Talbot Hotel, Wexford, Ireland: a Review

The letter-box rattled and something fell on the mat. My housemate went downstairs to find an invitation to celebrate our friends', Joe & Breda, golden wedding anniversary - that is fifty years together - in Wexford in the "Sunny South-East" of Ireland. I had only ever visited Dublin several years previously for a raucous hen-party around Temple Bar. My housemate, had also only visited Dublin, less than a month previously to obtain a new position. So we were both up for a visit to see something of Eire outside the capital.

We checked on booking.com for availability at the hotel where the party was to be held and were thankful to find rooms were available. The Talbot Hotel is classified as four-star and on the website has a "very good" rating of 8.4. All the photographs looked lovely. The reviewers seemed happy with the hotel. Alas, given our experiences, we could not in all honesty recommend the accommodation in this hotel to anyone. We had an awful experience and told reception as well as showing them the photographs we had taken. All they could apparently do is sympathise and explain that we were in one of the booking-com rooms which were not up to the same standard as the rest of the hotel's rooms. We were appalled, as you might gather.

The Room

When booking we had made it very clear that one of us is allergic to feathers and the other is asthmatic: for these reasons we needed feather-free bedding and a room that had not had flowers in it. On arrival it seemed that our request had been ignored. However, lovely receptionist Ellen, immediately arranged for housekeeping to change.

We were rather astonished that what we were given was a blanket (image above) wrapped in a duvet-cover rather than a hypoallergenic, summer-weight duvet. Recall Talbot Hotel is meant to be four-star.

From the listing for our type of room one can see from the list above what facilities the room was supposed to include.

From our snaps (three images above), it should be clear that whilst there was indeed an air-conditioning unit in the room, which even had power, the control button had long since died, the hand-control was missing and the contraption had not been usable for quite some time. As there was no other means of heating the room, it must be rather chilly in the winter months.

The room with the windows closed was like a sauna. Both my housemate and I were left constantly pouring with sweat whenever in the room. My companion slept under the duvet cover that had surrounded the blanket. I slept under a towel. I say slept: the mattress was the most bumpy thing I have slept on since being a university student. British, cheap chain-hotels at least have Hypnos or other quality mattresses. I managed two hours slumber the first night and the second three separate hours.

The other factor that needs to be taken into account is the constantly roaring-rumbling, twenty-four hour per day, extractor outside our window. If we opened our windows, the room was fresh and reached a pleasant temperature, but the noise-levels were far from tranquil and too disturbing to be able to concentrate on anything. When one closed the windows the room became hot & sticky, but even then the rumbling could still be heard (felt?) via the insufficiently insulated windows (walls?). Ellen, the receptionist, advised that the extractor was supposed to be turned off at midnight. After complaining, the second night it was eventually switched off, to be replaced by the high-pitched whirring of the vending-machine on the other side of our wall. Another incessant, unchanging noise.

Looking out of the window was not to be advised. As can be seen from the image above, not exactly a view, more a dumping ground. I should have disguised this area with some planting that did not require too much tending. Such might also have reduced some of the excess noise.

Over all rating: terrible.

The Restaurant

Note that the restaurant, along with the other hotel eatery, is open to the public not just hotel residents. Whilst there, we saw several locals dining.

Part of our booking included a special offer dinner for two for an extra €35 in total. There was no explanation of what this included, but we knew we should be hungry by the time we reached the hotel, and expected that a four-star hotel would not be serving up gruel.

Due to delay by Aer Lingus, we arrived much later than anticipated. Reception advised us to check in after dinner and to go directly to the Oyster Lane Restaurant, at the southern end of the hotel's edifice. Ellen rang ahead to let them know we were coming and as we arrived the maître d', Maryana, was awaiting our arrival. She showed us to table. The chairs were very comfortable (much more so than those of the Renault Mégane we had hired from SixT!) and padded in all the right places.

The meal-deal included a starter, main, dessert and hot beverage for the both of us. Drinks extra. We ordered G&T's to start - something to refresh us and quench our thirsts. Maryana did not know if any Irish gins were available, so we plumbed for what was offered, Gordan's - something we would never do back home. (We later determined that Ballast Bank Bar & Grill at the north end of the building had a whole menu of gins including Irish ones.) Our cocktails did exactly what was needed. I ordered a bottle of Prosecco to go with our mains. It transpired it was only a Prosecco frizzante rather than the better spumante (higher perlage) and was DOC not DOCG. At €30 the hotel was really profiteering from a relatively cheap wine, approximately more than double local retail (not trade) prices. However, whilst the texture on the palate was poor, the flavour was flowery with a slight violet hint. Rather unusual, but nonetheless quite pleasant.

