Swindon Rendezvous (Hoopers Place) — Restaurant in England

I had given a call to the restaurant to ask to book a table, and the staff member had cut the call. I then called again, and this time had managed to book a table, with no issues. I attended the restaurant upon checking the good reviews that it had received. However I must say, the service and experience we had received was extremely awful.

Firstly, I had asked the waiter who had taken our order, if it is possible to take home any leftover food, as I had read on the menu that ‘there would be a charge added to the bill for any leftover food’. The waiter informed me: yes, that I will be able to take the leftovers home, albeit with a charge. I said this is fine by me. At the end of my meal, I had asked another waiter, who had come to take away our empty drink glasses about having the food wrapped up, and the bill. The female waitress responded, in a hostile manner, that this is not possible; she said: “you can forfeit or eat it all, there is no takeaway”. I informed her that the other waiter had informed us that it was possible. The waitress did not apologise and repeated what she had said and left. I felt incredibly mortified and could see customers nearby also had been listening in on the conversation.

Secondly, it seemed that (another) server had gotten our order incorrect, and upon telling this to the waiter who had served the dish; he had asked me if I can just eat it. I was quite surprised at this and informed him that “I cannot because I am a vegetarian, and this is a meat dish”. The waiter did not apologise, sighed and went back to get the correct order. This dish was still added on to the bill at the end.

Overall, the service we had received was not something I am used to receiving at restaurants, and usually leave a £5 tip as a minimum to show the appreciation. I simply could not bring myself to do this because of the service we had received and not to mention the food wasn’t at the standard I was expecting it to be. I even overheard another customer complaining about the food, on the table opposite me, and the waitress did not apologise.

I do not recommend this restaurant for the service it had provided and please check the bill carefully...

They are busy, successful and established, so they won't care about any negative reviews.

Everything is geared towards 'all you can eat', and if filling your belly until sickeningly full is your idea of a good time, then good for you. It is a far cry from the days of its a la carte dining menu.

Mr Mok's on Cricklade Road was the most amazing Chinese take away Swindon has ever had and knowing this is a family business, I would be ashamed to serve the main courses with the grade and quality(or lack thereof) of chicken meat and prawns that the Rendezvous theatre square does now.

Aromatic Duck or Peking style duck are usually highlights, but unfortunately on this occasion none was even brought out to our table, after having requested it arrive after mixed hor d'oeuvres to share. So there was a long gap after the starters were cleared during which we ordered our mains awaiting the duck that never came, probably a good thing for our waist lines but a shame nevertheless.

The waiting staff are efficient, and this has always been the standard.

I did mention when booking that it was for a special occasion, a 70th birthday, and not once was this addressed at the venue, on a positive note, atleast my dad mentioned when another diner was serenaded for his/her birthday, that he didn't want to be embarrassed in such a way. (Birthday person eats free is just another cheap marketing ploy.)

No fortune cookies whilst paying the bill was also a bit of a let down, the little things make the difference after all.

I can honestly say the old rendevous was far superior, and that is not just based on nostalgia. I hope they improve, i really do. Once bitten, twice shy, and the third time you get my first ever...

An Exceptional Dining Experience

Swindon Rendezvous is truly a gem in the heart of town. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that perfectly balances elegance and comfort. It is an ideal setting for a relaxed evening with friends, a family gathering, or a special celebration.

The food is exceptional in both quality and presentation. Each dish is freshly prepared, beautifully seasoned, and full of vibrant flavour. The all-you-can-eat menu is outstanding value, offering a wide selection of dishes cooked to order rather than served buffet-style. The crispy duck, salt and chilli squid, and black bean beef were particular highlights, though every dish we tried was excellent.

Service throughout the evening was impeccable. The staff were attentive, courteous, and genuinely eager to ensure we had an enjoyable experience. Their professionalism and friendliness added greatly to the occasion.

Swindon Rendezvous delivers on every level: delicious food, attentive service, and a delightful ambiance. It is a place that leaves a lasting impression, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for an exceptional dining...