Cookham
Spice Merchant Cookham

Spice Merchant Cookham

High StreetBerkshire SL6 9SL, Cookham, United Kingdom

Wine • Beer • Indian • Bar-lounge


"Visited with two others on a Wednesday evening. The reservation was made quickly and easily a few days earlier via the Spice MerchantOpen Table websites.We were offered a table by one of the front windows, which we happily accepted. From this location, I noted a number of people calling for preordered takeaway meals, which was a good sign that the food is popular with local residents.Service was exceptional, from the moment we arrived to the time we eventually left. Our waiter was extremely polite and attentive, yet not obtrusive. We met the Manager, who was really friendly, very helpful when it came to choosing our food and came over at the end of our meal to offer a very kind and generous "thank you".The wine list was extensive; we ordered one bottle of red and one white. My companions were very pleased by their selections, which complemented the food perfectly. I had a bottle of Cobra beer I initially ordered the nonalcoholic variety, but that was outofstock, so I had a "normal" Cobra and limited my intake of wine I was driving.We were there for the food the menus we had perused online were extensive and this did not disappoint! Portions were good and the flavour, texture and presentation was outstanding! This restaurant must have the best Indian chefs in Berkshire.The bill was reasonable, considering what we ordered and the fact this business serves an affluent area. One of my friends was so pleased by the food and service that so booked her birthday meal there for the following month! The Manager was most accommodating regarding her wishes and we are looking forward to returning just after Christmas for another excellent evening.Well done to all the staff at Spice Merchant, Cookham you deserve awards for producing "Michelin Award" worthy food and looking after your guests so well"

The Ferry

The Ferry

Sutton Road, Cookham, United Kingdom

Pub • Pubs • Fish • Wine


"We arrived early and had a drink downstairs. While waiting at the desk the manager came up to welcome us. Then something very odd happened: one of the young waiting staff pushed in between us and the manager rather than go round us. The manager shrugged and gave him an odd look rather than give him advice. We all laughed it off. We sat down at our table and were immediately asked if we would like something to drink before I had even had a chance to look at the wine menu. We pointed out one wine glass was dirty and it was taken away. Minutes passed. In fact about 25 of them and nothing happened. So we asked for the wine and a glass. More time passed. I read the advert on the table which promised a ‘Stylish Easter’, which seems to miss the point of Easter. We spoke to the people at the table next to us who we knew and asked after their food. They said the pork belly was cold. The sea bass was ok. Our wagu burger and fishcakes arrived. Both were lukewarm to cold, as were the chips. We called the manager and he replaced them immediately, looking increasingly harassed and at odds with his young naive staff. The burger was too chewy to eat. The fishcakes were ok. Before we had finished one of the young lads stood by the table staring at my plate oddly. He asked me if I had finished my main course when I clearly had not. We asked for the bill and left. The manager did not say anything about the problems. I reluctantly paid the £51 but did not leave a tip as the service was non existent. And the final irony: when I went to the loo on the way out, there was pumping hip hop music totally at odds with a restaurant setting. We drove back through Bray and stopped at the pub on the high street there. It was like entering a calming world of normality. No music. Young but experienced and trained staff in control. Happy customers. What a contrast! The new manager at The Ferry clearly has his work cut out to improve standards."