My starter was fish pâté, wrapped in cucumber slices, served with a finely chopped vegetable salsa and a beetroot coulis. This was an incredibly colourful on the eye dish. The pâté itself had a mild flavour, with no specific fish flavour apparent. The cucumber slices were a cool and welcome addition, but the skin should have been removed (as this is the part that causes folk to have issues!). I have to say that for me the beetroot coulis was the highlight of the plate. Delicious and pretty.

Both my companion and myself selected the beef dinner for our mains. Maryana advised us that as there had been a wedding on that day the cut was sirloin. Oh my, what fabulously succulent flesh and beautifully pink. Fabulous. This came wrapped around, for me the most disgusting mashed potato, although my companion was content to eat it. For some reason mine tasted somewhat metallic to me - perhaps it had clashed with some other foodstuff. The new potatoes glistened appetisingly in their buttery sheen, but were slightly over cooked and had just started dropping. Furthermore, they had a slight earthy taste, which of itself was not unpleasant but neither was it pleasant. The carrots were a deep mandarin orange and were really sweet - quite delicious. Whatever else came with the dish made insufficient impact for me to recall any details. Chef (apparently a lady as the adjective "she" was used) made ordinary gravy for me as I could not consume the actual sauce due to it containing garlic. To be fair, I am not a fan of gravy, excepting the clear juices my Grandma used to pour over meat when I was a child. My Mater made her's with Bisto - absolutely disgusting - and I have never gotten over this muck. So when I say that chef's gravy was okay, the reader can understand that, from me, that is a sort of praise.

We were so full after our mains - yes, the portions are really large - that we changed what we were going to have for dessert. Instead of apple crumble, I selected berry fruit pana cotta. Very good - do try it! My friend opted for what was presumably homemade ice-cream. It had the oddest, dry texture. However, it was icy and cold, so eventually all slithered down his throat.

The food is better than pub-grub, but is not haute cuisine. This said, we both should not be deterred from dining here again. And hopefully next time, we should have the time to digest our courses much more slowly and thus better appreciate chef's offerings.

Over all rating: definitely worth trying.

The Leisure Centre ("Spa")

The Talbot Quay Leisure Centre as labelled within the hotel and on googlemaps, also called Talbot Fitness on the hotel's website, is used regularly by my friends who reside in Wexford. If one stays at the hotel or even the apartments next-door-but-one which belong to the same hotel group, one may use the facilities without incurring any extra costs.

One can walk through the hotel or enter externally. There are changing rooms where lockers for one's possessions can be found. Padlocks, towels and swimming caps can be loaned from the centre's reception. The pool is heated but is not too warm. We met up with friends for some swimming, games, fun and lots of chin-wagging (chatting) (this being Ireland!). I also tried the jacuzzi which was rather too hot for me, so I did not remain in it long. However, the jets therein were really powerful and very relaxing. My companion also tried the steam-room or the sauna (one was closed) whilst I read a gratis newspaper in a chair by the pool.

Over all rating: a facility worth using.

The Slaney Suite

The main purpose of our visit to Wexford was to celebrate fifty years of marriage of our Wexfordian chums, Breda & Joe. The venue was spotless. The Décor was subdued grand. Table-settings, formal and perfect (see image below). The staff friendly and flexible - they wheeled in a whole extra table due to the number of unexpected guests who attended. Chef (a redheaded chap this time, as he popped in to see how matters were going with the buffet) presented us with a fine choice of comestibles. Due to my food allergy, I ended up with a cold, veggie option: bean salad, coleslaw, tomatoes & salad leaves with soda bread & butter. I enjoyed every last mouthful and the bean salad was surprisingly tasty. Once the main buffet was cleared, platters of a quartet of desserts were served. I enjoyed three of the four. The only exception was the chocolate cake, which did not really taste of cocoa. My companion was happy to wolf down an extra portion of sweetness, so it did not go to waste!

One could not complain about anything at the party venue.

Over all rating: excellent.

