Decided to visit this after reading Jay Rayner's glowing review in the Observer a few months back. Service was problematic: by turns friendly then surly. Repeated reminders that the staff were very busy for a full booking the next day, so we needed to order and eat quickly – that's not my problem and it wasn't mentioned on the phone when I booked! Wine was great and reasonably priced. Starters were competent and tasty. Main courses were clumisly plated and very heavily seasoned (coming from someone who is no enemy of the salt cellar). Roast potatoes were dry and chewy, clearly not fresh. Lentils flavourless. Portions were generous and it wasn't wildly expensive, but on the whole I'd avoid.

We booked online and then called to confirm over the phone but still they couldn't get their booking system right. We travelled over 1/2 hour to get there because we had heard it was a place worth visiting.

The staff who we spoke to when we arrived were rude and made us feel like we were in the wrong when in fact it was them that was incompetent. We then had a phone call later that day to say that we were booked in for the following day except they had also got that date wrong. Needless to say we won't be visiting here again!

The food for the main restaurant coming out of the kitchen looked fine - but if you're thinking of having the function menu for a group, think again.

The private room upstairs was great in appearance, and the starters were fine. The main course and dessert were dire however - 'roast' potatoes were overcooked, dry and chewy, and appeared to have been stuck in the deep fat fryer at some point; veg limited to a scattering of carrots with the odd courgette slice; the lamb an uninspiring slab. The choc brownie pud was unpleasantly like solid rounds of uncooked dough. Service was well meaning, but uncordinated.

Overall, very disappointing and poor value for money. And at distinct odds with the resturant 'Time Out' award.

Was surprised to see an earlier comment on the service. We've found it really friendly and helpful.



Been here several times now and eaten from bar menu and restaurant menu. Both have been great. Wine list superb. Atmosphere very pleasant.



The Rosendale is a fantastic asset for an area in need of somewhere nice to eat, but fairly casual.

Great location, smart interiors, impressive wine list but probably the worst attitude from the general manager. They have lost my business before they got it.

The Rosendale is a great place with stunning food and even better service. Highly recommended.