We visited the restaurant for lunch on Sunday, 22nd July 2012, and had booked a table for 1230. When we arrived, they were still re-arranging tables inside for a large party. We had an aperitif near the fireplace and were then shown our table. Being a very sunny day, the many other guests arriving mostly chose the outside area, whilst we were in the main restaurant. Somewhat strangely, we were brought the menus and advised to not order from both the "Tappetisers" card AND the general menu, but only from one. When we questioned the logic (as almost all appetizers are on the Tapas menu) we were then told we could only order the Tapas separately from the main course, meaning in practical terms that we had to first eat the Tapas and then order the main course. (All extremely complicated, and I began wondering where the hidden camera might be). As it turned out, the Tapas were excellent and so were the two main courses that arrived after quite some time. By now, the establishment was clearly overwhelmed and other guests in the restaurant were advised that taking orders would be suspended for 15 minutes 'as the chef did not want to see any more tickets coming into the kitchen'. We began to feel that - despite the excellent food - guests were something akin to an inconvenience rather than the main focus. We then had desserts (one Eton Mess with overwhipped cream) and two regular coffees (instead of one single espresso and one double espresso) and left. By that time, it was 3 pm and the large table in the middle of the restaurant was still waiting for its guests to arrive.

I 'rediscovered' The Waterside a few weeks ago and had a very pleasant beer sat outside by the canal. We overheard a group behind us commenting on how good their meal had been, so we decided to go back for a meal last night, (Friday 13th July) and see what the food was like. As we arrived, I was surprised it was much quieter, but it is school holidays and lots of people are away, so we went in. Waterside is very pleasantly done out - not too flash, not too spartan. In fact, just right. We skipped starters and went straight for a main meal. I ordered a 10oz rib-eye and my wife had the rump of lamb. Both meals arrived promptly and all I can say is, they were both superb. I own a restaurant myself and am not easily impressed, as most places just serve 'boil in a bag' and cheap poor quality meat. Not here though. Te meat was well aged, well cut, just the right thickness and cooked to perfection. The accompanying vegetables were all high quality, fresh and freshly cooked. For me, the vegetables are as important as the meat and often a let down. Not here. My wife had a sticky toffee pudding to follow, dressed with a flower shaped wafer, inset with ice cream. very well presented and again, tasting superb. The staff were all very friendly and all in all, it was a very enjoyable evening. I'll definitely be going back.