Excellent in every way

Rating - Overall: 5  Food: 5  Service: 4  Ambience: 5

Ollie
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Jun 09
Rating: 1

14 Sep 2009

I was taken to HDV for my birthday by my wife. We have been a few times before and have never been disappointed.

I had the duck breast and it was out of this world. It was served on a bed or red cabbage in a cherry sauce. It was very tender and though the poriton was not huge it was filling and I didn't feel like i needed more.

My wifes vegetarian meal was also fantastic.

The sommelier was well informed (as you'd expect from HDV) and selected a wine which was very reasonable in price considering the prices that can be charged at the top end of their wine list.

The surroundings are well thought out and it encourages you to relax and take it all in.

We had a cocktail after the meal and relaxed in the main bar area before heading home.

We will definitley be going back.

Visited: September 5, 2009
What I ate: Duck breast, red cabbage.

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Hidden Gem

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 3  Ambience: 4

king1976
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Apr 09
Rating: 0

26 Apr 2009

Until my visit to Hotel Du Vin I must have travelled past it hundreds of times without spotting its city centre location. Entry is through an archway into a small courtyard and then into the bar area which was quite busy on our visit. My companion and I had arrived a little early (before the restaurant area was open) so we had to lurk for a few mintues with our pre meal beverages before we were able to find a couple of seats in the bar area.

When the time of our booking arrived which was the same time as the restaurant was due to open there was no evidence that the restaurant area was actually open. We wandered in wondering if we were going to get thrown out again but thankfully that wasn't the case.

We were soon approached by the waiter who looked visibly disappointed that we were not going to be ordering wine and generally the waiters and waitresses were not overly friendly however service was prompt.

I ordered the smoked salmon starter, the haddock with Risotto to follow and a chocolate mousse for dessert. I also tried a bit of my companions steak bernaise and a few of the fries that accompanied it.

The salmon was nice but pricey for what it was and the haddock was perfectly cooked. The lowlight was a creamy but bland rissotto which will not live long in the memory. If the risotto was the lowlight the chocolate mousse was definitely the highlight. Served in a cup it was beautifully rich and chocolately and my companion wished she had chosen it too after trying a little of mine.

Her steak, served on a chopping board, was a little undercooked for my preference but was exactly how she wanted it prepared. The accompanying fries were served in a cone that attached to the chopping board and I enjoyed helping her finishing them off.

The restaurant itself is very pleasant but initially lacked atmosphere as we were the only ones seated. By the time we left there was a much nicer atmosphere and you could see a number of groups obviously enjoying themselves.

In conclusion service was prompt if a little unfriendy and I would definitely return to Hotel Du Vin, although not regularly, as the food is very good but it isn't the greatest value.

Visited: November 14, 2008
What I ate: Smoked Salmon, Haddock with Risotto, Chocolate Mousse

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Not Bad

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 3  Ambience: 3

Stoogio
Foodie
Member since Mar 09
Rating: 0

1 Apr 2009

I'd like this site better if you could give half ratings - this would have got 3.5 ideally.

Went on a sunday lunch time when the £29 for 2 offer was on, wasn't busy so obviously we got the better end of the stick than some of the reviewers above!

Nice loungy bit to sit in first, nobody was in any great hurry to seat us so we had a good read of the vast drinks menu & contemplated ordering the £30 bottle of beer (didn't) ,wondered what those £800 a bottle wines actually taste like.... :) I thought that we would have a limited menu on the offer, but in fact we could order any two courses off any menu. Bottle of house red included in price which was much better than I expected, not bad at all. Food was all OK really, certainly couldn't grumble for what we were paying - my chap had a roast beef dinner: generous portion, whopping Yorkshire Pud & decently cooked veg; I noticed the diners at the next table with the lamb dinner were slightly more hard done by. I had the skate which was lovely, a little bit in the middle not cooked but it can be hard to get it just so. Service middle of the road, they weren't falling over themselves with enthusiasm but did the job.

I really like the place; lovely building, very nice dining room with tables not too close to each other - even so, I could hear every last intimate word of the couple having a tiff at the next table which was a bit uncomfortable. They definitely need a bit of soft background music in there as it was all a bit painfully quiet.

