Academy Restaurant — Restaurant in England

Really disappointed with my visit. After seeing all the positive reviews on here, I decided to drive there on my lunch break and try out the 3 course menu.

When I arrived, the reception had no idea what to do with a visitor unless they had booked and they had to call the restaurant to even decide if they would let me on campus.

The student server was pleasant but didn't seem to know what to do with a visitor. The adult manager-type person was very cold and unwelcoming. There was a real lack of clarity over how to order food, where to sit, when to pay, how to order drinks, etc as nothing was explained to me on arrival.

I didn't get the 3 course meal offered to me as apparently this is only available if I book in advance, and I ended up in a Deli area with all the students on lunch. I wouldn't have minded so much if this is what I was expecting, but the college website didn't have any mention of this so I was taken by surprise. When I mentioned it to the manager-type guy, he didn't seem to care all that much and I felt like he shrugged it off.

I was really excited to come here and try the 3 course meal, but after my recent experience I'm not sure whether I'd return.

TLDR: if you are an external visitor, be ready to be treated as...

My friend booked this and what a pleasant surprise it was. Great service, very professional staff who were friendly and approachable. The food was excellent with only minor criticism and at a very good price. Definitely recommend. Wasn't overly keen on the soup for starters but my friend had the parfait which was great. Main was duck and cooked to perfection. Dessert was Bakewell tart, the raspberry purée was lovely and the...

I went for a meal with a large party of friends yesterday. The food was enjoyed by all. Very tasty and well presented. The service was good. The students were all attentive and pleasant. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere with a a big screen showing a cosy fire scene . A very enjoyable lunch, well...