The Talbot Country House Hotel, Malton

"Slightly disappointing"

Although fairly local to Malton we had not been to the Talbot previously. We chose it for dinner because one guest was on a gluten-free diet (stated at the time of booking) and the menu seemed to cater for that. There was no one to receive us at the restaurant and I had to go to the hotel reception to be attended to. The dining room is elegant architecturally but the somewhat rustic furniture (bare wooden table tops) didn't quite fit. The first choice of starter for my GF guest was not available; the second choice either wasn't available or for some reason couldn't be served GF (I couldn't quite catch the reason due to a rather raucous party on an adjacent table). The third choice came, but was obviously not GF and had to be sent back. As the host I was now somewhat embarrassed. Fourth time lucky, at last the GF starter! The rest of the meal passed uneventfully but it was not an auspicious start for an hotel with the Talbot's reputation. I did consider halving the 10% service charge (I am usually quite firm about such things) but it wasn't the server's fault, my guest was not upset and, overall, we had had a pleasant evening. I didn't realise when I booked that a "Sitting" policy operated. If it had been enforced then the service was too slow. There were few diners, however, so we were quite safe! Altogether it was a disappointing evening.

---

• Useful
• Share