I remember Harveys too, juliantenniscoach. Before it was Harveys it was a restaurant called Beswicks, previously a butchers shop so the restaurant still had the tiled walls and butchers racks and hooks! IIRC, Mr Beswick was a collector of WW2 military vehicles and regularly would bring his photo album out to show his customers his latest acquisition! The food was pretty good too.

I love Chez Bruce; sadly don't eat there often enough though.

Always had a good experience at CB and would recommend each time. Personally like the noisy atmosphere and price point is fair.Anybody tried out Gordon's new place London House?

My husband and I had a wonderful meal in Chez Bruce on Saturday night. We were in the back room at the corner but it didn't feel crowded at all. We both enjoyed our appetisers - the parmesan custard was excellent. My husband usually orders a meat dish but there was nothing in the menu that stood out so he opted for a fish dish and was not disappointed.

Service was excellent. The drinks were a bit pricey but other than that, overall it was a memorable experience and we'll definitely come back! Didn't see any squeaky visitors, thank goodness.

well said and well written. I have always intended to go to Chez Bruce and apart from the fact that there may be people that consider themselves "foodies" there ... whatever that is, I still intend to go. (BTW I liken people that call themselves foodies akin to those that say things like "it's a drivers car" - is that a car for those that drive in general or is there a subset of people that really 'drive')...

You are right the thread was hijacked by me and the other person - having been called for making a statement about Wareing, that was true in the context, I felt it fair to defend myself and the multiple sources from where the information came ... anyway... appreciate you brining it back to being about our local restaurant Chez Bruce, sorry Le Gavroche ... I'm confused - hijack!

BTW - love Good Earth restaurtant and take away.

Oh dear, very sorry to see that this thread has been hijacked by people having an argument about a separate issue.

To get back to Chez Bruce, I was there last night and yet again had a great meal with great service. I just don't get people who say CB is overpriced. It's £45 for three dinner courses - that's three one-Michelin starred courses. You could easily pay £10 for a starter, £25 for a main and £10 for a pud in a bog standard restaurant (albeit with pretensions). A plate of stir-fried pak choy at Good Earth (which we also like) is about £7. The way I see it is could I cook this food (I'm an average chef) myself? I reckon I could rustle up most of what gets served in most of the restaurants in Nappy Valley - but Chez Bruce food? No way. And if you don't want to pay the mark up for wine (and let's face it all restaurants do it - it's how they make their money) you can buy it by the glass. They have an amazing wine list by the way and the sommeliers are always very helpful.

Also, let's be clear, this is a one Michelin starred restaurant. There's quite a difference between that and a two or three starred one. You don't get amuse bouche and a waiter reeling off a list of what you're about to eat; and the ingredients aren't as exotic as they are at the fancier places. But some of the most memorable food I've ever had has been at Chez Bruce, and it's utterly consistent. I agree some of the food on the menu is quite plain - if you have soup, followed by steak and chips or cod and mash, followed by creme brulee, you're maybe going to think it's not that special (albeit beautifully cooked). But branch out to some of their other offerings and hopefully you'll see the skill of the chefs (and actually the garlic soup that they did a few years back was one of the most exquisite things I've ever eaten).

Also don't forget that one man's (or woman's!) cramped tables is another man's 'atmosphere'. It always has a much buzzier feel than the ultra posh establishments which can sometimes have a tendency to feel like a funeral parlour - all hushed tones.

Forget the Michelin star - Bruce Poole designed this as a neighbourhood restaurant and he wants locals to use it. We almost always get a good table because they seem to have a list of their regular customers' names and phone numbers (and by regular we go about three or four times a year).

It's just a great, great restaurant so if you've not tried it please don't be put off by what other people have written. I have to say all my local friends have been and I've never heard anyone say a bad thing about it, so I'm really surprised at some of the comments here. But chacun a son gout as they (probably don't) say in France - I went to Le Gavroche a couple of years ago and don't think I'll be hurrying back any time soon.

Well you better contact mr wareing as the bbc, daily mail, times, Sunday times, telegraph, Wikipedia and countless other websites, magazines and tv shows have libelled him and his restaurant

One free lunch coming your way - ill find a foodie bank for you ...

And to be clear are you saying he has never had a 1 rating at Berkeley

Or are you saying its 4 since nov 13?

Would u trust the times, the Sunday times and the telegraph?

Why are you desperate to fight me and be proved right?

The Berkeley was the restaurant that failed hygiene ratings ... It scored kebab shop 1!!

You keep mentioning Gilbert Scott ...if it scored 4 then woopie doo!

They are 2 separate restaurants as can be shown from their different names and addresses

Am I wrong ? Was Matthew wright wrong?

Jesus, a little light hearted banter and it turns into the usual comedy.

Hi, I saw it on inside out - the bbc magazine show. I wrote it because I knew it to be true, having also researched it. So legally fair comment.

Another quick goggle search ... by the way I don't read the daily mail ... finds this for your reference so you know that I'm not putting out false stories ... too quick to accuse? And you're right it isn't funny that an expense restaurant can have HAD such poor hygiene, I'm sure they have improved as this is historic ... kebab anyone?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... -risk.html

Not been. Want to go just never got round to it. Like mice, never eaten one though, not sure they should put it on the menu no matter how many michelin stars they have. Also consider myself a foodie - generally to stay alive I tend to eat food. Marcus Waring restaraunt got a hygiene rating of 1 ... akin to some kebab shops and I love kebabs so thinking of going there also.

If they're a "local" business they should be aware of local websites like nappyvalley for themselves.

I completely agree with Broodje, that is to say that I would still go there for lunch but as far as price, food offering, ambience and service is concerned at dinner time there are many other options available and their offering is definitely not what I would expect for a Michelin rated establishment.

I think that if a local business is being criticised on NVN that they should be told, so they have the opportunity to respond if they want.

Can I stick my neck out and say that I thought it was better as "Harvey's"?

Well I LOVE Chez Bruce!