Topic ID 5021
Has anyone been here yet? Seems to have had a very low key introduction? Think it's at the Riverside Garden Centre...
Reply ID 71164
Has its own web site http://www.thewhistlingduck.co.uk/ and looks as if it is located next to the riverside garden centre on the B158 between Hertford and Bayfordbury. From the web site looks quite nice - should be good in the summer being right by the river - must give it a try.
Reply ID 71167
quote:It IS the Riverside Garden Centre. It's their new restaurant. http://www.riversidegardencentre.co.uk/riverside_restaurant.php http://www.riversidegardencentre.co.uk/riverside_restaurant.php
Originally posted by robbieg
...looks as if it is located next to the riverside garden centre
Reply ID 71190
Popped in just to have look and it looks very smart and the menu looks good, not eaten there as yet.
Reply ID 71201
I just dont know if i could go for dinner in a garden centre....
Reply ID 71202
quote:Would you buy kitchenware from a garden centre? [;)]
Originally posted by Frenchie
I just dont know if i could go for dinner in a garden centre....
Reply ID 71207
quote:Only if I could use out in the garden!
Originally posted by Stevequote:Would you buy kitchenware from a garden centre? [;)]
Originally posted by Frenchie
I just dont know if i could go for dinner in a garden centre....
Reply ID 71209
They way it has been re built is is almost copletely seperate you would not know you are in a garden centre.........and their kitchen ware section which is also a seperate "shop" is brillant, where else can you buy that in Hertford? It saves on fuesl going to WGC ! Sorry admin off topic I would rather eat there than one of the pavement cafes with all the traffic and people going past but that is just my opinion[;)]
Reply ID 71211
It's not really a revolutionary idea - just look at the success of Skye Gingell's restaurant at Petersham Nurseries.
Reply ID 71212
Menus look great but so far I have only had morning coffee - lovely squishy sofas, newspapers, great service and good coffee
Reply ID 71213
When is the garden centre going to get installed in the back of Master's House? So often I've sat there with my chorizo and potato wishing I could buy a bag of lawn sand to go with it.
Reply ID 71215
There has been a restaurant, in various guises, at The Riverside for a considerable time. Cycling out with the family to sit alongside the river in the summer, enjoying a light meal or just a coffee with cake whilst watching the waterfowl was a pleasure. Likewise, there was a small selection of kitchenware prior to the re-build. In rebuilding The Riverside, the smart opportunity to separate and increase the garden-kitchen-petfeed-dining offers into their own units has been taken and it looks good. For its location and business proposition, this mix works. For Parliament Square, Shunt, you will need to eat up and pop over to Botsfords for the more exotic. [:D]
Reply ID 71269
Has anyone actually eaten here yet? I popped in today to have a gander; the menu looks good (if a tad on the pricey side) and the decor is pleasing...........except........the restaurant looks as if it's located in a dance hall or aircraft hanger!! Doesn't give the impression of a place to go for a cosy dinner for two. I'm prepared to be corrected if anyone has actually experienced it yet.
Reply ID 71277
Such planning at short notice, anyone might think it had been planned for years [;)]
Reply ID 71279
quote:Blimey - it's Noah [:D] (I can't remember anyone else planning for a flood).
Originally posted by mjgame
Such planning at short notice, anyone might think it had been planned for years [;)]
Reply ID 71293
Yet another place with very little for vegetarians
Reply ID 71296
Well you're OK if you eat goose, according to Buzz.
Reply ID 71299
quote:Oh, how side-splittingly funny! Haven't stopped laughing! (is that really the best you could come up with?)
Originally posted by CSP
Well you're OK if you eat goose, according to Buzz.
Reply ID 71301
Yup.
Reply ID 71304
quote:Oh, calm down! Out of interest are the prices being displayed? [;)]
Originally posted by buzzquote:Oh, how side-splittingly funny! Haven't stopped laughing! (is that really the best you could come up with?)
Originally posted by CSP
Well you're OK if you eat goose, according to Buzz.
