Stydd Restaurant in The Glasshouse — Restaurant in Ribble Valley

Sunday 8th May The Glass House at Stydd. Stydd Gardens, Ribchester.

This one was recommended to me by Sharon Loydd a few years ago and it's taken me this long to finally get there.

What a fantastic place. The setting is a large orangery, filled with all kinds of tropical and Mediterranean plants, vines and creepers. The chairs and tables are an eclectic mix of relaxing wicker, hand made timber and some more conventional seats too.

I knew this was going to be a pricey one but having been greeted by the friendly lady at the entrance and having been seated amidst the tropical plants I was fully prepared to treat myself.

I ordered the Large Full English and a pot of breakfast tea (extra).

My pot of tea arrived first and a sneaky look inside confirmed it was real loose leaf and good quality too.

When my breakfast arrived, Michel Roux would have admired the presentation. A field mushroom the same diameter as the slice of black pudding it was perched on top of, two identical sausages and bacon slices cooked to perfection. The ripe plum tomato was balanced on end and the beans were confined to a piping hot ramekin dish to ensure they didn't wander across the plate to encroach on the chefs artistic endeavours.

But looking good is only part of it!

The bacon was some of the nicest I've had for while. It was smoked but not heavily so, which meant I got the lovely smokey notes but could also taste the bacon. The sausages were excellent and cooked well. The mushroom had a really nice flavour and a great texture. The black pudding tasted great but personally I prefer it more crispy on the outside. This was cooked well but soft throughout. The tomato was a tasty sweet plum tomato so no complaints there. The beans were probably Heinz.

I wasn't offered a replacement for my egg(s) which I always mentally deduct a point for. I was able to squeeze a second cup of tea from my pot - so I mentally added that point back in.

It was an expensive treat and you could have got 2 breakfasts and change for the same price at some of the places I've visited. Having said that though it's a lovely place to visit, a truly unique setting, really friendly service and good quality food prepared well

I would reccomend a Full English Breakfast at The Glass House at...

I have visited Stydd gardens a number of times & returend this weekend to celebrate my birthday. Unfortunately it was my worst visit yet. We called ahead as unexpected roadworks had slowed our journey down and the manager who took my call was adamant that I didn't even have a reservation, even though I had booked a week prior and was quoting my email confirmation over the phone. After a 5 minute phonecall trying to confirm my booking, she then asked how many people it was for, when I said 2 she replied "oh you can come whenever then, see you soon".

When we arrived into the glasshouse the manager was standing at the desk but didn't look up to greet us. It was awkward as we stood waiting to be greeted. My friend approached the manager instead to say hello, I then confirmed my name and mentioned we'd just been on the phone regarding the booking and she just asked another member of staff to seat us. We didn't receive any apology or any acknowledgement of the booking query at all.

The food, as usual was fantastic. This is why I love the place! Absolutely delicious, great portion sizes and beautifully presented. The waiting staff were also all very friendly and attentive. It's a beautiful setting with a great atmosphere.

The manager however let's the place down massively. We had to approach her again to settle our bill when leaving and again, no conversation, no asking how our meal was, it just felt like she wanted us out as quickly as possible. All she said as she waiting for the payment to go through was "oh it's a manic day today".

Another family arrived in hope of a walk in and she very rudely said "no walk ins, we're fully booked" and turned away! The family were instantly turned away without any apology or perhaps an alternative. It was not a...

Great location, terrible service. My first experience wasn’t great, but this was worse. Will not be visiting again.

Firstly we asked to be moved as we were sat in the sun, they said they couldn’t move us. Even though there were plenty free tables.

We then asked if we could have another umbrella, she said it’s only one per table, so we scooted closer together just to be in the shade.

Eventually they did bring another umbrella but said they had to take it away as another table was coming at 1.

On the menu a lot of the items contained alcohol, but they refused to make a sauce without wine. Even though it was for the child. How hard is it to make a quick sauce. Instead they gave plain spaghetti and prawns separate and tomato ketchup. It was a joke really. They didn’t charge us for it but it’s beside the point. she goes the menu has changed and they can’t change it.

We asked the same lady for the bill, she said we had to go to the front, but they were bringing the bill and card machine to every other table. So we asked someone else then eventually came. Saying it doesn’t work this far. But it did.

Both times this person has treated us this way.

Really disappointed. Will not...