Visited: January 19, 2009

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An expensive treat

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 3  Ambience: 5

emmamachin
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Sep 08
Rating: 0

30 Mar 2009

We visited with my mum after my graduation ceremony. The building is undeniably fabulous, intimate with plenty of character. The wine list was comprehensive and as it was a special occasion we treated ourselves to something very enjoyable. The food was all excellent and quickly polished off. Service was non-intrusive although as other reviewers have commented there was not a lot of time left between courses. You certainly pay for it but an evening here is still a real treat.

Visited: November 10, 2008
What I ate: goats cheese, lamb shank, creme brule

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Deals mean poor service

Rating - Overall: 3  Food: 4  Service: 2  Ambience: 2

catchap
Foodie
Member since May 08
Rating: 1

23 Feb 2009

We went on the 2 for £29 deal for my birthday as we don't have a spare £100 for a restaurant meal. We got in, they were pleasant enough, but when I revealed we were on the deal, the contempt began. We got left out a menu which didn't explain which meals were on the deal, then when I asked and got told 'that side' the choices werent that great. Steak Hache (basically a burger) and some Lamb thing which was essentially lamb done like stewing steak. the bread on the table was nice as was our 'paupers wine' ("you only get merlot" barked the waitress) there was no indication of what cost extra, and they put on service charge as well. Having had a bit of an unplesant experience and treatment, the highlight was the pecan and honey ice cream. worth every penny and very nice. would never return and pay proper prices. Staff were too busy cooing over men in posh suits blowing expense accounts to deal with us properly. Only go if you look like you're moneyed (and youi'll need it for the bill!)

Visited: February 18, 2009
What I ate: Lamb, Steak Hache, Cheeses and Pecan and Honey ice cream

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Beautiful place, lovely food

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 5  Ambience: 5

dandelion
Foodie
Member since Jan 09
Rating: 0

24 Jan 2009

Really impressive building, we got a bit lost on the way in and needed to ask for directions to the restaurant so were obviously not regulars then!

Although we were the only diners there at 6pm, the staff service was discreet and not overbearing and awkward as it can be in those situations.

The atmosphere and ambience was just right - candle lit and tasteful decoration. All three courses were gorgeous - excellent quality ingredients and faultlessly presented.

All in all, a lovely evening was had and, although not the cheapest, we would definitely dine here again.

Visited: January 22, 2009
What I ate: Moules mariniere, rib eye steak, creme brulee, sorbet

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Hotel Du Letdown

Rating - Overall: 3  Food: 3  Service: 2  Ambience: 4

Thediner
Gastronome
Member since Oct 08
Rating: 1

19 Jan 2009

Visited on a Sunday evening expecting good things. This was my first time @ the restaurant and it's highly regarded as on of the top restaurants in Bristol.

I felt the whole experience was a shambles. The four of us had a drink @ the bar before being shown to our table, i have to say the drinks were very nice i had an English blonde beer and the wine which was the Malbec we had 2 bottles @ 19.00 it was fantastic.

For starters i went for the Mussles which was a safe bet and a good size portion £6.95 someone else in the party had Smoked Salmon £8.95 this was slightly overpriced i felt for the size but all in all no complaints.

Then it went drastically down hill before i had even finished my starter the plates were whipped away without the waitress even asking if we had finished this alone is very poor for a restaurant such as this but there was a reason for the hastiness of the starter plates being taken so promptly because within a millisecond our mains were down.

I was very suspicious of this and told the waitress that I/we were not happy and that there should have been a break in between courses! It wasn't as if the they were busy or the table was double booked.

That wasn't the only problem 3 of us had lamb shoulder £16.95 and it was cold (obviously been sat there on a side in the kitchen) my mothers fish pie £13.50 was hot and lovely our lamb was sent back this leaving only my mother eating alone for the next 10mins.

This issue was the fault i felt primarily with the chef/chef's because they know the timescales between starters and mains and believe me we are not slow eaters, I’d say the complete opposite. I'm sorry but it's just bad practice!

Not much in the way of an apology and all in all i found the staff pretty useless and rude.

We decided not to have desert and just have coffee

I'm sorry to say i will not be returning anytime soon the restaurant is lovely and the food is tasty but for the money there are better places to eat in Bristol in my opinion

Visited: January 18, 2009
What I ate: mussels Shoulder or Lamb

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Lovely Evening

Rating - Overall: 5  Food: 5  Service: 5  Ambience: 4

cheekymink
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Jan 09
Rating: 0

6 Jan 2009

Visited Hotel du Vin on recommendation and must say we had a great meal there. The restaurant is really stylish, the food and the service were excellent. Definitely a good choice for a special occasion.