Reply ID 71317
I agree with Buzz - went to look at the place on Saturday late afternoon. Had a good look round and agree that whilst it is well appointed, it is a huge place. Probably very nice in the summer when the terrace is open, but just not sure at this time of year and how cosey it will feel for say 2 of us in the evening. If we go, I would ask for a table by the window and in fairness the tables are well spaced apart. Got talking to the manager and he mentioned a number of events they hold there for between 100 - 200 people, so presumably good at doing large group bookings. I am sure we will give it a try sometime, but in the meantime, will be trying the Bluecoat this week.
Reply ID 71322
quote:http://www.thewhistlingduck.co.uk/ click the menu link at the top of the page - the prices are there. *J*[;)]
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Oh, calm down! Out of interest are the prices being displayed? [;)]
Originally posted by buzzquote:Oh, how side-splittingly funny! Haven't stopped laughing! (is that really the best you could come up with?)
Originally posted by CSP
Well you're OK if you eat goose, according to Buzz.
Reply ID 71395
We went there for a snacky lunch on Sunday with our children. Very nice food & excellent service.
Reply ID 71423
quote:not the point I was making. Some people are under the impression that the restaurant and other additions/refurbishments were as a result of the flood when in fact they were planned much earlier.
Originally posted by Woodyquote:Blimey - it's Noah [:D] (I can't remember anyone else planning for a flood).
Originally posted by mjgame
Such planning at short notice, anyone might think it had been planned for years [;)]
Reply ID 71450
quote:er . . .[:)]
Originally posted by mjgamequote:not the point I was making. Some people are under the impression that the restaurant and other additions/refurbishments were as a result of the flood when in fact they were planned much earlier.
Originally posted by Woodyquote:Blimey - it's Noah [:D] (I can't remember anyone else planning for a flood).
Originally posted by mjgame
Such planning at short notice, anyone might think it had been planned for years [;)]
Reply ID 71456
quote:I quite liked it actually. Perhaps 'eat the goose' is a euphemism that I'm currently unaware of. :-)
Originally posted by buzzquote:Oh, how side-splittingly funny! Haven't stopped laughing! (is that really the best you could come up with?)
Originally posted by CSP
Well you're OK if you eat goose, according to Buzz.
Reply ID 71468
quote:Quoted by buzz on page one. "I popped in today to have a gander;" lol
Originally posted by Ted Badgerquote:I quite liked it actually. Perhaps 'eat the goose' is a euphemism that I'm currently unaware of. :-)
Originally posted by buzzquote:Oh, how side-splittingly funny! Haven't stopped laughing! (is that really the best you could come up with?)
Originally posted by CSP
Well you're OK if you eat goose, according to Buzz.
Reply ID 71475
"Explaining a joke is like dissecting a frog: you understand it better, but the frog dies in the process." — Mark Twain. No offence anybody. Please.
Reply ID 71481
There is no goose, no geese or geeses (sic) for sale. http://www.riversidegardencentre.co.uk/category/9908/new:-waterfowl
Reply ID 71503
..."ducks off" -Basil Fawlty, Fawlty Towers.
Reply ID 71610
Went for breakfast today - hilarious experience. Asked for toast and jam, waiter says 'white or brown bread' I said 'a mixture please' - 'no' he replies - you can only one or the other. Next my friend asked for poached eggs on toast - 'no, we don't do poached eggs' comes the reply. 'Oh' says friend, 'then how come they are on the eggs benedict and eggs florentine?' to which there was no reply, just a shrug of the shoulders. Maybe Basil Fawlty has been training them [:D] It's like an aircraft hanger in there too - we were the only customers at 10am this morning!!
Reply ID 71623
quote:What was the food like when it came though..................
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Went for breakfast today - hilarious experience. Asked for toast and jam, waiter says 'white or brown bread' I said 'a mixture please' - 'no' he replies - you can only one or the other. Next my friend asked for poached eggs on toast - 'no, we don't do poached eggs' comes the reply. 'Oh' says friend, 'then how come they are on the eggs benedict and eggs florentine?' to which there was no reply, just a shrug of the shoulders. Maybe Basil Fawlty has been training them [:D] It's like an aircraft hanger in there too - we were the only customers at 10am this morning!!
