For 25 plus years we have been going to Horsted Place for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, private family parties etc. I have not until today read reviews as it had always been one of the few local 'go to' places for a fine meal. Yesterday was our 40th anniversary. Horsted is a beautiful fine building that until this years facelift had a real air of quality. Not everyones tastes are the same but to me internally the new decorations and furnishings have lost some of its classical charm and charisma. Some may like it more, but not to my taste. We got the feeling as the evening went on that the style of staffing was a bit ad lib and not coordinated. For instance, nobody asks to take your coat when you arrive or even considers you might have had one when you leave. You have to ask for a wine list, and they then forget to take your wine order before trying to usher you to your table. It no longer has the decorum that it had. As for the meal, it was a disappointment. I know that on visits in previous years it has often been quiet, but you always got exceptional food. Last night was not by any means busy, so no excuses from the kitchen. The menu now is simple. As is the wine list. No problem with that. It is perhaps that they are now trying to welcome a different clientele. I would far prefer simple food beautifully prepared than a more complex dish beyond the skills of the kitchen. Sadly however there was nothing 'wrong' with our meal. It was just distinctively average, and on par with that produced by many of the lesser pubs in the area. They also skimp on some things. Looking at a previous review they still have not got to grips with their butcher, as the beef was tougher than you would expect of a quality establishment. With a butcher you get what you pay for. 250ml of wine should in effect be a third of a bottle, not just a slightly more full small wine glass. The problem here is that you are not paying average pub prices. Two average pre dinner drinks, one 2 course and one 3 course meal with 2 glasses of wine and a coffee was over £130. To me, comparing that with other local establishments serving similar quality it seems to be way over the top. Sorry if this upsets anyone, but that is just how we now find it.
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