded. Atmosphere vacuum obviously used just prior to our arrival. I ordered a main course of tempura prawns and a side of chips - 5 prawns and 4 chips turned up. I asked if it was a starter portion which after much confusion, they realised it was -but couldn't be bothered to wait for more food so said that was fine. Food ok-ish. Then went to the bar to try and pay but as I was not wearing my Friday night outfit, high-heels and had failed to use peroxide on my hair that morning, I couldn't compete for the attention of the bar-man with the ladies that had. I then noticed who I presumed was the manager/owner making learing faces to the barman behind the very nicely dressed ladies - how professional I thought. Paid the bill and left yet another new Hertford soul-less establishment kicking myself for giving Hertford yet another go.......
Reply ID 69537
Tried it for brekky last Sunday. Turned up at noon and was told no breakfasts after 11.. which for us on a Sunday seems a tad early. Furthermore place was empty & presumably someone was kicking their heels in the kitchen.. their loss. Ended up in the Snug & had absolutly excellent scoff... & of course at a lower price (albeit a bit more than Roses etc)
Reply ID 69570
I went mid-week not long after it opened. They didn’t have of the wine we initially ordered. Ordered another, on the 2nd glass this too had run out so was given another alternative (although this was on the house). It was quiet-ish but the decor seems nice enough (I think you can tell the Loftcat connection). I’m assuming they must be up to speed now with all the wines being available, large collection of continental beers on draught and nice to see a bar going for a wide range of Deutz champagne rather than the ubiquitous Cliquot. I’d go again perhaps on a busier evening and maybe to try the food. It was expensive though, more expensive than my previous standard of Baroosh. 1 large glass of wine and a pint of beer was £10.
Reply ID 69571
I think it feels a bit soulless and lacking in atmosphere, although this may take some time to build up I guess
Reply ID 69840
Quite impressed to be honest! I thought it was going to be another "Hertford House Hotel" in respect of quiet during the week and busy thursday, friday, saturday. The cocktails were great, always handy when the bar staff know what they are doing. Ive been three times in under a week and have thoroughly enjoyed it. one thing though, you need to sort the speakers and the sound system out! Good Luck !
Reply ID 69870
When it first opened I had a nosey at their menu. It was quite busy inside and when the door opened I was met with a cacophany equal to that of Bar ouch. I guess with a sound system added to the mix I won't be going there any time soon.
Reply ID 69871
I'll be buggered if I'm paying central London money for drinks in Hertford. No way Pedro. £10.00 for a pint and a glass of standard vino in Hertford is taking the piss.
Reply ID 69877
Went in with for a coffee Saturday morning with my 4 year old, very polite bar staff nice coffee and at £2.25 reasonably priced. Personally I think they have done a fantastic job, the bar is spacious with plenty of seating areas and is tastefully decorated. Had a quick look at the drinks menu on the wall and although the premier beers are a bit toppy, the Amstel was £3.40 a pint which is average for Hertford. I had already had a couple of brief visits, once when quiet, once when busy and enjoyed both and neither time did I feel that the rounds were more expensive than other Hertford watering holes. In honesty I do not really feel that the prices are over the top for what in essence is a Boutique Hotel bar, I think you will find that you would have dig a lot deeper in to your pocket to pay for a drink in an equivalent London establishment. I will certainly return weather it be for a coffee, a quick drink or a night out. Best of luck to the owners.
Reply ID 70169
We went in there last night for a few drinks and the place was pretty busy. The mezzanine restaurant looked quite full too. They've done a really good job on the place compared to what it was like when Loftcats used it for their furniture sale. I love the cowhide chairs they have too. Will deffinitely go again. It was way better than the HHH anyway. Ended up in there and wasn't impressed.
Reply ID 70171
quote:Was the coffee £2.25 for a cup? You can get a cafetiere for one, with either cream or milk, plus a shortbread biscuit, for £1.50 in The Salisbury, and you will get two full cups at least from it!
