The Courtyard, Wokingham

Your comments (1 mixed, 4 positive, 6 negative)
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"I can't believe the reviews below. I have always had exceptional food, service and experiences at The Courtyard and Dolce Vita in Reading. Ok the food is quite expensive, but the relaxed ambiance and environment make it an enjoyable place to eat. I've numerously eaten here and always had good experiences which is why my partner and I return frequently. I think these reviews must be bogus as I can't believe it from such a lovely place!"
Kate, Wokingham, UK. August 27, 2008.

"I had heard mixed comments about the Courtyard, but I was surprised to read some of the reviews below having eaten lunch there today (02/08/08).
I took my 4 year old son in for lunch, and although the main menu seemed on the pricy side, there were some simple pasta dishes with garlic bread on offer that we chose from.
The bread was nicely done and the pasta was reasonably good. I was pleased that the pasta was not over cooked. If I had to be picky, the carbonara was made with cream rather than egg, but it was nice without being remarkable.
The place was busy, but there were plenty of staff and they were all polite and friendly. It is a shame to read that other people have had a bad experience there but mine was OK. We paid 20 quid."
Richard B, Barkham, UK. August 2, 2008.

"Please do not support this restaurant. Save your money, two meals at The Courtyard will get you a meal at Ruchetta. They value your custom there, I think the courtyard must give all the money you pay them to charity as I never actually feel like a customer but more like an imcumberence."
Amazed!, Wokingham, UK. July 15, 2008.

"I have just returned from this restaurant in Wokingham and agree with all the negative views on this site.
This is my third time there, the food has always been fine but the service is outrageous. Today we had to flag a waiter to get menus. Then I was brought filter coffee with no milk, it was cold by the time I got up to go and ask AGAIN for milk (although waiter at least apologised and smiled). Then I again went in to ask for the bill etc etc.
I always feel that they are doing us a favour by deigning to serve us and today decided to let the manager know in a very diplomatic way that the restaurant is lovely, but could be so much better if the staff were just, well...nicer and more attentive.
He told me he is making a fortune there so everything is fine and if I'm not happy there are lots of other restaurants in Wokingham.
Umm...ok, that’s told me then. From my experience, if we are willing to pay these prices AND get rubbish service, who's the idiot?."
Lorraine, Wokingham, UK. July 15, 2008.

"I too am surprised at the comments below about the level of service at this Wokingham restaurant. We spent a most enjoyable evening at the restaurant to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. The staff were polite, professional and attentive to our needs. Yes, it is a little pricey but the food was of a high standard. Our only complaint perhaps would be the acoustics - when the restaurant is full - which it often is - it does get rather noisy but that does add to the atmosphere. Would definitely recommend and would definitely choose to eat there again."
Stray, Wokingham, UK. July 8, 2008.

"I'm shocked to read the reviews below - in fact it made me wonder if I've been going to the same place as these other people! The reviews are so out of line from what I have seen of the restaurant, that my immediate reaction was that these may not be genuine reviews. People that I know will happily travel an hour or so, just to eat here, and it is testament to the quality of The Courtyard that it is busy all the time.
Both the food and the service have always been superb and whilst the food is a little on the pricey side, it's well worth it. As for the comments about the owner - he is a perfectly charming gentleman who will bend over backwards to look after his guests.
I'm not affiliated in any way to The Courtyard, other than being a happy diner there for a number of years. Wokingham needed this sort of place, and it arrived and it's raised the bar of quality dining in the area."
Andy, Wokingham, UK. June 2, 2008

"I have just had a very nasty experience. I went to see the owner of the Courtyard because he reduced my wife's party to tears last night. He had allegedly been rude and abusive, having shouted at them in front of the entire restaurant. Needless to say they left immediately and dined elsewhere.
I wanted to discuss this with the owner this morning and politely suggest he might like to apologise. Rather than discuss with me, he chose to throw me off the premises.
There are plenty of other great places to eat and drink in Wokingham and I'd recommend frequenting establishments where physical aggression is not on the menu."
Shocked of Wokingham, Wokingham, UK. March 1, 2008

"Having been regular clients to this restaurant, we found ourselves being banned by the owner. He accused us of complaining to staff in an aggresive fashion. We did raise the issue of "no bread", a poorly cooked main course and the lack of cheese/biscuits as an alternative to a dessert - all comments made in a most courteous manner to the staff. Seems this restaurant no longer cares about its older clients because they have found it so easy to fill with clients who are prepared to accept poor standards and service."
A disgruntled customer, Wokingham, UK. February, 2008

"Never have I been to a restaurant where a complaint about the service received has been handled in the most inappropriate and unprofessional manner by the owner. Along with this are some very pushy staff who only seem interested in rushing you through your meal and generally being very unhelpful. Where most restaurants treat a genuine complaint effectively the Courtyard need to learn some lessons on good customer service."
Anon, Wokingham, UK. December, 2007

"Very expensive and staff do not take criticism well. Needs a reality check on the prices. I think this place knows its got a near monopoly in Wokingham and has become arrogant."
Karen from Lower Earley, UK. October 30, 2007

"The food is good but very expensive for what it is. When I went though, we had a real problem with the service - items would arrive in no discernable order and the staff seemed to have a particular problem with the drinks. Perhaps they are getting arrogant because of their prime location and obvious popularity?"
Jane from Farnborough, UK. September 8, 2007