Visited: January 5, 2009
What I ate: steak

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Good Food - not very friendly

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 3  Ambience: 4

cleviss
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Sep 08
Rating: 0

6 Jan 2009

We went to this restaurant for dinner.

The food was good, although my husband found the sauce with his venison was a bit overpowering and he could not taste the meat.

However the staff were unfriendly and rushing about everywhere which took away from the experience of what should have been a lovely meal.

Visited: December 2, 2008

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A Birthday Treat

Rating - Overall: 3  Food: 4  Service: 2  Ambience: 4

andydonut01
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Jan 09
Rating: 0

4 Jan 2009

What was an overall enjoyable experience was undermined by the rudeness of the wine waiter. I wasn't keen on my girlfriend spending over £25 on a bottle of wine when she was already spending a lot on the food, but the wine waiter made us feel cheap by choosing the house wine. He should be aware that not all customers are corporate clients with inexhaustible charge cards. Aside from that, food and ambience were great.

Visited: May 15, 2008

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hotel de vin

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 5  Service: 3  Ambience: 3

cngray
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Dec 08
Rating: 1

31 Dec 2008

Starter and main was amazing , and food prices were reasonable for really good quality food . Cost of meal out goes up more with selection of wine choices,difficult to choice the wine and perhaps some summary of taste under the wine selections would of helped or an idea of what wine goea with what dish best.Very attentive service I found perhaps a bit too attentive and would of liked more time between starter and main.

Visited: December 23, 2008
What I ate: prawns,duck,icecream

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Birthday Party

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 4  Ambience: 3

cjsquare
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Oct 08
Rating: 0

30 Dec 2008

A lovely venue for a dinner party. The staff were attentive but not too much so. Food well presented but although my starter was nice it was not exceptional. The main course of duck was delicious. The ambiance was good although the rooms used upstairs rather dark and a little sombre, without the same cosy glow as the main bar. Overall though, still a special place to go.

Visited: November 29, 2008

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Thumbs up!

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 5  Ambience: 4

republic
Connoisseur
Member since Nov 08
Rating: 0

23 Dec 2008

First time here and after all the hype it really didn't disappoint. Fantastic architecture and multi-levels to explore > fantastic selection of wines and cigars all on display in a seductive way. i was very impressed by the service - highly attentive though never intrusive. Food wasn't half bad too :) Thumbs up!

Visited: December 19, 2008

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Christmas dinner party

Rating - Overall: 5  Food: 5  Service: 5  Ambience: 5

johansford
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Dec 08
Rating: 0

11 Dec 2008

I went with a party of 11 guests, we shared two tables and had an amazing evening! Fantastic atmosphere, wonderful food and service. It was faultless and better than our expectations, and far better than the previous year's Christmas party at a restaurant of similar quality! The previous year, we had felt crammed in too little space and the food quality suffered from it being Xmas - this year none of this was the case, so we were all very impressed. We will go again!

Visited: December 9, 2008
What I ate: Grilled chicken with savoy & bacon

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Beautiful Food and Atmosphere

Rating - Overall: 5  Food: 5  Service: 4  Ambience: 4

ssensible
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Sep 08
Rating: 0

17 Sep 2008

Visited Hotel du Vin to celebrate my partner's birthday. Fantastic service from the moment we arrived, chilled atmosphere with great background music, sat in the bar sipping cocktails whilst browsing the menu. The menu was fairly limited with a heavy fish contribution compared to extensive drinks, wine and cigar selection, however all looked extremely tempting making chosing difficult. Food and service absolutely fantastic; a really enjoyable evening and good value for money, will definately be eating there again.

Also can't miss the opportunity to mention cleanliness being a pet hate of mine especially in relation to restuarant/pub toilets which more often than not raise concerns, however no problems here perfectly clean with complimentary toileteries.

Highly recommend Smoked Haddock on bed of Crab and Iceberg lettuce rissotto - melts in your mouth - To Die For!

Visited: August 27, 2008

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Meal With Friends

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 4  Ambience: 4

Matey
Rookie Reviewer
Member since Sep 08
Rating: 0

12 Sep 2008

We had a pre theatre dinner. We had good attentive service the lounge area could be a little brighter, Perhaps the cushions could be plumped up a little more often so it does not feel like you are sitting on the floor.

