Côte Sevenoaks

My wife and I had booked a table for 8.15pm. Food ok, served by an efficient but charmless waitress, our evening (it is our wedding anniversary) was ruined by the restaurant "policy" of switching on all the bright white lights and switching off the background music at 10pm on the dot, then clattering around emptying bottle bins and taking out rubbish in black bin bags around us. The waitress stated that they were closing at 10pm (we had NOT been told this when we booked or when we arrived) and that it was time for us to leave. I reported my unhappiness to the branch manager who stated that this was policy, it was a bank holiday weekend, he had already worked 78 hours this week, and he and his staff wanted to go home. Oh, and they added a 12.5% "optional gratuity" to the bill. Another couple agreed with our complaint as they left. I have sympathy for hospitality staff who work long hours, but this should not be our problem - there is something wrong with the company culture if the staff can't wait to see the back of their paying customers and transmit this feeling directly to their customers. It was clear that, on the stroke of 10pm, we became extremely UNwelcome. To his credit, the branch manager asked for my contact details and said that he would contact me within a couple of days. However, the damage was done, our evening was utterly tainted, and I will never want to see the inside of a Cote Brasserie again.

Friendly atmosphere, helpful and attentive staff. The service is quick and the food is cooked well and presented in an attractive manner. Portion sizes are also good, not too much and just the right amount to satisfy.

We had very good service, which was prompt but without being pushy, good food with plenty of choice and not overpriced. What more could you ask for?