Tempted by the £15 two course set lunch menu I came here with a friend in june. The place has an pretentious but smart post industrial interior which contrasts the adjoining Victorian pub.
Rocket and "parmisan" salad was very nice and fresh but unfortunately instead of being served with flakes of Parmisan cheese it actually came with an altogether different rubbery variety which left me quite disappointed. Next up was an Aubergine and Parmisan risotto, and you'll never guess what?! In all fairness the risotto was of good texture and flavor, although slightly on the meagre side, but there really can be no excuse for trying to pass off some other cheese in the place of Parmisan. I can only speculate that they were out of Parmisan cheese that day. Failing that, a money saving tactic, perhaps? When I brought this to the attention of the waiteress she assured me it that was parmisan to which I assured her that it definately wasn't, that it was too soft anyway, and that it tasted more like Emmenthal. She then blushed and, slightly embarrassed, said that she wasn't sure which type of Parmisan it was but that it definately was.
It was saddening to be lied at like this but I started to feel sorry for the pretty but dishonest eastern european waitress, so I left it at that. On from the cheese fiasco, the deserts were ok but unexceptional, the glass of Rioja much the same and our £15 set menu ended up costing £30 a head.
All in all I guess I would rate it as not too bad, for the money. But having to take into account the trickery and dishonesty I have to admit it was quite an embarrasing and unpleasant experience.
The Formosa Dining Room is attached to the Prince Albert pub and serves a variety of modern European dishes at their restaurant. Catering for vegetarians is also provided.