Visited: September 11, 2008
What I ate: To Start Tiger Prawn with Pancetta For Main a Rib Eye Steak Rare

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Best suited for special events

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 5  Ambience: 4

RWhite08
Connoisseur
Member since Jul 08
Rating: 3

13 Jul 2008

Hotel du Vin is undoubtedly, a luxury choice. It is carefully and sensitively designed and generally has a lovely feel. The service was exemplary- our waiter regularly checked our food and wine, leaving a sensible amount of time between courses. Service was quick. The food was very good, although perhaps not as good as i'd hoped, given the price and the setting- but nevertheless, makes a super place for a special treat.

Visited: July 20, 2006

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Fantastic meal

Rating - Overall: 5  Food: 5  Service: 4  Ambience: 5

difranco
Rookie Reviewer
Member since May 08
Rating: 0

30 May 2008

We had an amazing meal at the hotel du vin. The staff were very nice even though they did want to turn the tables a bit too fast. Will be going back ASAP

Visited: February 8, 2008

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Hotel Du Vin - Review

Rating - Overall: 5  Food: 5  Service: 4  Ambience: 4

noddy1
Rookie Reviewer
Member since May 08
Rating: 2

28 May 2008

Great atmosphere with plenty of Staff to cater for your every need. Fabulous service and a busy place, so although the restaurant is situated in a rather large room you feel quite at home amongst the other diners. I enjoyed the steak & chunky fries, one of the best steaks I've ever eaten, cooked literally to perfection. Washed down with a really lovely bottle of Marborough Sauvignon blanc (£19.50 a bottle so reasonable) I would call this formal dining but in a relaxed and friendly atmostphere. A great place to go to impress someone. I would highly recommend it!

Visited: October 1, 2007

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Good but not inspiring

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 4  Ambience: 3

PinkPixie
Rookie Reviewer
Member since May 08
Rating: 2

26 May 2008

I went to Hotel du Vin a couple of times last year and then again just recently. I was most dissappointed to find that the menu hadn't changed - even the 'specials' were the same! My husband and I both commented on this to the Maitre d' who said its because the menu changes seasonally and we visited in the same season! I would have thought that such a quality restaurant could have been a bit more creative? Overall it was ok, busy but lacking in atmosphere. I'm not going back in a hurry.

Visited: May 16, 2008

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...du Van at Xmas

Rating - Overall: 3  Food: 4  Service: 4  Ambience: 4

Sparky
Connoisseur
Member since Sep 08
Rating: 33

26 May 2008

When for Xmas day lunch 2006 and 2007 - service was very good. Food was good also (but not everything was 100% great taste wise) It is quite expensive and I would expect the food to be perfect at all times

Visited: December 25, 2007

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POSH dining with style..

Rating - Overall: 4  Food: 4  Service: 4  Ambience: 3

MrDee
Foodie
Member since Sep 08
Rating: 1

26 May 2008

Another venue for Statler & Wardorf's Friday lunch club (see Severn Shed too). Was surprised that on Friday lunchtime mid March the restaurant wasn't that busy. Atmosphere is a bit formal for me but if you like hotel 'posh' and excellent service then its excellent. Be careful if you ask for champagne as we did - instead of the choice of 'Moet' or Cliquot it took 20mins to listen to the amazing choice on offer!! If you like your wine this is the place to go visit! The food was superb. Started with French Ham and then Poached Salmon. Has to be in the top 10 'gastro' venues in Bristol. Wouldnt' be fair to label it fine dining as the whole feel of 'hotel du vin' has more style than that. All in all, it is a great restaurant and for that it gets 4 stars. If you like you food and choice of fine wine then grab your Invitation diners card and make your reservation. If its a formal celebration then setting and atmosphere is perfect. For a couple of old chaps like us there wasn't enough to look at if you know what I mean.. In summary - Top drawer for food - put on your 'must visit' list.

Visited: March 14, 2008

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Yummy

Rating - Overall: 5  Food: 5  Service: 5  Ambience: 4

Peggy
Rookie Reviewer
Member since May 08
Rating: 0

26 May 2008

Realy good food, excellent service.

Visited: May 23, 2008

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