Originally posted by Victor Meldrew
Went in with for a coffee Saturday morning with my 4 year old, very polite bar staff nice coffee and at £2.25 reasonably priced. Personally I think they have done a fantastic job, the bar is spacious with plenty of seating areas and is tastefully decorated. Had a quick look at the drinks menu on the wall and although the premier beers are a bit toppy, the Amstel was £3.40 a pint which is average for Hertford. I had already had a couple of brief visits, once when quiet, once when busy and enjoyed both and neither time did I feel that the rounds were more expensive than other Hertford watering holes. In honesty I do not really feel that the prices are over the top for what in essence is a Boutique Hotel bar, I think you will find that you would have dig a lot deeper in to your pocket to pay for a drink in an equivalent London establishment. I will certainly return weather it be for a coffee, a quick drink or a night out. Best of luck to the owners.
Reply ID 70174
but you'll also get complete silence and a clientele with an average age of 50.
Reply ID 70175
"but you'll also get complete silence" Blissss...........!
Reply ID 70176
quote:If only there were more lively venues with loud music and a less age prejudiced clientelle.[;)]
Originally posted by thefair1973
but you'll also get complete silence and a clientele with an average age of 50.
Reply ID 70227
The home of the double breasted suit on a friday!
Reply ID 70243
the web site is online now if anyone wants to take a look http://www.mastershouse.co.uk/
Reply ID 77534
'WOW' what a rant! Check out the second review down by "bunkered boy"....don't think the old boy was very impressed with his accomodation or our quaint little town [:0][:0] http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186305-d1750494-r64362642-Master_s_House-Hertford_Hertfordshire_England.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT
Reply ID 77535
quote:To be fair, his disdain isn't just limited to the hotel and town but the nation as a whole. Twice he refers to it as the United Kingdumb.
Originally posted by sprocket
'WOW' what a rant! Check out the second review down by "bunkered boy"....don't think the old boy was very impressed with his accomodation or our quaint little town [:0][:0] http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186305-d1750494-r64362642-Master_s_House-Hertford_Hertfordshire_England.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT
Reply ID 77537
Absolutely hilarious- an amazing read (although not for the Master's House I suspect) - good history lesson too. Even Basil Fawlty wouldn't have earned an accolade such as this! However, for one that regularly goes to various eating establishments in Hertford on a Friday night, his description of the town is sadly too true, although probably not too different to many 'lively' town centres. Amazed they have rooms without double glazing - maybe the planning laws forbade it? Shame he didn't get breakfast - would love to have read his comments about that.
Reply ID 77538
He obviously hadn't been back to Hertford for a while if he didn't know about the town at weekends! I believe there's a balance to be struck between a thriving nightlife and a safe evening out and I'm afraid Hertford is getting worse at weekends. When I used to frequent the bars in town a few years ago I used to talk to people from a 20 mile plus radius of Hertford and ask why they came here - many said that it was because there wasn't any trouble and I would like us to get back to those days. As for the review its written by someone who lives in that libertarian state of Switzerland I believe - maybe a reality check was in order?
Reply ID 78522
Most obscure plug ever ? http://www.dailystar.co.uk/othersport/view/168567/Jamie-Caven-vows-to-play-blinder/
Reply ID 78527
The nail has been hit squarely on the head there. Sadly it often takes one from elsewhere to tell us what we fail to see. PS: not talking about the darts player.
Reply ID 78541
quote:That is brilliant!
Originally posted by Stevequote:To be fair, his disdain isn't just limited to the hotel and town but the nation as a whole. Twice he refers to it as the United Kingdumb.
Originally posted by sprocket
'WOW' what a rant! Check out the second review down by "bunkered boy"....don't think the old boy was very impressed with his accomodation or our quaint little town [:0][:0] http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186305-d1750494-r64362642-Master_s_House-Hertford_Hertfordshire_England.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT
Reply ID 79669
Ate here for the first time on Saturday evening. Staff, superb, friendly and accomodating. Food, overpriced & mediocre. Probably won't go back
Reply ID 79839
Had a great Sunday breakfast in there yesterday....the place was rather dead though.