In conclusion

Talbot Hotel's staff, such as Martin the porter, go out of their way to be helpful and friendly. The facilities the hotel offers are good to excellent. Let down only by the terrible quality of the rooms and beds.

Amigos Restaurant, Málaga: A Review

It being my friend's birthday, our choice of dinner eatery was his decision. He opted for Amigos, an Indian & Mexican (!) offering. When we turned up just after nine and a table for two had been saved outside on the terrace. We were quickly given menus and just about had time to select a bottle of delicious Cava when the waitress returned for our drinks order.

 [Image description: external signage]

We scoured the extensive menu. My chum was salivating at the thought of his lamb Madras and I also at my lamb Korma. Unfortunately it was not to be, for me at least. Prior to choosing Amigos we had been advised that everything could be made without garlic, to which I am seriously allergic. However, the waitress returned to advise that all the lamb had been marinated in garlic. Yikes! She suggested a beef fajita. A tad disappointed at not getting to have curry, I settled for the suggestion. Alas, not for long. Next up, the manager was next to the table advising that all the beef had also been marinated in garlic. He then apprised that the sole dish I could have at the restaurant was a rib-eye steak.

(To be honest, I sometimes experience similar issues with Indian restaurants in England. However, I have found wonderful eateries that cook everything from scratch, where a garlic-free curry is no issue whatsoever.)

The birthday-boy wolfed down his aromatic dish. He passed on that the pillau rice was one of the lightest he had ever had. A Sikh chap & his wife to one side of us and a Norwegian couple on the other also cleaned their respective plates. Empty plates are surely the highest compliment one can pay to a chef!

[Image description: steak & chips]

My steak was full of flavour and surprisingly for rib-eye lacking in gristle or excess fat. The outer reaches of the flesh were succulent as well, but the centre of the steak - whilst still delicious - had a rather dry texture.

 [Image description: empty plates]

Service throughout our dining experience was fast, efficient and very professional. The slowest part was waiting for the portable card-reader in order to pay.

My companion would return in a trice. I of course, due to my food allergy, would prefer to go elsewhere.

Urban Burger Bar, Altrincham: Review

[Image description: dinner is served à la table]

Andrew Cleary, the affable maître d' at House in Goose Green, Altrincham, has finally realised his dream and opened his brain-child, a gourmet burger-bar. He forewarned me a couple of weeks back about its imminent launch, but mid-week my facebook feed received a reminder of the news via our latest (long-needed and most welcome) local news-source, Altrincham Today.

My dining companion and I did not make a reservation, but just turned up around six-thirty. The joint has been cleverly retrofitted to use the features of the edifice and enhance them by constructing matching bare brickwork, butcher's tiling and reclaimed timbers along with factory-style and ship's lighting: utilitarian with panache. I was lucky enough to bump into the builder, who is rightly pleased with his handiwork. He too was thrilled that the restaurant had kept original features. He even admitted to having a hand in constructing some of the furniture. There are school-/church-hall style stacking seats, stools, cushioned banquettes of different heights and dimensions; so seating for most folk.

Wheelchair-users would require assistance up the two very small steps, but inside there is room to accommodate at table. There is also a large door access to one of the three unisex WCs: however, I did not need to use the conveniences, so cannot on this occasion report on facilities.

We were welcomed with a broad smile and permitted to choose where we wished to sit. I like a firm chair to support me, but the table I initially chose was a wee bit small for me, my companion and all my paraphernalia. However, it was not an issue that we wished to change table. We sat on a very comfortable banquette at which I did not suffer from my habitual muscle-cramps, so did not have to stand up to stretch my legs. Both tables we sat at were clean - yes I did brush my hands over to feel for detritus and stickiness - so another tick in the box from my pernickety self!

Apéritifs were offered whilst we mulled over the menu. No-one attempted to rush us. I made my servers aware of my food allergies and they were happy to report that chef Drew would make anything I wanted from scratch to exclude said ingredients. WoW: one cannot say fairer than that.

[Image description: menus & apéritifs]

At this point I should point out that the eatery remained at all times busy without being ram-packed whilst we were there, with a constant flow of diners. Music was sufficiently discreet that one could hold a conversation; but not so quiet that one could not hum or whatever along to a favourite track. The ambience was definitely upbeat. It is rare to see so many folk smiling and laughing in a restaurant, which is testament to the all-round good experience of dining chez Urban.

