[Beanjar]

Whilst we still like the place, I think the Grand Mare is losing its way a bit. We went there the other night and found the menu choices very confusing. We both found starters we liked on the £12.50 menu, but had to choose mains from the £17.50 menu. At this stage I was expecting to pay the higher price so was surprised when they gave us the £12.50 menus to choose our puds. "Oh they are the same on both menus" they said and gave us the £17.50 menus as well to prove it. As usual the puddings were a bit of a let-down anyway. But I suppose what I'm really thinking is that they need to sort out their offering. There are so many dishes with a supplement it is hardly worth having fixed price menus at all, let alone two. They seem to resent offering a £12.50 menu nowadays, so why not scrap it? I would pay £15, £20 or maybe even £25 on a special occasion for a nice meal here. The place is still good, they can cook, presentation and ambiance are all pleasant but I think its time they sorted out the menus. Either have three fixed price menus with no supplements as they often do in France, or scrap the 'fixed price' option and go fully a la carte. Personally I liked fixed menus but they make no sense when you need to choose from several, add on a couple of supplements plus the angle of the hypotenuse to work out what you will pay.

[queenie]

Never had this problem-have always paid £12.50 plus the occasional main course supplement and the bill has been as expected. I'm not keen on the supplements idea but these dishes do have more expensive ingredients. Overall they do seem to try to keep prices down though. As for puds- the hot ones are usually ok.