The Exchange

Modern, chic but underwhelming. As a 1st timer visiting, I was surprised how easy going staff were. The restaurant is decorated absolutely beautifully, relaxed but chic & modern. We entered & stood wandering at the entrance/bar waiting for someone to greet us. Staff at the bar made no eye contact. A young female server walked past & slapped her friend off duty on the back & began chatting, to which my husband said excuse me can we have a seat? She led us to the back of the restaurant beside a table of 8 patrons who were very loud & there were other 2 seater tables away from this area so I was surprised. I called in advance asking what gluten free options were available & the girl advised they could make any course gluten free & even had gluten free batter. She confirmed all sauces were gluten free. When we sat down I asked ‘so everything can be made gluten free?’ - the woman said, ‘uh not really but what is it you want?’ I suggested the carbonara & the server said she’d ask the chef. The woman came back & said as I’m gluten intolerant I couldn’t eat any of the pasta dishes, or battered fish dishes or battered chicken. I was taken back, due to the conflicting info on the phone earlier. I ordered plain chicken & chips due to the fear of being contaminated with gluten as I’m severely intolerant & rarely eat out in the hospitality industry but this was our anniversary date so wanted to try at least. The food was actually delicious & we were happy with our drinks & the ambience & the food was reasonably priced. I would visit again but not on the weekend as it seemed staff were fed up & had little to no energy.

Great food and service, also had a gluten free alternative which was beautiful but unfortunately have no dairy alternative for tea and coffee.