Haven't eaten at Bella for quite a while now having had a bad experience and preferring the (in my book) infinitely better Casa Di mama.
Well having heard some good reviews recently ,one from my daughter,we decided to try it again last night.
First impressions are that it looks very nice,lovely bar area etc but scratch the surface and it's starting to look a bit tired.
We were initially given a table outside but there were so many flies we asked to be moved inside.We moved to a table for two and the seats were akin to deck chairs.The staff have no interaction with guests some looked like they could do with a good wash,I recall they all used to wear crisp white shirts and black trousers,not now.There was also a heavy fatty,buttery smell coming from the kitchen which was off putting,no inviting smells here.
The service and the arrival of the food was very prompt.
My wife had garlic prawns to start and they were awful,about six small prawns submerged in what tasted like melted margarine and smelled the same as the smell emanating from the kitchen,not even a hint of garlic.They brought her bread which was a small puffa bread which was stale and cold.
I had calamari which tasted okay but was like rubber,cooked on too high a heat.
Mrs A had the ciao Bella pizza which had about four pieces of "fillet" steak on it,the street dogs got it.
I had a spicy Italian calzone with Napoli sauce,it came with bolognese sauce on,I sent it back and then scraped the bolognese off and covered it with cold arrabiata sauce ! I attempted to eat it but the cubed beef was more like stewing steak.
There is just something wrong with the flavours and seasoning at this place as well as the cooking,chefs night off maybe?
Here's the rub that I hate,I didn't complain !
Reason? The last time I raised issues at Bella I almost got into a fight with the manager who threatened me with the polis.
So I will vote with my feet again and try elsewhere.
