Restaurant Spy

Having been a fan of Mike Robinson's 'Heavens Kitchen' from the start I was obviously looking forward to tasting the food in the restaurant. I was ecstatic when I heard he was also planning to open a cooking school for those game food enthusiasts.

So off I went to one of his first cooking courses, which I have to say was fantastic as Mike obviously has a passion for imparting his knowledge about game onto others. The trip around Vickers was also incredibly interesting and I still travel there once a month to buy my meat (Although its a long trip - its worth it for the price and qualitiy)

My only critisms are the kitchen was too small and having to 'pair up' (I got stuck with a mad old housewife who obviously had no idea about cooking let alone game) with others meant you did not get as much hands on as I would have hoped considering the cost of the course. After this course I immediately booked my second course (a more advanced course) which was equally as good as the first, just without the mad old Berkshire housewife. I have now spent a small fortune on wares from the cooking school including purchases of books, Woll Pans, Knives, etc all on the advice of Mike Robinson!

However my biggest issue with the courses is Mike always promises the world to attendees in advice after you have attended the course ("always feel free to phone me or send an email over - I will always reply" were regular comments on both courses....), but in reallity you never get a reply from Mike or any of his staff. I have sent a number of emails asking for tips and advice, but not once had a reply.

PLEASE Mr Robinson... if you are going to offer something.... deliver on it. Broken Promises create bad advertising and therefore loss of custom.

With regards to the restaurant I have now had 3 meals there, all of which were for business lunches, travelling over 150 miles round trip each time. However each time the meals have been average (at best). Some of the food has been 'OK' but certainly not at the standard you would expect for the cost. However on each trip with have had issues with food being either cold, overcooked, over seasoned or just small portion sizes and not worth the money you end up paying. (I've now parted with over £1500 with the Pot Kiln including the cooking courses) Each time I have said 'One more chance' but no more.

I now use a great little pub down the road from the Pot Kiln (5 minutes from Vickers Game & Casey Fields Farm Shop), over half the price, better beer, better service and great local venison.

I obviously won't be trying the Pot Kiln again, if I want to go to a Pub and have 'Pub Grub' I will do just that...go to a pub that is reasonably priced. I certainly won't be paying £50/head for a 3 course lunch at the Pot Kiln Pub again. If I want to spend £50/head on lunch I will head off to a decent restaurant / gastro pub where I know I will get £50 worth of food, drink, service and a great experience.

Sadly the Pot Kiln does not fit into either the category of either a pub, gastro pub or a restaurant.