Miller and Carter Steakhouse

1   Ruined evening by stupid over 21 rules in bar!!!!

Visited this establishment on 20th May for a joint birthday celebration with a party of 5 ages 48 (me), 45, 20, 20 & 17. On arrival we were informed (by whom I now know was the duty manager) that a table would be available in 45mins. We were asked to stay in the bar area and await our table, surprise surprise I bought drinks and so did a 20year old - very happy to take our money as well. Regarding our food? we all ordered steaks which were alright, but the over done microwaved jacket potatoes and the over salty McDonalds chips were nothing special in fact for the £130 worth of food I was very disappointed, I should also include the forgotten drinks and the spilt drinks by the waitress was an added bonus to the evening!!! . The real gripe is that after already spending £25 in the bar prior to the meal followed by £130 for food we were refused service in the bar after our meal because of a over 21 policy THAT IS NOT ON ANY OF THE MENUS OR ON THE ENTRANCE TO THE RECTORY!!!! In fact the Miller & Carter review card (which I have enjoyed filling in on line, states that you have to be over 18 to fill in their reviews and enter a competition that I know I wont win!!)What really annoyed me is the fact that the pretentious 18yr old bar man and his 19yr old? duty manager weren't interested in my complaints about the refusal of service and just blurbed out "It's company policy" Well if that is the case why not inform me prior to eating in the establishment.

I've been once BUT with a policy like that I won't be taking my family or advising anyone else to visit the establishment - I would always go to a place that appreciates your business and not one that thinks it is doing you a favour to be allowed service.

5   A better steak I couldn't hope for.

Called in last Friday evening, to celebrate my birthday (daughter treating).

No need to book...the atmosphere was busy but not intrusive...we were greeted upon arrival and asked where we would like to sit...our waiter was friendly and informative and gave his opinion when we asked...we felt well looked after...the steaks were great (to die for)...veg. came as part of the price...good portions..the wine was fine and not horribly marked up.....

I enjoyed the whole occasion...not particularly costly....its not a gourmet/pretentious place but I shall happily go again.

4   Not as bad as the other reviews make out...

We have dined at Miller & Carters on several occasions now, and have found the experience to be very good. We tend to go at quieter times, so perhaps issues do arise as it gets busier - but I certainly have no complaints.

Most recently we enjoyed the Chateaubriand for two, which was delicious, and perfectly cooked. The accompaniments, including the 'infamous' iceberg wedge were all great too, especially the peppercorn sauce.

We found the service to also be superb - staff seemed friendly and welcoming. In fact we feel we have been well looked after on all of our visits.

We will certainly be back and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who fancies a delicious steak at a reasonable price.

1   Won't be going back - it's a very poor steakhouse

Went with our 20yr old son on Saturday - who was told he couldn't drink in the bar area until I questioned that we were dining and they relented.

Booked table for 8.30 p.m. No sign of front of house staff to check the bookings so had to grab a waitress. Taken to table at 8.45pm ordered food and wine.

Starters arrived at 9.30pm - creole prawns on sharing platter were overcooked and slightly burnt, rest of dish equally disappointing. Asked waiter if our mains were on there way at 10.15 pm and they appeared some 5 mins later but were overcooked (we all ordered medium rare) and cold. Obviously had been left waiting in the kitchen. We complained to duty manager who agreed to refresh our entire meals.

It was 10.35pm by the time we eventually ate - by which time I was no longer hungry! The steaks were average - nothing like the grand reviews they give themselves.

I felt sorry for the staff having to run up and down the stairs with food orders but unfortunately we wont be going back.

3   Service average

iceberg wedge - I would prefer my salad chopped and tossed not quartered and difficult to get at from the small deep bowl, a smaller portion would be fine. the chips would not win any prizes, however my rump steak was very good and the chianti was a good choice, service average. I had to enquire where our wine was only to be told that the wine was not available! our second choice arrived promptly.

a little more love and care and staff training might merit an increase from my only average rating. lovely building.

1   Tough steak, teens not welcome!

We visited the Miller & Carter the week before Xmas. We live within walking distance and were looking forward to having a good grill on the doorstep. On arrival we were ushered into the restaurant and seated in the 80's inspired dining room. Our waitress was lovely, the food was not what we were expecting. All four of our sirloins were grissly and tough. The iceberg salad was obviously unwashed as it had only been quartered. The chips were over seasoned and the price was way over what I would expect to pay for what was only pub quality. That is actually unfair on most of the pubs we go to, they are way better!

We decided today to give it another shot for a bar snack, surely that would be ok? No. we sat in the very cold bar area and ordered our food. After a long wait we were approached by the manageress. We were told that our "children" were not allowed in the bar area as their license only allows over 21's. I pointed out that my children were 14 and 19 and unlikely to run around screaming, and as the bar was empty perhaps it was a pretty dumb policy! I would understand a 14 and over policy but this just seems crazy! Again the food was pretty poor and we shall not be returning. What a shame, they have a prime location . Maybe one day somebody will get it right with this place.

2   I think Mr Miller & Mr Carter first names must be Berni

Its a shame, I was hoping for a great steak - in a trendy setting, instead we got a trip back in time to a Berni Inn.

It didn't bode well when we applied for a ticket for the opening night and didn't get a response till well after it opened - so we thought we would give it a try last night.

You can tell they have spend money painting the old Rectory and judging by the claims on the website and menu they have the best steaks in Britain (interestingly, no reviews on www.steaklovers.net which they promote on the website as featured on)

Me and Mrs H couldn't wait

You can tell that the restaurant is new - the staff don't know the menu very well - and it wasn't the best start when they had sold out of the £20 T-bone which I ordered.

They over promised on the prawn cocktail, it was not succulent atlantic prawns, more like Morecambe shrimp.

The signature iceberg wedge, delivered 10 minutes before the main course, was a just what it said, a quarter of lettuce in a bowl with processed bacon and honey mustard dressing on it (poor and not easy to eat)

The steaks arrived - well cooked - my premium porterhouse was tough, but tasty, the ribeye was less tasty - the jacket potato was burnt, The house shiraz was good though.

I let the waiter know about the tough steak - he was sorry! Great

All in all, not the best dining experience and not the cheapest 2 starters 2 main steaks 2 glasses of wine & water £55

Sorry Berni Miller we won't be back