Midsummer House - Sunday Brunch/Lunch

Mallard


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
09/05/2010 20:01

We have just returned from the Midsummer House Sunday brunch/lunch - 25TL per head as advertised in the 'Cyprus Today'. Having looked at all the comments on this place we, as residents were very pleased when we were invited by some friends from England to join them for this occasion.

Oh, dear what a disappointment! A lovely house and gardens true, service a nightmare, so little food and drinks extortionate! We know we will get shot down in flames for these comments but, only speaking the truth.

The food maybe good from the a la carte menu but this was not a good deal!

jakki



Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 865

Message Posted:
09/05/2010 20:03

Well let's hope the owners read this and do something about it!!!

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
09/05/2010 20:18

im just so very sorry you had a bad experience, did you tell the owners as they are the nicest people xxxx

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
09/05/2010 20:18

Mallard you should not be shot down in flames, Like you say you've spoke the truth....



So they didn't spoil you then....

Like they advertise..... "Let us spoil you" lol

Unless they pay the bill how can someone say they are spoiling you?

Only the customer can say if they've been spoiled, and let them be the judge as you have....

Texas


Joined: 22/09/2009
Posts: 634

Message Posted:
09/05/2010 20:46

Overall, I thought it was reasonable value for money.



I do agree about the drinks. I think the costs should be shown here: 10 TL for tea or coffee, with a couple of truffles! The Rocks Hotel charge only 7 TL with a plate of biscuits.



When we went, it was full. So lets see if they can keep busy. I hope so.



Have the BBQ, have a bottle of water, it will be great value.



The advertised 25 TL for the BBQ appears as a "loss leader"

Panchocat


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 1333

Message Posted:
09/05/2010 21:23

I think you will find that a new chef is starting at Midsummer House on Tuesday so possibly this weekend was not a good time to visit.

Have to say we were there last night and the food and service was, as usual, second to none.

The owners are very receptive to feedback so I hope you passed your comments on to them before posting on the forum, if you did I am sure Erdin would have gone out of his way to put things right for you.

It remains one of our our favourite restaurants. Well worth a visit.

roblyn


Joined: 21/11/2008
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
09/05/2010 21:43

We were also invited to join friends on holiday for afternoon tea.

Gave lunch a miss in anticipation

We were invited to choose our TEA BAG from a very posh box

One minute roll, one small cake,one small biscuit per person.

I've no idea of the cost. Came away very disappointed and ravenous.

Won't be returning

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
09/05/2010 21:53

Msg 6..

Im not objecting to your post but a new chef on tuesday dose not make up for poor service on a sunday or any day.



If midsummer house make statements like they do for top class service and you being spoiled. Let the customer decide, As they have done...

Never mind a pretty garden, view or decor.

I know a place that dont have a great garden or view but the service, price but most of all the food (in my opinion) far out ways most claims of any other here in the TRNC.

Its a tough market to crack, but you mess up once and thats it.........

Mallard


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
09/05/2010 22:16

We are not backwards in coming forwards and don't have a problem with passing on our comments regarding good/bad value for money but, we were guests today and so it wouldn't have been appropriate to say anything at the time. We will, however be passing on our thoughts to Erdin in due course. During our time here we have been to many more deserving places that might not have been so plush, but have been far more value for money. Isn't that what life here is all about?

Zoony


Joined: 26/03/2010
Posts: 136

Message Posted:
10/05/2010 06:24

We olso were at Midsummer House I do admit the staff and the suroundings were very nice but the food one corse 25tl was the smallest amount of food we have had in 3 years on the Island and before anyone says about quality not quantity the four of us left the resturant still hungary i am sorry we wont be back a shame realy but so many places and so much choice.

Zoony


Joined: 26/03/2010
Posts: 136

Message Posted:
10/05/2010 06:26

PS I forgot to say this was the special lunch menu.

Panchocat


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 1333

Message Posted:
10/05/2010 10:55

Seems to me people either love it or hate it.

I love it!

It would be boring if we were all the same.

erdin


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 178

Message Posted:
10/05/2010 12:08

Thanks very much panchocat.Sometimes i can't believe how different we all are.Msg 1 said "service nightmare" if this is a genuine comment i would like to discuss it with Mallard over a drink (free of course) as i thought i made sure with all our customers that everything was ok several times .Both Mallard and Zoony said little food!! This was a brunch with OPEN BUFFET (unlimited food ) why didn't they help themselves to more? Lastly to Roblyn who had an afternoon tea with us . The price was 7 TL by the way.Don't know what you expected from an a'noon tea but to me it is a little snack between lunch and dinner,not surprised didn't fill you up if you skipped lunch! Everyone's expectations are different i understand and no establishment can please everyone all the time but we are here and ready to listen and improve in areas where we lack.Thanks for your comment Texas except handmade truffles cost much much more than biscuits !!

crystallady


Joined: 16/04/2008
Posts: 103

Message Posted:
10/05/2010 12:34

We are not into 'Sunday brunch' - or lunch for that matter and have only eaten in the evening but as far as service is concerned, the only time that we have visited - it was excellent. We will certainly be returning for the evening menu. Okay, the drinks are a little expensive, so are the majority of the hotels. We couldn't fault the food and the little complimentary courses were a delight.

rcroton


Joined: 05/06/2008
Posts: 192

Message Posted:
10/05/2010 14:58

Being able to walk to the restaurant i did a few days ago. The food was great no complaints at all in great surroundings. People slagging of restaurants for little reason ie small portions when its an open buffet is just wrong and can do damage to the said restaurants. Final comment, how can you expect a meal and drinks for YTL 7.00 A beer in numerous places costs more than that.



I am looking forward to returning as soon as possible.

dougskud



Joined: 04/04/2008
Posts: 356

Message Posted:
10/05/2010 15:44

Interesting exchange of views.



