Le Relais du Chateau - Chalais

If your a UK citizen you will immediately recognise the tv show Faulty Towers . Well this restaurant wins hands down when it comes to a farcical excuse for a restaurant in rural France or rural anywhere . Not only did they forget what was ordered but they were unable to provide any changes THEY suggested . After three attempts by the kitchen to supply any of THEIR alternatives dishes excuse was the Chef was being problematic and was finishing his contract after one week) . Unfortunately this establishment is existing on the merits of its previous 2022 owners . If you enjoyed this restaurant prior to its reopening in June 2023 enjoy your memories as it is now not even entitled to call its self a restaurant.

The setting is lovely and the service excellent. Everything was beautifully presented and there were lots of extras. So why only 3 stars? Firstly, for the price there should be more than one option for the starter and desert courses. Salad for a starter, albeit fancy, is not very special. A very dark chocolate mousse for desert would not be to everyone's taste not mine anyway. We went previously in May and the menu seemed more or less the same. To attract locals, and with so little choice it really needs to change frequently doesn't the chef get bored?

So I wrote a review in July 2018 saying it was lovely food but lacked ambience. Well I am delighted to say having eaten there last night that it is a really lovely experience. The ambience is perfect, the service is seamless and the food is creative and delicious. Attention to detail is excellent, I thoroughly recommend it. Helene B.

We were looking forward to the Chateau restaurant reopening and when it first reopened it was good but then they changed the chef, doubled the price and just couldn't offer the service or menu you would expect. Whilst the starters and main courses were good, and they have now addressed the pricing, the limited menu and wine list is just questionable The menu is written on a chalkboard where you can still see the previous menu as they can't be bothered to clean it properly, to me this says it all! Constantly when you ask for something, you are told yes, then they would come back and say we don't have that. . . even though it's on their limited wine or aperitif list . . . They just don't seem to know what they are doing and seem all too willing to blame the new chef .... The manager spoke to me on our last visit and apologised but nothing really has changed, the same thing happened Friday With so many issues and problems and having so many other establishments able to provide a good food, wine and service, why would you choose the Château. We won't be returning at this moment in time.

The setting is superb, the staff are enthusiastic and friendly and the food is value for money. They are experimenting with their menu at the moment, so some dishes hit the mark better than others, but the chef is clearly talented and adapted the menu to my dietary requirements. The place has huge potential and is well worth a visit.