We called into Taurus lately by way of a change from Velvet or Via. I must say I found the whole experience an absolute pleasure. The food was fab along with the friendly service and great wine. Try their pate... its lovely.
Claire
We normally always eat out at Velvet with our friends as the food/service is consistently good, but we decided to have a change and meet at Taurus. I should point out that out of the four of us, it was only really me who had a bad experience, but both of my courses were a real disappointment considering the cost. The service was absolutely excellent, smiley and attentive and very welcoming, which was a real shame considering the standard of the food. I ordered soup for starters and bangers and mash for my main course. When the soup arrived, I had no problem with the size of the portion, as it was served with what looked like a full baguette of bread and plenty of butter, which is always a high point. Unfortunately, the soup itself was full of what looked like stringy bits of unappealing cabbage and was freezing cold. I have to say that my friends' starters looked far more appealing and they all praised them highly, so I hoped my main would be better. I was very shocked when it arrived and I discovered my potato was of the packet variety and was like plastic in terms of taste and consistency. The gravy was equally tasteless and the sausage was nothing to write home about. In terms of presentation, I can only describe it as a congealed heap. It was also topped with what looked like parsnip shavings and was a far cry from my husband's succulent looking steak. I'm not usually picky about my food and will usually eat anything if hungry enough, but this is the first meal I have had anywhere where I found it completely inedible. Thankfully, my friends' fillet steaks looked fabulous and I'm told they were. The wine we had was reasonably priced and enjoyable and the atmosphere was nice for drinks, but I will not be eating here again.
Anonymous by request.,
There's no air-conditioning and it's all smoking so if that's not for you, stay clear. The bar and toilets are looking tired and in need of a makeover. Food quality went downhill during 2006 and after 3 consecutive bad meals I stopped eating there. I'm still a regular drinker there but be careful of the drinks. It's top price drinks on Canal Street for spirits and they are the cheap generic brands. On the upside, the staff are friendly and the place had a good atmosphere. They don't let in hen parties and the music level allows for conversations. It's one of the few bars on Canal Street that seems to maintain a consistent clientele. Once they get back on their game it could be a great place again and I?l hopefully be back eating there.
Taurus Cafe Bar & Restaurant
I love this place - beautiful waiters, nice food, relaxing atmosphere.
Taurus Cafe Bar & Restaurant
a nice place to grab a bite to eat slow service but a nice selection of food!
one of the better in the village I would say!
Taurus Cafe Bar & Restaurant
I hope that my experience at Taurus is not going to become the norm. I dined with a number of friends at Al Fresco on a Sunday night and the service was slow and the food portions terrible. Two of my friends ordered a dim sum platter at £12.50, when it eventually arrived after 48 minutes, it consisted of around 8 dim sum items, half a plate of prawn crackers, Olives (Chinese olives no doubt) and a lot of salad. My Cajun chicken was anything but, and was a humble 5 slices of chicken breast in a decent sized ciabatta (all for £5). Fortunately the Taurus Burger with Bacon at £8 was of a better standing. When we commented to the waiter about the portion sizes, he agreed that they were not altogether reasonable and reduced the meal by half price. I've eaten a couple of times here before on lunchtime on various days. I've usually found it much better but I think this is a change in policy by the management. I don't think it's somewhere I could recommend because of the lack of consistency. A great shame.
Taurus Cafe Bar & Restaurant
Friendly service without the snotty attitude of many of a Canal Street bar. Worth the trek up the street, or a quick one to set you on the way down from the station.