Congratulations Erdin on your sensible response.



Based on my experience of your beautiful restaurant I would not bother trying to placate Mallard as I suspect he or she are never going to appreciatte the eating experience you provide.



Far better you buy me a beer and we can enjoy it together looking out at your beautiful mountain views.



see you in two weeks



Doug and Chris

Zoony


Joined: 26/03/2010
Posts: 136

Message Posted:
10/05/2010 16:10

Reference Message number 13, the cold buffet was set out and we were not told we could go back for more. However, the hot food, that is, bbq, was served to the table and at no time were we asked if we wished more BBQ food. However, also, with mezze we would have expected more than the small pitta that was brought to us.



Staff were very friendly, I do say and their service very good.



We just did not feel this was value for money. For example, restarant with same calibre of food offers 3 course Sunday lunch at 17.5 TL.



This is only my point of view, I am sure other people will differ in their opinions.

Mallard


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
10/05/2010 23:40

Message 15 rcroton - I have read my posting again and cannot see any evidence of 'slagging off', as you call it unless my opinion, which I am entitled to falls into that category.

Message 16 dougskud - Do you know me? Unless you do then I fail to see how you can comment on my appreciation of eating experiences of which I have had many.

Message 13 erdin - Thank you for your reply. If I had been on my own yesterday I would have spoken to you at the time, but my friends from England were enjoying themselves so I didn't want to spoil it for them. However, I do not consid my post derogitory in any way.

Message 17 zoony - I agree with you totally. We were told to help ourselves to the cold buffet, although I would prefer to call it a salad bar, and our BBQ food would be brought to us. We were given one piece of pitta with the smallest amount of meat and at no time were we offered more. When we asked for extra pitta the staff who in my opinion seemed flustered, did not bring enough for us

erdin


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 178

Message Posted:
11/05/2010 08:58

Thank you everyone for your comments (positive and negative).We've taken everything on board and will increase our bbq portion and offer more pitta bread as everyone's appetite is different.

dougskud



Joined: 04/04/2008
Posts: 356

Message Posted:
11/05/2010 09:39

Hi Mallard

re post 18. In answer to your question.



I really don't know but hopefully not.



Doug

Mallard


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
11/05/2010 19:44

Just to put this thread to bed. I did not intend to cause anyone offence - just expressing my opinion!

Erdin, I will make myself known to you because I think you have been very open and honest.

I really think we need to 'chill out', on this board and not get too serious and certainly not start 'being personal'.

Dougskud, you would like me I assure you - I am an 'Essexgirl'!!

Panchocat


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 1333

Message Posted:
11/05/2010 22:28

Perhaps best next time to discreetly pass your complaints on to the owners directly. Before going public.

Even in the company of others you should surely be able to slip away for a few moments if you feel strongly enough about something.

Erdin, being the gentleman he is, would have appreciated that and responded there and then, I am sure.

Sadly negative threads do appear to influence some people and stop them trying for themselves the establishments mentioned. Which in this case is their loss.

dougskud



Joined: 04/04/2008
Posts: 356

Message Posted:
13/05/2010 20:09

Hi Mallard

Re your post no.21.



I have had a life time of essex girls in fact I have slept with one nearly every night for forty years.



I still get a kick when she put's on her hot pants and white high heels to come to bed!!



regards



Doug

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
13/05/2010 20:21

Oh please, get a room Doug.... To much info mate

Mallard


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
13/05/2010 22:21

Message 22 - Panchocat - I am, if nothing else a very fair minded person so I take your point.

Message 23 - Dougskud - Thank goodness you have lightened up!!

joanie1


Joined: 25/07/2008
Posts: 164

Message Posted:
13/05/2010 22:46

was at Midsummer House barbecue last Sunday - fabulous gardens, wonderful flowers - sweet pea to die for - beautiful restaurant - but I went there to eat food - don't have a big appetite came away hungry - one of my neighbours said one lunchtime he had the best garlic prawns ever - vast quantity and wonderful taste - and really reasonable price. I have been coming to this part of the island for over 15 years lived here for the last 2. Years ago only a few restaurants mostly around the old harbour - they offered home cooked freshly caught food at fair prices. You have a beautiful setting - its a posh venue so are others -my advice for what its worth don't do fixed price Sunday food - other people do it so much better and cheaper - just do decent sized a la carte portions and offer house wine in a posh decanter - rather than ridiculously priced Angora etc - it can be any wine - nobody will admit to knowing what!! Too many restaurants - too few people to eat in them Sad but true.

dougskud



Joined: 04/04/2008
Posts: 356

Message Posted:
14/05/2010 09:58

Hi All good morning



Mallard my essex girl tells me "I light up her life !"



Joanie 1 re your posting 26 I suggest if you only go out to restauarants to eat, don't look further than Molly's near the Pia Bella, fantastic food, nice people very reasonable prices but a practical location right on a main road with lots of trafic and noise.



Don't agree about the quality of food around the harbour after several dissapointments over many years we never eat around the harbour but great for a coffee and brandy and a bit of people watching.



Re your comments I have only had dinner at M.H. so cannot comment on the size of the lunch portions, although your comments suggest to me to be more motivated by price. I 'm sure Erdin would have been delighted to serve you something from his main menu had you asked for it.



regards

Doug

erdin


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 178

Message Posted:
14/05/2010 11:25

Thanks for your comments Doug,am glad that we have customers such as yourselves and Ann (panchocat) & co that appreciate what we are trying to do here.Very hard to please all but we`ll do our utmost in trying.However,if 33 tl for a bottle of Angora is ridiculously priced regardless of everything that we offer then Molly`s would be an alternative venue for some.

Regards

Erdin