Our Time at The Tempus
Second Time Lucky
We'd actually discovered The Tempus the previous week, when it was far too busy for us to get Sunday lunch.
Late Friday afternoon couldn't have been more different.
Only a handful of other couples were sitting in the Orangery, afternoon light filled the room and Meg settled quietly in the corner.
Tom was delighted.
Mostly because it was quiet.
A Lovely Room
The setting was probably our favourite part of the visit.
The Orangery feels light and relaxed, with views across the patio and gardens, and the staff who looked after us were warm and pleasant without making a fuss.
After a day walking, it was an extremely nice place to stop.
Playing It Too Safe
Our food was perfectly good, although at the price we'd perhaps hoped for something a little more memorable.
Then we admitted we'd both played safe.
Burger and fries hardly gives a kitchen much opportunity to show what it can do, particularly when Tom had been considering the beef and bone marrow pie before changing his mind.
So we're not quite ready to pronounce judgement.
Restaurants can feel completely different depending upon when you visit, what you order and who's in the kitchen.
The solution seems obvious.
We'll have to go back for Sunday lunch.
It's a difficult job.
Heather & Sand verdict: Beautiful surroundings, genuinely pleasant service and an Orangery we'd happily sit in again. Our first meal didn't quite match the setting or price, but we also ordered conservatively enough that we're giving The Tempus another chance before making our minds up. Next visit: Sunday lunch. No burgers allowed.
Read the full story from our visit: South for the Day