A couple dined next to us with their two offspring. The children's food went down a treat with them and certainly kept them quiet whilst they scoffed it - bet mum & dad were relieved/pleased!

The parents enjoyed a bottle of fizz from the good selection of drinks, including an alcohol-free Bitburger for the designated drivers (in this instance, my companion) and very reasonably priced glasses of wine (for me!). There is a selection of flavoured Absolut vodkas and various other spirits (including Cheshire's Hunters gin!), which can be mixed with diet tonic for those watching the calories.

Now to the main event - the FOOD. My companion opted for the Firecracker and I the Urban Stack. The former consists of two beef patties and cheese; the latter, one beef patty, a chicken breast and smoked bacon. Both came with fries, but we upgraded to the truffle fries - and so glad we did as they were to die for. We both even ate the bits at the bottom of the bowls! We also ordered a side salad. This consisted of: extremely crisp (when was the last time you can recall being served crisp lettuce in any eatery?) salad leaves, which because they had not been shredded, were easy to pick from the plate; tomato wedges; juliennes of cucumber and a dressing. Personally I should have preferred that I had been given the option of a simple dash of balsamic vinegar or to at least hold the dressing; but this is relatively trivial. The beef patties were incredible: they actually tasted of beef - like a steak or roast beef - rather than beef-burger. On my next visit I am plumbing for the double beef patties option! On my dish, whilst the chicken was æsthetically browned, moist and cooked just right, it lacked any real flavour. My friend sampled and agreed. However, the mildly smoked bacon was a perfect match with the beef flavour, so that neither flavour overpowered t'other. A taste sensation to be sure. And we were both fully sated - so no room for dessert this time.

Service throughout the meal was friendly, attentive and, in respect to my food allergy, very professional. Greetings and salutations came with smiles. We certainly left feeling content and happy. We shall be returning very shortly with friends who are looking forward to the experience. Urban Burger Bar is a great fit in the market quarter. I sincerely hope it goes from strength to strength. %)

[Image description: empty plates, etc.; a sure sign of an excellent repast]

Bloom Brasserie @ Bloom Live, Altrincham, Review

Recommendation

Bloom Live in Altrincham has an upbeat, affable ambience, with friendly staff and customers. When the tranquil live piano-playing is not, a DJ mixes tunes to tap one’s foot to. The cocktails, as per my previous review (q.v.) are just what the doctor ordered! Highly recommended for a drinks evening.

Unfortunately, whilst the new brasserie menu is a big improvement on the American-style burger-bar fiasco, it is just not good enough. I should happily dine on a starter again if I just wanted a snack, but a full meal left us hungry and disappointed. We hit the ‘fridge as soon as we got back home...

[Image description: the keyboard at © Bloom Live]

Service

Swayed by the 30% discount off food, my dining-partner and I turned up for early doors (around six-thirty). There were some half-a-dozen folk imbibing drinks in the central seating area. Snazzy jazz played jollily in the background. There were no diners, if one excludes a barman on a meal-break. We were quickly noticed and our attentive waitress came over to offer us a table. Naturally we wanted a cocktail first. Alas, the bar was out of a vital ingredient for pornstars; so I settled for a refreshing Jazzbaby and my companion for the ever-so-sweet Mississippi cherry pie. It was no bother to have the drinks tagged to our dining bill - although we later had to point out that the drinks had not been added (yep, too honest for our own good!). Drinks in hand, we were advised we could take any table we wished, the brasserie being deserted. Having first met my partner in a previous incarnation of the venue nearly twelve years ago, we situated ourselves next to the very pillar at which we stumbled upon one another.

Our waitress appeared to be on her own until about eight o’clock. She dealt admirably with the dozen-and-a-half diners or so, keeping a smile upon her mien and a cheery word for each time she passed our way. She and chef never kept us too long. Although in the case of the latter, I should not have minded if the delay would have ameliorated his offerings.

Starters

Pan fried Scottish queen scallops, lemon butter, pea purée - £7.00

To compare the food with the delectable cuisine served at The House Restaurant a couple of weeks earlier (see my review), I ordered scallops for my starter. For my personal pleasure they were a tad underdone, so did not reach the firm-but-pliant exquisite oral experience of the orgasmic scallops served in Goose Green. Nonetheless they were quite tasty. The four molluscs positioned at the points of the compass dotted around a dollop of the tastiest pea & mint purée with an unusually non-wet, unsloppy, wholesome consistency. Drenched in warm lemon-juice this was actually the gastronomic delight on the plate. Furthermore, for me this was the orgasmic moment and highlight of the repast.

