The Courtyard, Wokingham

Your comments (2 mixed, 11 positive, 18 negative)
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"I have eaten here twice a year ago it was lovely, nice atmosphere. Food great. I came here in January 2010 and found the waitress could not crack a smile when she served us. I found it very rude to be so impersonal. Food was OK. Won't be coming back soon."
Mrs F, UK. May 14, 2010.

"I have made my first visit to the courtyard and will not be returning. The manager was so rude and the staff seemed scared of him. I thought he might be having a bad day but after reading others comments it would appear he is often rude to his customers. Why he is in a job like this I don't understand."
Jane, UK. March 27, 2010.

"The manager of this establishment has to be seen to be believed. The rudest man with absolutely no idea of the concept of providing a service. When we advised him that a pizza was soggy and tasteless and topped with wooden lumps pf chicken, we were told that that is how they come! As my son in law had eaten two slices of it, we would have to pay for it. Will not be going back."
Sally, UK. March 14, 2010.

"I've been a regular customer at The Courtyard since it first opened and can honestly say that I have never had bad service there. I'm quite surprised to read some of the negative comments on this site as I have never found the staff, or the manager, to be anything other than polite and attentive. In my opinion The Courtyard is not over priced as its quality of food is far superior to that served up by many of the local 'chain' restaurants. I would recommend The Courtyard as a place which actually has some individuality, something which is rarely found when dining out nowadays. It has a certain style which is reflected in the decor, the menu and of course, the food itself. It's a local restaurant where the dining experience actually does have a continental feel to it,so it scores very highly with myself and many of my friends."
Nicky, Earley, UK. February 5, 2010.

"I visited the Courtyard at the weekend, slightly curious as to what to expect as the reviews have varied so much, but can honestly say I have nothing but praise for the restaurant and will definitely be returning. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the food - I went for the set menu at £16 for two courses- was both plentiful and very well prepared and not at all expensive for the quality of the produce. It was clear that many diners were regular customers and the atmosphere was great. I would highly recommend the Courtyard and look forward to my next visit!"
Marie, Wokingham, UK. February 4, 2010.

"I tend to try and see the best in things, but when asked if I recommended The Courtyard I had no choice but to give a resounding NO. If a restaurant is going to insist on adding service charge to the drinks as well as food, then the staff should make an effort to earn their tip. I found them unattentive and surly, and the manager abrupt and even a bit threatening. Had the food been outstanding I would have perhaps felt more positive about the experience, but it wasn't worth the money spent. The only good thing about my time there was the company I shared it with."
Tim, Wokingham, UK. January 15, 2010.

"I have given up on this restaurant after having had too many unpleasant experiences courtesy of possibly the rudest restaurant manager I have ever encountered, and his (mostly) equally rude team of waiters and waitresses. Yes, there are probably too many restaurants in Wokingham serving a similar type of cuisine, but I for one am glad to have other options which don't involve overpriced food and surly service."
Charlie, Wokingham, UK. October 13, 2009.

"We can only echo all of the negative comments here. The manager was abusive, the staff incompetent and surly and the general approach appeared to be to regard customers as an inconvenience. Like Basil Fawlty without the charm. We would never return by choice. Far better places to eat in Wokingham exist."
Mark, Wokingham, UK. July 4, 2009.

"Please do not go to this establishment. I went there today and was totally humiliated! After having lunch with a friend the owner proceeded to shout at me because my 11 month old son had banged his beaker on the table approximately three times. My son had been sat on my lap(as they do not have high chairs)He was not crying, screaming but perfectly happy. I tried to reason with the owner because my son is only 11 months old but he just proceeded to shout that "this wasn't a play ground." Parents with young children are 'bread and butter' to the hospitality trade during the day and these parents also have friends, family and colleagues with children. In this economic climate you would think they would be welcoming one and all."
Karen, Wokingham, UK. June 9, 2009.

