paul bell

I would be grateful for any help/persuasion on the above topic. I have a table booked at GR@ Claridges for Saturday night, and I am hideously undecided as to whether I want to eat there. The reviews when it opened were excellent, the menu looks good (not surprisingly similar to RHR), have had to wait three months for a table!. On the other side I get the impression from the message-board that a number of you are deeply unconvinced, is the food not as good as RHR or not even close? (Also noticed that the price has just gone up again). In terms of other options The Square is full, and have eaten at The Capital recently. What about Pied a Terre? or Orrery (although I cannot imagine myself paying that much in a Conran restaurant, possibly harsh?). Any help/comments welcome. Paul

Yes, Blinis is the successor to Lettonie. It is in a parade of shops by Pulteney bridge (used to be Pierre Victoire). The cooking on my recent visit is up to the standard of Lettonie, indeed the menu is very similar. It is a reasonable size so you may be able to get a table. Best of luck Paul

Though I would stop lurking and actually post something. Of my recent visits to Bath the best restaurants have been the Bath Priory and Blinis, both of which are excellent. Bath Priory can be difficult to book in the evenings as they have limited tables for non-residents, the food is always very well done, although the desserts do not appear to be as good as everything else. The wine list is reasonably priced (for Bath) although the set dinner is expensive. Service is formal but pretty friendly. Blini's is excellent, the food not surprisingly is the same as Lettonie, but the setting and service are less formal than previously, although still what you would expect from a two starred restaurant. The wine list is also pleasantly more reasonable than Lettonie, the room is quite long and narrow with best tables being at the end above the river Avon. I would not recommend the Fishworks seafood cafe in Green Street, it is pleasant enough but is overpriced for what you get and the quality can be variable, fish soup was OK, sea bass with north african spices was good, spring onion mash was poor.