The Bookshop Reviews Summary

Design and Ambiance

Pros:

• "We loved the design of the space, being an interior architect I really appreciated all of the details!"
• "Cafe by day, restaurant by night, the bookshop is such a vibrant and lively place, with loads of personality and character."
• "I adored the ambience which is a word / book lovers dream."
• "There is a wonderful outdoor seating area which would be great to hang out in too."
• "I love it here regardless of whether I'm in for a quick coffee & cake like today or staying for a scrumptious lunch."
• "The atmosphere was great, the staff were kind & the steak was yummy."
• "The decor, in my opinion, was what makes me score The Bookshop 1 star."
• "Innovative food, great staff. Felt like I was dining in Notting Hill not Hereford."

Cons:

• "A small but quaint place, a little hipster and I don't mean that in a good way."
• "We had a reservation for Friday 22/9/23, was greeted and sat down by a gentleman who clearly looked like he didn’t went to be there."
• "Nice setting, lovely staff, great espresso martinis. However I found the meal very disappointing."
• "We were sat right underneath a ceiling heater which blasted hot air on us during the meal."
• "The restaurant was crowded, the tables were close together, and the atmosphere was somewhat lacking."
• "The tall stalls at the high tables not very comfortable and the music too loud so was difficult to talk across the table."
• "When you sit at the tables in the windows you get a draft going up your back."
• "Firstly we got sat by the door which was opened every 5 seconds on the most uncomfortable wooden high chairs."

Food Quality and Taste

Pros:

• "Then the food came out…my my what a yummy few hours we had wining and dining our way through steaks and red wine."
• "Lovely atmosphere, top staff and they serve a divine fillet steak."
• "Everything was perfectly cooked and full of flavour."
• "The beef was perfectly cooked and melted in your mouth, the beef dripping fries were delicious as was the bone marrow gravy."
• "Couldn’t fault any of the dishes... and we ordered too much. A bit greedy!!"
• "The food is delicious with excellent service and the staff are very welcoming."
• "Tasty coffee and great and varied breakfast options."
• "The menu was diverse and interesting, veering away from just avo and eggs."

Cons:

• "Roast potatoes were dry. One carrot each wasn’t enough."
• "Although the food, in only mine and not my partners opinion, was just slightly under par from my expectations."
• "However bland, tasteless vegetarian food for average prices, delays in preparation and service at off peak hours."
• "However, the barabeka chicken meal included overcooked, dry chicken pieces."
• "Raw chicken being served for my starter. Sent back to chef but no care in the world, no apology or free drink offer."
• "Three out of the four of us had fillet steaks which were tiny and definitely not worth £30."
• "Had a roast here yesterday, I know it's a restaurant not a pub but portion sizes of meat were ridiculous."
• "The food tasted OK, but was poor value for money."

Service

Pros:

• "Our compliments to the kitchen crew and front of house staff, thank you!"
• "The service was good also, would definitely recommend."
• "Service was delightful from all the waiting staff. Nice and personable without being intrusive."
• "Went as a spare of the moment thing we rang up Sunday morning and they got us in no problem."
• "Brilliant food and a very high level of service during our meal."
• "The staff matched the tone, being very helpful and took good care of us!"
• "Staff and food were both excellent. Nice atmosphere, and the open kitchen is a nice feature."
• "Staff are friendly. Coffee was good."

Cons:

• "Hands were in his sleeves, rushed us to the table and just disappeared."
• "However the food was nice, the service wasn’t great. They forgot our drink and food order."
• "The waiting staff were excellent but the young man who processed the payment said it is £2.50 each and could not have cared less."
• "When we complained about our less than stellar experience, the response did not meet with our satisfaction."
• "However, we will not be paying the extremely inflated prices again based on this visit."
• "The staff were very friendly, informed and helpful when it comes to choosing food and drink."
• "Disappointing, we had a meal here last night a table of 8 guests. The staff were friendly and the service was ok."
• "I think they have rested on their laurels somewhat."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "It was great value for money too. We will definitely be back."
• "Reliably excellent for food, service and atmosphere, Hereford’s lucky to have a neighbourhood restaurant like The Bookshop."
• "The price was reasonable. The toilet was clean too."
• "Fab place, staff are always so happy and friendly, food is amazing."
• "This is absolutely superb restaurant with excellent staff and exemplary food."
• "The food was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection."
• "My only one wish would be a simple green salad as a side with the steak... Otherwise perfect, thank you!"
• "We always enjoy a visit to the Bookshop - the menu is broad enough without being crowded."

Cons:

• "Good that meat is sourced locally and humanely. However bland, tasteless vegetarian food for average prices."
• "Food was nice but with most mains over £25, small plates, we were left feeling hungry."
• "Three out of the four of us had fillet steaks which were tiny and definitely not worth £30."
• "Had a roast here yesterday, portion sizes of meat were ridiculous. Two very thin strips of beef and one small square of belly pork."
• "The staff were very friendly, informed and helpful. It is quite expensive but you pay for what you get."
• "Even the sides, although very nice in themselves were also on the pricey side and this made for a very expensive meal."
• "We had to wait a little for our Sunday Roast but it was well worth it. The food was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection."
• "The price for the steak was just about reasonable considering how good it was, but four quid for some chips? Madness."