Robin Hood’s Retreat and Max’s Italian Bistro

My parents came over at the weekend to visit and see my new flat. We had Sunday lunch at Robin Hood’s Retreat, a lovely little pub on the Gloucester Road. Normally you have to book in advance, which I did, as it is very small and very popular. However for some reason this weekend it was pretty empty when we turned up. The food was good but slightly overpriced for what it was and the service, while polite and considerate, was a bit on the slow side. I started by having the goat’s cheese with beetroot followed by roast beef and a chocolate tart for desert.

Last night I went out with Jacki, Ross and James for a meal at Max’s Italian Bistro in Clifton. The restaurant was fairly quiet but then it was a Wednesday night. As we perused the extensive menu our waiter, who had the deepest Italian voice I have ever heard - like an Italian Barry White, introduced himself and took our drinks order. We didn’t have starters but for my main course I had spaghetti carbonara. The pasta was cooked to perfection, I always slightly over or under cook mine. You really can’t beat a carbonara sauce made in a real Italian restaurant. Desert was two pancakes in a zesty orange sauce with chocolate chip ice-cream. Absolutely gorgeous food. The prices were on the high side but with a discount for eating on a Tuesday or Wednesday night plus an extra discount that Jacki and James had made the evening very reasonable. Overall Max’s is very welcoming, personable, and delicious restaurant. I would highly recommend it for that special, intimate occasion.