On Thursday 26th May 2022, I went to Ego at The Hollybush to celebrate a friend’s birthday. I had been looking forward to evening, as numerous people had highly recommended it, but unfortunately I had a very disappointing experience.

I would firstly like to say that the staff and service was fine. They were friendly and efficient. The problems which I had were with the table and food.

The table which was located between the bar and kitchen. This must have been the noisiest location in the whole restaurant.

I was sitting with my back to the kitchen, so I had all the prep and cooking noise, the noise from the speaker above my head and the noise of other customers and staff walking behind my seat. This meant I couldn’t hear or join any of the conversations which my party was having.

As for the food, I had chicken liver & rosemary pâté followed by hanging sirloin steak, served pink. Unfortunately since this meal I have been unwell.

At the time I had noticed that the chicken liver & rosemary pâté was a grey colour, but slightly pink in the middle, which I didn’t worry about. As for the hanging sirloin steak, served pink, it was cold, slimy and tough to chew through.

Since the meal I have learnt that it was cooked in a steam drawer and then sheered on a pan. Another member of my party, who could see into the kitchen, watched the chef cook it.

As I mentioned, I was seated in front of the serving hatch, so my food wasn’t sitting for any length of time before being served, so unsure to why it was cold.

The slimy and tough texture of the sirloin was not enjoyable to eat and I ended up not finishing my meal. Quite quickly after eating this I could feel it sitting uncomfortable in my stomach.

Since Thursday night I have been unwell, being unable to hold down any food or liquid, and the thought of any meat now turns my stomach.

As I mentioned the staff and service was fine, and the rest of our party enjoyed their meal, but I not only didn’t enjoy the experience, I have also spent 3 days unwell because of it.

Very disappointed and will not be recommending to my friends or family.