Zizzi - Cheltenham

Visited 02/03/24: thought hard about this review. The issues were rectified but think a 3 is a fair review considering the issue with the vouchers too. Accessible entrance round the side of the building with a ramp however the flooring is flagstones and uneven, slippery in the rain and when it’s dark it’s difficult but it’s manageable if you have someone with you. It was quiet and we were seated in a corner near to the disabled toilet for access. We booked a table though we could have walked in as it was so quiet. Ordered from the set menu and advised we had vouchers- nothing was mentioned- we ordered what we wanted and the server gave the impression she was new so she was nervous but she was lovely. Starter and main came with no issue. The starters were both nice though some meatballs were a bit hard but we would have them again, the pizzas were good and we had a box to take what we didn’t manage. The desserts however- we watched them get made as we can see the kitchen- they were then left on the top waiting for someone to serve them. When they arrived the ice cream element melted which was irritating because it was an hour before they closed so it’s not busy whatsoever… I started eating mine, eating the honeycomb and I cut the dough to put to my mouth and it stank of charcoal. I turned it over and it was black. Server was very apologetic and said that shouldn’t look like that- they redid the dessert (companion finished theirs in the meantime!) and when they brought it back I realised what I hadn’t with the first burnt dessert was missing elements- it didn’t come with the brownie or caramel sauce. So that was irritating. We wouldn’t have the same desserts again. Another server (maybe manager?) said he would get the dessert taken off the bill. Later he said no he couldn’t as it’s set menu but he was removing the drinks- brilliant! Then came to our with our vouchers, and were told they were not valid on set menu despite the vouchers and menu NOT stating this in the terms and conditions and we had already told them on being seated we would be using them. We couldn’t be bothered to argue in the end but it’s annoying- though just means we can return again and use them on the normal menu. The building itself is stunning and had the mishap with the desserts not happened it would be a 4 star- though fair play they rectified it and gave us our drinks comped.