Phone: +441634573954
Address: 66 Watling Street, Gillingham ME7 2YW, United Kingdom, Medway
City: Medway
Menu Dishes: 15
Reviews: 6595
Website: https://rowlandsbistro.co.uk
"We came for our Christmas Dinner, which as you can imagine was pretty expensive. Having processed the whole thing a few days later, I can only conclude we were badly ripped off. The best thing I can say about it is that the staff are very nice and friendly, there was a fun atmosphere in there, but the food was the stuff of school meals. For starters we all had pate. Pate and toast is impossible to mess up. Following that, came the Christmas fayre, I had turkey with all the trimmings. Firstly, you had to put up with it arriving with gravy all over it, and none extra in a gravy boat. The kids did not want gravy but I wasn 't about to start scraping it off onto my plate. The first massive disappointment was the Brussels sprouts, two of which were quite hard, some a little softer, but none cooked enough to be fit for Christmas dinner. I know it isn 't the fashion to boil veg to death these days, but neither should it be raw. The carrots weren 't much better, large under-cooked slices. There were two types of potatoes, boiled and roasted. If you 're going to do two, I prefer mash. However, if it were to continue in school meal style mash would be worse. It would probably arrive looking like it had been put on with an ice cream scoop just like at school. The turkey meat was tough as old boots. Usually the fault with turkey is dryness, but somehow it was very chewy and in thick slices. There was a lot of it. I mean, LOADS. Absolutely loads. The roast potatoes were curious. One of the kids said they were like Spanish chips by which she means patatas bravas. And they were. They tasted nothing like roast potatoes. The smell reminded me so much of school dinners. Potatoes from a British canteen. The desserts were alright, after all, you can 't really mess up a cheesecake you bought from a supermarket. The blob of whipped cream from a can was less than generous though. On the way home, I started to realise I 'd been had. For what we paid in there, we could have had an evening out in a proper French Bistro in San Sebastien, chomping on moules and langoustines cooked by a Michelin star chef. I did enjoy the general atmosphere. It is a very British place and that was pleasant. To share with my countrymen the meal that most represents our national character made it worthwhile. I also hate cooking Christmas Dinner these days. It did, however, remind me not to take my kids reaction to my Christmas Dinner too personally. They didn 't eat much of this one, either. At least I do eat my own and it is made to my liking. We may be staying home next year. I 'll save my pennies for the next time we 're in a country where the natives can cook."
Full menu - 15 options
All prices are estimates on menu.
Dessert
Apple Pie
A classic dessert with tender, spiced apples nestled in a flaky, golden crust.
Cheesecake
A rich, creamy dessert with a smooth texture and graham cracker crust, often topped with fruits or a sweet glaze.
Hot Fudge Sundae
A classic dessert with creamy vanilla ice cream topped with rich hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry.
Chocolate Fudge Cake
Rich, moist chocolate cake layered with silky fudge, a dessert lover's dream.
Main Courses
Sirloin
Tender and juicy sirloin steak, grilled to perfection, and served with a side of seasonal vegetables.
Steaks
Ribeye Steak
Juicy, tender ribeye steak grilled to perfection, featuring rich marbling and bold flavor.
Grilled Steak
Juicy grilled steak seasoned to perfection, served hot with a side of savory sauce.
Ice Cream*
Sundae
A classic ice cream treat with scoops of vanilla ice cream, topped with rich chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.
Mexican-American Food
Empanadas
Savory pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables, wrapped in a crisp, golden crust.
Soups
Fish Dishes
Fish & Chips
Crispy golden fried fish fillet served with classic French fries, a side of tangy tartar sauce, and a lemon wedge.
Thai
Chicken Satay
Grilled marinated chicken skewers served with a savory peanut dipping sauce.
Desserts
Chocolate Cake
Rich and moist chocolate cake layered with creamy chocolate frosting for the ultimate indulgence.
Sweets & Desserts
Dulce De Leche
Sweet, creamy caramel sauce, perfect for drizzling over desserts or enjoying on its own.
Nicholas
Great food, awesome service, can't recommend enough.
Address
Reviews
John
Amazing, love this restaurant so much Always good food.
Colin
Went there for a late Christmas celebration was amazing
Nora
Delicious food served by helpful waitresses in a warm friendly atmosphere what more can you ask? View menu
Kentishphil
A traditional local restaurant , with a large menu choice .I had the Sunday menu lamb cutlets simply superbly cooked . Will be pleased to put on my list of future venus to visit again
dave
Absolutely faultless Fantastic food and service Really good value with good portions and a good price from a very good menu. We will be back . Been back for a third time and still can't fault it
ATINGE2014
We attended here for Mothers Day. It was a set menu however there was plenty of choice and everyone really enjoyed their meal. The only downside were the potatoes however everything else was lovely View menu
Tom
Had a meal in this restaurant and all I can say , all I can say it was one of the best meals I have had . The food was delicious and so many flavours and the staff were great , friendly and made you feel welcome
Penny
I had the pleasure of eating a wonderful meal here on the 22nd. I was part of a large party and we had their Christmas menu. The food was hot, fresh and delicious. The service was very good. The staff were friendly and helpful. The only criticism I have is the toilets! Alot of the party I was with, we're elderly and some had mobility issues. The toilets were located down a few steps. The toilets themselves were very small and would be difficult to use for anyone with walking sticks or other mobility issues. I understand that the building is made that way but just one disabled toilet upstairs would make alot of difference, not sure how someone with a wheelchair would manage
Charlie
We came for our Christmas Dinner, which as you can imagine was pretty expensive. Having processed the whole thing a few days later, I can only conclude we were badly ripped off. The best thing I can say about it is that the staff are very nice and friendly, there was a fun atmosphere in there, but the food was the stuff of school meals. For starters we all had pate. Pate and toast is impossible to mess up. Following that, came the Christmas fayre, I had turkey with all the trimmings. Firstly, you had to put up with it arriving with gravy all over it, and none extra in a gravy boat. The kids did not want gravy but I wasn 't about to start scraping it off onto my plate. The first massive disap... View menu
Categories
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Steak Savor prime cuts of juicy, tender steaks, expertly grilled to perfection. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, served with classic sides and delectable sauces to enhance your dining experience.
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Bistro A cozy and casual dining experience offering classic and contemporary dishes, crafted with fresh ingredients. Enjoy rich flavors and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family. View menu
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Coffee Indulge in our rich and aromatic coffee selection, expertly brewed to awaken your senses. From classic espresso to creamy lattes, discover the perfect blend to start your day on a flavorful note.
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British Traditional and hearty, the British menu offers comfort classics like fish and chips, succulent roasts, and savory pies. Rediscover familiar favorites, lovingly crafted with timeless recipes and fresh, local ingredients.
Amenities
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Mastercard
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Outdoor Seating
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Wheelchair Accessible
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