The Coterie Restaurant

Having read the review from Friday I still thought I would give it a go on Tuesday night. First thoughts are that it is very nicely decorated, exposed beams and the like. It has 3 dining spaces and you can see through to the kitchen.

Getting a table for 1 wasn’t a problem. I gave them a challenge, the table d’ horte 2 course menu but with an al a carte dish added into the middle, this was presented to my table correctly. On this occasion the service was easily acceptable and the food was very good. the prices reflect the food and as a business traveller I think reasonable. Toilets and parking are good with a wheelchair lift inside for access to the dining areas.
X = You’ve gotta be kidding me
XX = trying but not reaching the standard expected or advertised
XXX = achieving the standards expected/advertised however high that might be
XXXX = they’re doing something special here, above expected standards of service
XXXXX = WOW! you gotta go here!

I use to live in widnes and remember it as the black horse. My best memories are when Paul Whitfield was the manager. The atmospher was great and so were all the other staff. I went for a meal at the now Coterie with my sister in July, Yes it is pricey, but the food is quite good. The waiting on staff on the other hand are not so good. I felt as if i was putting them out if i asked for another drink. One blonde waitress even tutted when i asked for some ground black pepper for my pasta. Needless to say i didn’t leave a tip nor would i go back again.
Good food, Bad service.

I've visited the Coterie many times and never been disappointed with the food. We've had family celebrations there and had excellent service. However, the last time I visited with friends, just before Christmas 2007 the service was not up to scratch. While enjoying the food we ended up without any drinks due to inattentive service - it may have been because the usual host was not around that evening (a first), but it was a Monday and they don't normally open Mondays.

I've recommended the place to many people. It has modern decor and a relaxed & classy atmosphere.

Ah, the pub formerly known as The Black Horse, how you have changed. We spent many a happy hour in here, drinking at lunchtime when we should have been in college. I've sang standing on the tables. And they always had a half decent bonfire. Then it was rebranded into The Globe and they recruited the most miserable bar manager in the history of the universe. We still drank there for a while until an argument re: turning off MTV (in a quiet pub?!) one day and we left for The Church View instead.

These days is probably the most classy place in Widnes. Which isn't saying much, but hell, you could do worse than a steak here. Overpriced as I recall, and well, not ideally located... but if you're stuck in traffic on the M62 near junction 7...

The Coterie is just down the road from where I live and hence I've been there quite a bit, esp as it's probably one of the best restaurants in Widnes. It's not cheap but I do think it's reasonable for the money; I've never had a bad meal. The owner used to be a wine merchant so it's always worth a chat to him when choosing a wine to go with your food. The staff are always friendly if at times the service is a bit slapdash due to it being too busy. I do remember one time at a friend’s birthday one of the guests getting so thirsty waiting for a drink he asked if he could have the milk left from my coffee! So maybe yeah the service could be better.

The Wine Bar adjacent is also really good, more soup, cheese and pate type food but good to just go and spend the whole night drinking wine and nibbling on tasty bits and bobs, taking your time and just catching up with friends.