So a couple of weeks ago I went to the Gallivant on a fixed price deal for the weekend. Off the back of The Guardian review I had pretty high expectations on the food front and from the photos on their website, a really nice place to stay too.
The marquee they were holding their royal wedding party was nicely kitted out with loads of bunting and picnic tables. They were feeding people from a pretty big barbecue just outside the marquee. There's nothing quite like making your guests smell like burgers for the rest of the day. It was such a shame that the barbecue was even there, as the smell of grease and cooked meat pervades the entire outside of the motel area.
They're really selling themselves on the food and drink and they do a fine job of both. All the ingredients are locally sourced and put together well. They've got a great chef there and an interesting selection of wines (the British rose was great, as was a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc).
Both evening meals there were great from a food and drink side. The thing I think everyone will gloss over when talking about the place though is the service. Everyone working there was very friendly, well-meaning and jovial which made for a nice atmosphere but this brings its own problems.
Given the prices and the open touting of weekending Londoners, expectations were high and the staff, although lovely, didn't meet them. Seemingly little things, ice in digestifs, cheap furniture and overzealous interruptions, added up to become a little galling considering for the price, you could be eating in a top-end London restaurant.
All in all though, I had a great time and the beach was amazing, just make sure you're not planning on going just for the restaurant. It's not worth he travel on its own.
Overall score: 2.5/5