The Botanist Barnsley — Restaurant in Barnsley

The Botanist, Barnsley Restaurant Review (Evening of 27th January 2025)

We had dinner at The Botanist Barnsley this evening, and here is our experience: • Food Quality: The food was generally good, with a few highlights. The Korean Fried Chicken was absolutely delicious and very flavorful. However, the Beef Burger did not meet our expectations; there are better places in Barnsley for a good burger. The Kids Fish Fingers were decent, and the fries were fresh and crispy. The Lamb Kofta Kebab had a unique presentation, which we appreciated, but the taste was not particularly impressive. Unfortunately, we didn’t like the Chicken Katsu Curry at all; it didn’t suit our taste. On a positive note, the mezze platter was delightful, especially the hummus, falafel, and cacık, which were all very tasty. • Service: Unfortunately, the service did not match the quality of the food. Despite the restaurant not being too busy and having three staff members on the floor, it was difficult to get their attention. My husband had to leave the table twice to call a waiter, and my son also went twice. This was quite frustrating. We also had an issue with the birthday cake. When we arrived, we asked if they could play music while serving the cake, and we were told it would be possible. However, when the time came, another staff member told us they don’t play music. This miscommunication left us disappointed.

In conclusion, while the food was generally enjoyable, the poor service negatively impacted our evening. Better organization and improved communication from the staff would significantly enhance the...

Initially this looked a good choice but within a short time of being seated we realised we couldn’t hear a word anyone in the party was saying. Partly due to the sheer noise but then a live band added to it. I’m sure they were good, but as they were faced into the bar and not the dining area, it was just noise.

Food was okay, nothing amazing although the party did enjoy the skewers. Sadly not all of them seemed equal with some having chunks of meat and some being thin slices folded over. On top of this not all the chicken was fully cooked. We had eaten plenty so left these to one side. It was the waitress who returned after a while to say she had noticed and raised with the manager about the quality. As a result they gave us a reduction for that. Can’t fault the waitress there.

A number of requests did get ignored - again these being picked up by the now slightly embarrassed and frustrated waitress. Seems the kitchen were just not interested in listening.

Overall it was pretty expensive, given the other eating options in the area (similar pricing but better food) I’m not sure we’d be back. Glad we tried it but go when it’s quiet!

The tip being added automatically was disappointing. The restaurant know full well customers won’t tell a waiter/waitress to remove it, so this is why they add it. We always tip but that being said, it should be our decision from the outset, not...

I’m basing this on two visits, one where I ate, and one where I just drink. When I visited to drink yesterday, the bartending staff either, didn’t know what they were doing, or intent on saving pennies. One example of this was both of us ordering a G&T, and only using one small bottle of tonic water between both, then topping up the glasses with draft soda water (the ‘carb’ button, not draft tonic). It really frustrated me paying what we did for them to scrimp using bottled tonic and top up with draft sparkling water.

The food service mid week was incredibly slow, the waiters just seem to avoid customers. The quality of the actual food was reasonable, but sadly you need people to take the order and actually deliver the food hot in order for it to be a good experience. Even the bar staff had to keep running out to clear tables, as well as serving customers behind the bar.

It wasn’t clean on the weekend visit, but that’s to be expected because it’s busy. They do have live entertainment at weekends, and the decor is of course lovely.

If you’re wanting correct drinks, I would recommend sticking to bottled wine… and just hoping they don’t top it up with lime cordial or something. I can see the business engages with customers reviews, so hopefully they can take it on board as they have the ability to be a five...