Reply ID 79857
what did you have Queenie??? I went there for a full monty on Sunday and thought it was very average, sausage was cheap bacon swimming in fat, black pud dry. staff were excellent so well done there. for another 50 pence or so i would be happy with better quality food. Has this place recently changed hands?
Reply ID 79871
quote:From what I understand they went bust, only to be bought out by another company owned by the same people. Hence the signs in the window about "closed for refurbishment" and "unable to accept cards".
Originally posted by teddylad
Has this place recently changed hands?
Reply ID 79875
Didnt the HHH do that too ? - These bars dressed up as hotels (in big buildings) are taking on too much debt me thinks...
Reply ID 79883
quote:Or, avoiding debt?
Originally posted by Frenchie
Didnt the HHH do that too ? - These bars dressed up as hotels (in big buildings) are taking on too much debt me thinks...
Reply ID 79949
According to axis magazine, The Master's House has gone into voluntary liquidation and now in the hands of the liquidators who will complete the process of winding it up. The hotel, bar and restaurant are now being run by a business called RGB Leisure Ltd based in Shrewsbury.
Reply ID 80014
quote:Sorry only just seen this - had the full English too (although skipped mushrooms and black pudding!!). I only saw one member of staff the whole time - maybe if they put both our experiences together it would make one satisfied customer! [:D]
Originally posted by teddylad
what did you have Queenie??? I went there for a full monty on Sunday and thought it was very average, sausage was cheap bacon swimming in fat, black pud dry. staff were excellent so well done there. for another 50 pence or so i would be happy with better quality food. Has this place recently changed hands?
Reply ID 80551
Had the misfortune of being here last night around 7pm for an hour. It now offers 2 for 1 drinks from 5pm to 7pm. Place was deserted apart from bar area which had 2 groups of very intoxicated men. Swearing, drinks smashed etc etc. Whole place looked grubby and tired....I could of been in the White Hart....
Reply ID 83570
Rumour has it that it will be closing down again by this weekend. Seems it is still so difficult to make venues work financially
Reply ID 83571
The staff came in the Barge last night telling me they no longer had jobs because it had closed (was closing).
quote:
Originally posted by jjr
Rumour has it that it will be closing down again by this weekend. Seems it is still so difficult to make venues work financially
Reply ID 83630
There is a notice on the door now stating the bar and restaurant are both closed due to reorganisation (?) but the hotel remains open. I also saw a locksmith gaining entry for someone today and a lot of fellas moving furniture and bar stuff.
Reply ID 83861
New notice in the window advertising staff vacancies for an exciting new bar and brasserie.
Reply ID 83862
That was quick - I wonder how they managed to get everything sorted within a week or two [;)] its just like their re-opening in March all over again!
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
New notice in the window advertising staff vacancies for an exciting new bar and brasserie.
Reply ID 83872
quote:Phoenix-like, you might almost say....[:)]
Originally posted by Golden
That was quick - I wonder how they managed to get everything sorted within a week or two [;)] its just like their re-opening in March all over again!quote:
Originally posted by Steve
New notice in the window advertising staff vacancies for an exciting new bar and brasserie.
Reply ID 83881
Who still supplies them after going bust twice ? Cash on delivery ?
Reply ID 83908
I called them twice to request a menu for a booking for 12 people, and they still didn't get a menu to me. How difficult can it be?
Reply ID 83925
quote:Pretty difficult I guess if they're no longer trading!
Originally posted by Georgie
I called them twice to request a menu for a booking for 12 people, and they still didn't get a menu to me. How difficult can it be?
Reply ID 84098
Woooo!! I remember Cody's in Stevenage. Man vs Food. Bring it on to Fore Street.
Reply ID 84105
quote:Is anyone else struggling to understand how this remark relates to this thread?
