On the edge of Ramsbottom stands The Red Hall hotel, a venue we’ve visited a couple of times for formal dinners in the function suite.
On those occassions the service, quality of food and presentation were faultless.
So we decided to try out their restaurant called Oscars with friends, after all, the images on their site and fine dining description were just what we were looking for.
As restaurants go, the bar area is awkward. No one really greets you and neither are you led to the lounge area or made to feel really welcome, however we were shown quickly to the dining room, so it really made no difference.
The ambience, decor and layout are pleasant but there was no background music that is much needed.
Food here looks better than it tastes.
We started with the portobello mushroom
and the pasta starter.
Presentation for the starters was really very good, but the food lacked flavour.
For the mains we had the sea bass and rump steak.
We last visited Oscars in the summer of 2017 when they had a new chef.
On that occasion we had steak and ale pie lacking a moist consistency and a topping of pastry like cardboard, dried out and anything but a fine dining experience.
The fish and chips tasted just fine but again the presentation was pretty unimaginative.
The mains let this meal down on that first occasion and again on this a second chance.
On our first visit the company, atmosphere and laid back approach made it a relaxing night out, but the food here really needs to step up it’s game if it wants to claim “fine dining”.
On our summer visit we rounded off the evening with the Chocolate Fondant with Ice Cream and a Sticky Toffee Pudding. The desserts were good on that occasion, but on this more recent visit the desserts were tasteless.
I have a soft spot for this restaurant, and I don’t know why. It lacks that warm attentive feel, the personal touch and quality flavoured food so associated with top restaurants.
Bravo though with the Chocolate Fondant, it was excellent but sadly that is no longer on the menu!
Overall the presentation was nothing special, food lacks presentation throughout and is pretty bland in flavour.
Oscars needs to step up its game if it’s to be a leader and become a much talked about restaurant. It has the ability to achieve great things .. sadly once again, not tonight.
