L'Hostellerie du Château de Bricquebec

We were staying locally in a gîte and having previously enjoyed excellent meals at the Chateau (during overnight stays there) we thought we would dine there. The reception was a little strange, however we were seated in the restaurant. The menu we were provided with showed a limited choice for aperitif, I couldn't go wrong with Ricard, but my friend had a glass of red wine which I think had been open for some time, weak and slightly vinegary. Having made our meal selections, I was then advised, some 4 or 5 minutes later, that my choice was not available but that they would have it the following week. My retort was that I was there now and not next week! I wonder why I was not advised of this when we were handing the menus. Whilst waiting for our food to arrive we noticed that gone were the lovely crisp white tablecloths and napkins, instead we had red paper 'place mats' and paper serviettes. I don't think the cutlery was the quality silverware previously experienced. The whole place had the feel of a brasserie, or bistro. We both selected lamb cutlets 'a pointe' when they came they were well done, I did point this out to the waitress, who said she would note it with the chef - nothing further was mentioned!! We didn't really want desert, but I wanted to test the staff out so ordered a plate of cheeses and then asked which one was which, the young lady could not really tell me with any sense of confidence, only that she buys at the market each week - surely she would know what she had bought! The three stars on the panel outside are clearly no longer merited for the restaurant and on reading some reviews of staying guests I get the feeling that the rooms are no longer of the 3 star standard we had previously experienced. I now note that the restaurant only reopened in April - surely this would be the time to be working on building a good reputation, but they seem to have started on the wrong foot! Such a disappointment and sadly I will not be rushing back to eat there again

Check in was interesting. Having no idea how to get the car through the electric bollard I walked into the courtyard and entered the Hotel. Having repeatedly pressed a bell I realised that the building was empty. I returned to the car and told my husband who returned with me to the Hotel foyer. We waited for a while until a lady who turned out to be the receptionist, arrived. We were then able to bring the car into the courtyard. We reserved a Superior Double Room (Luxury). The room was clean and typically of the period. It overlooked the courtyard. The restaurant was closed but a choice could be made from a small menu and delivered to the room on a tray. We choose to eat at a lovely local restaurant just yards from the Hotel. We booked Le Relais du Cotentin and found the food to be beautifully cooked and presented. Breakfast was enjoyable and nicely presented.

expérience inoubliable pour ceux qui veulent connaitre la vie de château. idéalement situé et personnel accueillant. l'établissement mérite le détour, d'autant que la région est belle, notamment les plages entre Portbail et la hague.