Originally posted by James007
Woooo!! I remember Cody's in Stevenage. Man vs Food. Bring it on to Fore Street.
Reply ID 84106
quote:I can only presume James has advance knowledge of the style of establishment intended.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Is anyone else struggling to understand how this remark relates to this thread?
Originally posted by James007
Woooo!! I remember Cody's in Stevenage. Man vs Food. Bring it on to Fore Street.
Reply ID 84130
Seems to be a lot of work going on inside at the moment. Apparently due to re-open early November.
Reply ID 84155
quote:Nah, I just asked the woman in the dry cleaners opposite who told me it is going to be an American diner. Of course, she might be wrong.
Originally posted by shuntquote:I can only presume James has advance knowledge of the style of establishment intended.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Is anyone else struggling to understand how this remark relates to this thread?
Originally posted by James007
Woooo!! I remember Cody's in Stevenage. Man vs Food. Bring it on to Fore Street.
Reply ID 84156
quote:I would give more weight to the sign in the window advertising for staff for "an exciting new bar and brasserie"
Originally posted by James007
Nah, I just asked the woman in the dry cleaners opposite who told me it is going to be an American diner. Of course, she might be wrong.
Reply ID 84188
New signage says it's going to be called The Saloon Bar, with the domain name saloonbar.co.uk. Interestingly (or unsurprisingly maybe), the registrants address is the same as that for mastershouse.co.uk.
Reply ID 84225
Cowboy nights maybe? Seriously i wonder if anyone does market research before opening a bar in hertford
Reply ID 84231
Their market research must be something like . . . oh look, there are lots of bars here, there must be lots of people to fill them up. Lets have some of that . . . . (and we should also think about opening a hairdresser as well, this town must be full of werewolves.)
Reply ID 84232
quote:It's the same bar under a new name effectively. I wonder how many times they can use this business practice?
Originally posted by Billywindsock
Their market research must be something like . . . oh look, there are lots of bars here, there must be lots of people to fill them up. Lets have some of that . . . . (and we should also think about opening a hairdresser as well, this town must be full of werewolves.)
Reply ID 84234
a phoenix company ?
Reply ID 84236
quote:Yes
Originally posted by exiled_in_Reading
a phoenix company ?
Reply ID 84526
Has anyone been in The Master's House since it re-opened? Just wondering what its like
Reply ID 84528
Its had a nice makeover and the upstairs restaurant is now a "club Lounge" with lots of sofas and £5 to gain entry..... For all intents and puposes its the same though, bar service is nothing like as slick as Baroosh and you feel averyone doesnt really want to work there. Focus seems to be more on food/brasserie as now it has more tables laid out with menu's etc. I wish it well but i wouldnt loan it any money...
Reply ID 84530
quote:£5 entry?
Originally posted by Frenchie
Its had a nice makeover and the upstairs restaurant is now a "club Lounge" with lots of sofas and £5 to gain entry..... For all intents and puposes its the same though, bar service is nothing like as slick as Baroosh and you feel averyone doesnt really want to work there. Focus seems to be more on food/brasserie as now it has more tables laid out with menu's etc. I wish it well but i wouldnt loan it any money...
Reply ID 84532
quote:Upstairs. They are trying to do the old 90s "VIP" area trick, where VIP denotes "paid more for no apparent reason." Good luck with that in an environment where it'd be hard to fill two floors consistently even with free drinks on offer.
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:£5 entry?
Originally posted by Frenchie
Its had a nice makeover and the upstairs restaurant is now a "club Lounge" with lots of sofas and £5 to gain entry..... For all intents and puposes its the same though, bar service is nothing like as slick as Baroosh and you feel averyone doesnt really want to work there. Focus seems to be more on food/brasserie as now it has more tables laid out with menu's etc. I wish it well but i wouldnt loan it any money...
Reply ID 84534
quote:Please post as a new topic. The establishment is now called "Saloon".
Originally posted by Pippa
Has anyone been in The Master's House since it re-opened? Just wondering what its like