Mini Angus beef pie, minted mushy peas, herb gravy - £6.50

My fellow diner tucked into a mini Aberdeen Angus beef & mushroom pie, accompanied by one garlic-coated, roasted cherry tomato and a single-serving-of-cream-sized jug of rich gravy. The meat was divine without a hint of fat. The mushrooms retained their structural integrity and were eaten in slow-motion to prolong the ecstasy. We fruitlessly attempted to identify the pastry-mix; but my companion did not really care for as far as he was concerned it was just perfect.

Mains

Pan fried Gressingham duck breast, orange, parsnip mash, juniper reduction - £17.50

I plumbed for the duck for my mains, incorrectly termed “entrées” on the menu. (This is US usage; but in Britain & France we use the term to mean “a dish served BEFORE the main course or BETWEEN two principal courses”.) The lozenges of duck were interspersed with segments of cooked orange, partly encasing a ramekin amount of the firm, almost fondant potato-like, parsnip mash. The anatidæic flesh - though properly pink - was dry, tough and fatty. The oranges in their overcooked state lost their structural integrity and juiciness. The dish was oddly and unexpectedly droughty. There had been a wispy hint of jus as decoration, but no sauce. I was glad I had ordered a large glass of Chilean Merlot. The cherry tomato accompaniment could have killed me, despite my having warned chef of my (true) food allergy and our lovely waitress having checked my selections were hazard-free. This plate was a delight to the eyes, an æsthetic achievement to be sure, but was a sorry disappointment to the palate. Overpriced and over cooked.

Rack of Welsh lamb, minted mash, rosemary gravy, caramelised parsnips - £17.00

[Image description: rack of lamb dish, © Bloom Live]

My guest chose a rack of Welsh lamb. This was no hearty portion, but mini-rack for a mini appetite. For me the meat was over cooked; but for my guest it was just what he ordered and just what he likes. At the end of his course he chewed happily on the small morsels of flesh still adhering to the wee bones. My partner delighted in his minted mash and his sprig of fresh rosemary. His three long juliennes of parsnip were not what could have been in any sense of the word “caramelised”, as their blanched flesh contrasted vehemently against the blackened lamb. My friend hardly felt satisfied and certainly did not consider the course worth the money.

Sides

Baby vegetables £3.00

Home cut chips £3.00

Our chips were the big, hunky-chunky variety rather than the pathetic American-style fries. Perfectly cooked, so long as one does not expect crunchy. For me, chef had sourced a really tasty potato variety. Spot on.

The side of veggies included: four small carrots - unusually my companion, who is not a carrot-lover, scoffed three before I could get to them; three incredibly and wonderfully sweet baby sweet-corns; a tablespoon of comparably flavourless mini green beans; and, the revelation of the meal, shredded red cabbage, dried fruit and a hint of cinnamon - what a combo!

Desserts

@ £5-6

Normally, I do not have room for three courses these days, but due to the not quite nouvelle cuisine portion sizing, I was still more than peckish. My companion similarly hungry also decided upon dessert. Mine was returned to the kitchen almost untouched: an arid chocolate sponge; a yellow ice that tasted of absolutely nothing; and a delicious strawberry ice-cream with a satisfying thick texture. I am no fan of strawberry-flavoured food, so this was a success - of sorts. My friend had a mint brûlée with what he described as the oddest shortbread he had ever had. Another thumbs-down dish.

Drinks

Not having ingredients for cocktails might be a little remiss, but having not one bottle of sparkling mineral water in a restaurant either indicates a cock-up or a problem. I did notice part-way through our experience a barman arrive with a couple of supermarket carrier-bags. Even odder that the bar is having to pop out for their bottled elixirs! At just under seven pounds for a large glass of fair-to-good wine, I cannot whinge. It went well with my duck. My designated driver was not too happy about having to sip at tap water however!

To summarise…

Some great points; some fair points; some bad points; some terrible points.

Bloom Brasserie has the potential to get it right if their weaknesses are addressed.

%)



For my glowing review of the cocktail bar, see here.