The Botanist Worcester

First time here for a birthday and it didn’t disappoint! The place is actually bigger than it looks on the outside, with the interior dark but lit well to create a very smooth atmosphere. Staff very attentive and responsive - no issues. The food was sublime (starters and mains), in which I’d recommend the Korean chicken starter! The hanging kebabs were beautifully presented and all relatively reasonable on cost (although you expect to pay more given the location). Great views across to the cathedral opposite, although no parking as such (although plenty of multi-storey options nearby within a 10 minute walk through the high street itself). Overall a great place for afternoon food, not pretentious in any way.

Booked the private area at The Botanist Worcester on the 3/5/25 for a colleagues hen party. The food was arranged and booked from a set menu several weeks earlier. Initially, we were very well attended by the servicing staff but once the bar got busy it was a different story. Maybe a member of staff should have been allocated to attend to people in the private function area? We were encouraged to use a single QR code to create a tab for the group which we were assured would be separated at the end of the night. The QR code is “new” according to the staff who have had very little training in how to use it. Safe to say you could look to Wetherspoon's for inspiration as the version available last night was totally useless. Waiting over 30 minutes for some drinks to arrive. The music was excessively loud and made it difficult to hear the staff when they were around the table. As for the set menu….. At £24.95 and several weeks to prepare I was very disappointed with the offering. Chicken schnitzel (dry and oily), apple and celeriac slaw and what could only be described as a small measure cup of “oily green”, still not sure it tasted much of garlic. The after taste is still lingering. This was accompanied by chips that were translucent and oily. Cookie Dough and Ice cream for dessert. Initially hopefully my hopes were dashed with the grainy texture and taste of uncooked flour. Between courses members of the party politely asked staff to clear the table, provide appropriate cutlery and asked after long forgotten drinks. When I left the manager had to get involved with sorting the bill as all the items had been individually items as not put through as set courses. The table staff were great but struggling over the workload and volume of patrons. At the end of the night the staff appeared frazzled by the attitude of the manager. Safe to say I popped into McDonald’s on the way home.

1st time visiting and we weren't disappointed. Decor inside looked amazing but we sat on the terrace as it was a warm Sunday afternoon. We had to order at the bar (because we chose to sit on the terrace) but not a problem and the drinks and food arrived in good time. Staff were friendly and efficient. We all had hanging kebabs and they were delicious. Will definitely be back.