Reply ID 71651
The toast was bog standard sliced processed bread and stone cold. The eggs florentine was fab though as were the scrambled eggs on toast - my friend preferred them to those on offer at Hertford House or The Grandison. But for lack of atmosphere and the high prices - we won't be rushing back
Reply ID 75150
Well we had the Diamond Wedding lunch there today for 20 and I can't praise them highly enough. The food was superb, the service excellent, the staff friendly and there when required. On a real hot day it was a lovely cool atmosphere, a very good live singer who I understand is there every Sunday Lunchtime. All in all a fantastic day, if you have not been yet give it a try you won't be disappointed. It was meant to be that I got ignored in The Salisbury in January when I was undecided where to book as this choice turned out to be 6 star in my opinion.
Reply ID 75153
quote:Totally seconded. We were made to feel very welcome in a nice relaxed atmosphere. The food was excellent, the portions size just right and no waiting around, very efficient. On a VERY hot day it was great to see all the sliding doors open and the decking area is lovely. I think everyone in our party was very impressed. All in all 10/10 from me. [:)]
Originally posted by Marilyn
Well we had the Diamond Wedding lunch there today for 20 and I can't praise them highly enough. The food was superb, the service excellent, the staff friendly and there when required. On a real hot day it was a lovely cool atmosphere, a very good live singer who I understand is there every Sunday Lunchtime. All in all a fantastic day, if you have not been yet give it a try you won't be disappointed. It was meant to be that I got ignored in The Salisbury in January when I was undecided where to book as this choice turned out to be 6 star in my opinion.
Reply ID 76494
Had lunch there today and have to say the food and service were just as good as for our party. There were a few people in but not full so it desrves to be tried if you have not been yet.
Reply ID 77677
We used the WD for my wife's 50th birthday celebration yesterday - about 40 people - and the whole thing went perfectly. Food was great, service excellent, Thomas, the manager and Russell, the owner, were very helpful in the weeks beforehand whilst we were organising the event. They have a mini grand piano there now, a recent addition, and a pianist was booked to play background music, which was perfect for the occasion. Russell also arranged for a photographer to come in and take random photos for us whilst we were there. The back right third of the restaurant was sectioned off for us, which allowed people to wander out onto the decking ajoining the river if they wanted to, which was possible yesterday afternoon as it was a sunny day. All in all, I'll second Marilyn in recommending this as a great place to go for a similar type of function. We decided to use the venue having read this thread and then tried it out for a meal. The food really is good for both evenings and lunchtimes. Give it a go and I'm sure you'll love it.
Reply ID 80448
Took my parents to Mothers Day lunch yesterday. Only the three of us this time not a latrge party . Food and service as good as they were when we have been before even though it must be their busiest day of the year! It was bookings only and three sittings and certainly looked to be fully booked so hopefully it is getting the reputation it deserves for being good.
Reply ID 84789
Absolutely fantastic - read the reviews - http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186305-d1628003-Reviews-The_Whistling_Duck-Hertford_Hertfordshire_England.html
Reply ID 84790
quote:All but one of those fantastic reviews was written by someone who had only just joined tripadvisor and was making their first review. And they all went on this month, despite the place having been open for yonks. Nice try but ultimately this sort of attempt to falsely boost an establishment's profile has an adverse effect.
Originally posted by hertfordgal
Absolutely fantastic - read the reviews - http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186305-d1628003-Reviews-The_Whistling_Duck-Hertford_Hertfordshire_England.html
Reply ID 84791
But I have been there and I agree with the reviews. My evening was absolutely perfect. The food was amazing, I just wish I earnt more money so I could go there more often but then its not your prezzo or pizza express, it is a place to go for an amazing sspecial evening which is what I had.
