Ashton — Restaurant in England

2021 - It's many a year since I was at this establishment, back then it was called the Dovecote, a large sprawling construction favoured by families - invariably less disciplined families who allowed their kids to run screaming amok while parents smoked inside. The only reason we would go there (on sunny days) there was an extensive outdoor seating area with views.

What a superb surprise was had. I wouldn't have gone near the place under its previous guise had I recognised it, but primarily lured by the icon of the Cask Marque Ale Trail and the name, I followed a recognised rout to an unrecognizable venue.

Much well spent money has been invested in this venue, since my last visit over 20 years ago, There is history aplenty here; original construction dates back to the 1650's and became a coaching house, aptly named the Coach & Horses. Renamed The Smyth Arms in 1749, by the family of the same name who owned it then, they were priciple landowners in the are living as Lords of the Manor in Ashton Court Manor.

The Dovecote was almost totally destroyed by an accidental fire in 2014 and the aforementioned 'much well spent money' was invested into it's current guise, also initiating another name change to become The Ashton.

Following The Cask Marque Ale Trail, this visit, as already stated, was to sample the beer. The young barman initially knew nothing of the 'longest ale trail in the world' despite the place being part of it. After some cosultation with colleagues, the necessary certificate was unearthed and staff are more conversant with the scheme.

As for the beer? A pint of St Austell Tribute 4.2% was well deserving of the accreditation awarded.

The venue is now far removed from it's formerly grubby semblance and now has an agreeable sophisticated ambiance. The wine 'cellar' on full display behind glass panels, exhibit many fine vintages and the menu, although on this occasion also not sampled, encourages a return visit to remedy this deficit.

The four stars reflect only this reviewers experience of the service and the beer. It is noted that regarding dining reviews, some have been less than complimentary. This reviewer on a future visit, will include an appraisal in this regard and publish...

The Ashton didn't seem able to cope with the demands of a long Christmas Holiday. Four of us booked for the 30th December and it didn't get off to a great start when we were seated in a side room on our own. Initially there was a mix up with the drinks order, with too many white wines arriving, which we were billed for. Then, after ordering it we were advised that the Buttermilk Southern fried chicken wasn't available. We re- ordered choosing Sea Bass. However, they returned to tell us that wasn't available either so my partner ended up with a rather sorry looking Fish and Chips. We all ordered Salt & Szechuan pepper squid with aioli as a starter but when it came they were very small portions, over cooked and there was no trace of Salt and Szechuan pepper! We complained and they agreed to take the starter off the bill but in the end they only debited one portion and still charged full price for the other three. At one stage(after starters but before main course) two portions of Fries arrived which we hadn't ordered, but if we had they arrived alone, without any other food to go with them. There were long delays between orders and arrival of food and drinks for which the server kept apologising but it continued throughout the meal. The Fish and chips wasn't very attractive and came with a bowl of crushed peas that were uncooked, don't ask me why. The Pizza's were good enough and the Breaded Buttermilk & Rosemary Chicken Burger with Amarillo chilli mayonnaise and fries was fine. We had 2 x sweets which were fine if a little small, plus Tea and Coffee.

The total bill including a £5 tip (for the waiter who was obviously very embarrassed) was £125 which isn't too expensive but it wasn't really worth that and there are a lot of places in Bristol where you'll get a much better meal, better service and a nicer environment for much less money.

Sorry guys but unless you improve you aren't...

Lovely looking building. Managed to get a last minute booking. 5 minute walk from hotel. Staff very friendly and accommodating. We were seated and given menus. Few minutes later our drinks order taken. 10 minutes later our food order taken. Then the waiting began. 20 minutes passed and no drinks. We had to approach tentatively (due to social distancing) the bar and they had been sat i assume for some time. A member of staff 5 min later bought our drinks. I ordered the rib eye(medium) with a sauce and onion rings side. My partner had beef roast dinner.

Food was a little slow also but we drank and chatted so no real issue. Plus it was fairly busy and new rules mean it will naturally take more time. Food came. Steak was cooked well but was just warm, quality was ok but certainly not outstanding and for 23£ you'd hope for far superior quality.. Fries fine. But no sides.

Roast was fine. Meat was over cooked but tasty. Vegetables were an afterthought i think, few in number and not awfully nice. Potatoes not roasted by my reckoning. Gravy was good.

We decided not to go for dessert as we were disappointed. Spoke with a waiter to say my sides didn't arrive and he removed from final bill.

Not to pile further mystery onto my review but we both really looked forward to this meal and left hungry and feeling short changed. A wolf in sheep's clothing. Good exterior but with with very little substance. Again staff pleasant and did their best. Could hear several other complaints this particular evening.

And gents loos were smelly and in need of a clean. In this day of covid and keeping physically healthy this should be a...