"I can’t comment on the dining experience but I found the Courtyard a very nice place to sit outside with a coffee and a glass of wine. The staff were perfectly courteous and very efficient. As the sun was blazing down I almost could have been abroad."
Alice, Wokingham, UK. June 4, 2009.

"I don’t mind paying a hefty price for good quality food but this place has the hefty price and nothing else, it has delusions of grandeur and I have no idea why. No offence to the people who pay the stupid prices in here for sub standard food, but you really need to get out more! There is much better food available at more realistic cost. Perhaps if the Courtyard reduced their ridiculously huge menu (how can it keep all those ingredient fresh and local? A big freezer I suggest) they could reduce their inventory and get better quality and fresher ingredients. The waitresses were rude and have clearly no experience in customer service. I would avoid."
DR, Wokingham, UK. May 28, 2009.

"I agree with all the negative comments on this website - I too am a regular at this establishment but today I was so appalled by the rude and offensive attitude of restaurant manager that I shall never return - avoid this place like the plague."
Mandy, Crowthorne, UK. May 13, 2009.

"I go to the Courtyard regularly, it's a lovely restaurant. The restaurant is always very accommodating, I often go with my husband but have also taken my family including a 2 year old, they make sure you have a table with room for the high chair and are great with children. The service is brilliant, the waiters and waitresses couldn't be more polite and helpful. The food is lovely, it's always cooked and presented beautifully and very tasty, they have a good selection and some great specials. It is pricey but you get what you pay for and I have never managed more than 2 courses as the portions are large. The only thing I am not so keen on is how close the tables are together, you can hear other people's conversations and it is difficult for the service staff to move about. It's always busy and I have never had a bad experience. They seem like they would bend over backwards to resolve any issues you have so quite surprised to read some of the negative reviews on here. Well, I love it and will be going back again and again!"
Louise, Wokingham, UK. April 12, 2009.

"We love the Courtyard and always go when we get the chance for a night out. The food is pricey but you get what you pay for. The Belgium Torte is absolutely scrummy and the first thing I craved after giving birth! The only negative thing I can say is that the tables are a tad too close together inside, even the waiting staff have trouble getting between diners."
Rachael, Wokingham, UK. March 3, 2009.

"I went on the 20 Feb. Food was ok, nothing special, price was very high, service was very poor. I should have taken more notice of the previous comments on this site."
George, Wokingham, UK. February 21, 2009.

"I have been here a couple of times now for a lazy Sunday lunch and have really enjoyed the experience. I had a delicious mushroom starter last time I was there, and find that they usually have something interesting happening on the specials menu. I loved their seared scallops wrapped in pancetta with the white bean salad."
Sarah, UK. January 22, 2009.

"Sub-standard food at inflated prices - would never go again."
Sam, Wokingham, UK. December 20, 2008.

"I also cannot believe some of these reviews. We have been regular customers since the Courtyard has opened.
The quality of the food has always been very good, but the main reason we keep going back are the wonderful friendly staff and management. They are friendly, welcoming and attentive. The comments about the staff and owner are the complete antithesis of our very regular experiences there.
They have a comprehensive main menu, with a great variety and decent portions. It is not really expensive, certainly no more so than restaurants offering similar standards.
Some of the other comments, especially the one about having “a near monopoly in Wokingham” are totally ludicrous. There is plenty of competition for the Courtyard, as the Wokingham town centre has at least 8 other similar-styled Mediterranean, pizza restaurants, as well as 4 Indian, 2 Thai restaurants and a number of pubs that serve food too.
I guess it is mostly only people who want to moan who feel strong enough to comment on this type of blog, but I highly recommend The Courtyard."
Michelle, Crowthorne, UK. December 8, 2008.

"Enquired as to the quality of the steak before ordering and was told, steak is good. Then served with wrong meal before steak finally arrived. The worst steak that I have had in my life. £20 worth of gristle. I wouldn't go near the place ever again."
Metoo, Crowthorne, UK. November 9, 2008.

"Poor food served by bad mannered staff. Best avoided."
Ian, Wokingham, UK. September 12, 2008.

"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