The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Reading Reviews Summary

Service Speed

Pros:

• "Service was quick but most tables were reserved so we had to sit at the bar."
• "Service was amazing especially since it was very busy when we went."
• "First visit & will certainly be going back. Great service, friendly, efficient, but not rushed."
• "Service was very good as was the food. Been here a few times and it never fails."
• "The food is a bit freezer to fryer but nicely done. Plenty of wine and beer choices and I expect it would be fun when really busy."

Cons:

• "Got in at 7pm, first drink came at 7:15 which was fine. Then came the wait. We complained then the meal got served 7:45pm."
• "Took 40 mins just to be seated on a prebooked table. Ordering food or drink was incredibly slow."
• "The food was good quality and reasonably priced... worked out roughly around £40 per person for 3 shared starters, 1 main, each and 2 drinks each. 11 of us on the table."
• "The food and drinks were delicious and we had a lovely time. However, it took over half an hour between requesting the bill and being able to pay."
• "The serving staff were great. Sadly a few members of our party had issues with the food - some undercooked and other slightly overcooked."

Food Quality

Pros:

• "Food is great, the hanging kebabs are an interesting twist and super tasty too."
• "The food was delicious and we really enjoyed the watering cans."
• "The food was good, but don't expect high gastronomic delights."
• "The food and the drinks are top notch. I really enjoy it."
• "Food to die for, especially since the release of the winter menu. Christmas sharing platter, Christmas burger, and Turkey and pigs & blankets hanging kebab with roasties and gravy LUSHH."

Cons:

• "After we finished eating the very bland food, we waited another 15 minutes before our tables got cleared."
• "Not what we expected. Thought it would be more of a brasserie. But the style is more rural, as you can see from the pictures."
• "The food was average at best, all probably made from frozen, tasteless."
• "Food was average. For me anyway. My wife said her burger was ok, our friends said that his steak was good, but her bang bang noodles were ok (she left most of it)."
• "The kebab I had was completely raw in parts which was so sad because they are usually really good, however, this has completely put me off for life."

Atmosphere and Decor

Pros:

• "This is one of those places where you can expect matured crowd and everyone enjoying their music and food. They have live music start at 9pm which is just amazing."
• "The atmosphere is great with the live music but still been able to have a conversation without shouting at each other."
• "We had an absolutely fantastic evening, the bar staff couldn’t have looked after us more, the band was brilliant."
• "Absolutely amazing food and such cool, unusual drinks!"
• "The Botanist offers a cozy garden-like atmosphere and an extensive gin and cocktail selection to match."

Cons:

• "Atmosphere was ok but we were sat in view of the servers' station so was in view of a bin and near the door so was cold."
• "The serving staff were great. Sadly it was very very loud and maybe a heads up there was going to be live music would have been good."
• "Food was ok however the service was not great. We weren't really able to order drinks or food when we got there as the staff seems too busy."
• "Disappointing experience for what should have been an exciting 30th birthday celebration."
• "The restaurant was cold, we chose the belly pork roast, the portions were ridiculously small. No value for money - the side of cauliflower cheese was just minuscule considering what we paid for it."