Reply ID 84796
I noticed these reviews last week when I was looking for somewhere to go on Friday and chose the WD (we were going to try it anyway at some point). With respect to the food I found it OK but unfortunately Mrs. G. won't be going back!! The scallops and pancetta for starter were very tasty - scallops cooked perfectly. Main course was not quite so good as my duck was a bit tough. Mrs G was disappointed in her meal and left rather a lot of it. Good portions and good service so we're a bit sat on the fence unfortunately, cost was reasonable at about £65 including bottle of wine.
Reply ID 86510
Is the Whistling Duck shutting down with the Garden Centre?
Reply ID 86511
No, I think places do that for publicity. They are very much open. :)
Reply ID 86513
Is the garden centre shutting down?
Reply ID 86514
quote:This? ^^^ Off topic I know, I was there a could of weeks ago and they were clearing (shutting?) the kitchen shop in order to expand range of BBQ bits
Is the garden centre shutting down?
Reply ID 86521
quote:Why do you say the Garden Centre is shutting down?
Originally posted by deecy
Is the Whistling Duck shutting down with the Garden Centre?
Reply ID 86535
The Kitchen shop is closing - the signs on the road arent very clear and cant be misread to imply the whole place is closing
Reply ID 86576
I was told it was the whole thing closing down, good that it isn't!
Reply ID 86585
Come now. We know how Russell likes to play it.
Reply ID 86704
Two of us had Sunday lunch here yesterday for the first time. We both really enjoyed it. The service from the waiter was very good and came with a smile. I had a roast pork dinner and my husband had a salmon dish. The roast pork was lovely and there was plenty of it along with the roast potatoes and vegetables. I enjoyed a lovely sticky toffee pudding for dessert. My husband's salmon was a good sized portion too and we both felt satisfied [and not still hungry] after our meals. I have found it is always very hit and miss with Sunday lunches in restaurants/ pubs etc and we often end up at a carvery somewhere when I don't fancy cooking one at home. We enjoyed the restaurant and our food and I would go back there again.
Reply ID 87294
quote:I agree the food is great and service is outstanding in my eyes! Have you tried the wine bar there of an evening? I am yet to but i hear they are expanding their wine list! :) That will make me very happy. x
Originally posted by frazer
Two of us had Sunday lunch here yesterday for the first time. We both really enjoyed it. The service from the waiter was very good and came with a smile. I had a roast pork dinner and my husband had a salmon dish. The roast pork was lovely and there was plenty of it along with the roast potatoes and vegetables. I enjoyed a lovely sticky toffee pudding for dessert. My husband's salmon was a good sized portion too and we both felt satisfied [and not still hungry] after our meals. I have found it is always very hit and miss with Sunday lunches in restaurants/ pubs etc and we often end up at a carvery somewhere when I don't fancy cooking one at home. We enjoyed the restaurant and our food and I would go back there again.
Reply ID 94057
Thought I would try this last night for my birthday with my partner and son. I have to say it was outstanding. We were only the second party to dine there last night so the atmosphere was quiet but the service was impeccable (not overly suprising as not many people). The food was divine, my son's steak could have been cut with a plastic spoon it was that tender. I especially loved the crepe suzette cooked at your table. The meal wasn't cheap but it was fantastic ingredients cooked beautifully so it was worth it. The staff overheard us mention it was my birthday and there were some thoughtful little touches that turned a lovely evening into a fabulous experience. Cannot afford to eat here too often but will certainly go again for a special occasion.
Reply ID 94106
We went there midweek about three or four weeks ago and the food was fantastic. The service was excellent, and as you all know the scenery is beautiful. Will go back. Obviously it is a little pricey so I won't be going every week, but it is first choice for a treat now and then!
Reply ID 94186
We went there this evening for the first time. They don't serve evening food on the decking by the river but we had a pleasant pre dinner drink there before our meal. Food was very good with an extensive fish menu for those none meat eaters. My lamb was great although the rich mint jus as advertised on the menu was none existent - a thin gravy instead. Service was very attentive although rather formal, but this is more Tewinbury Farm rather than Ilvino. Not cheap at just over £100 for 2, but recommended and we will definitely be going back. Nice to see the ducks on the river and the car park too to say goodbye, but no whistling ducks tonight - just a few quacks!!