Hotel Bosco and Lounge Surbiton

When Hotel Bosco and Lounge opened last year in Surbiton, I was pleased that a more contemporary style establishment was about to open in my local area just off the main street and not along the trendy and more 'well to do' area where there are already a number of good bars and places to eat. On first impressions, Hotel Bosco and Lounge does not disappoint. The decor is stylish and modern but also comfortable and the bar itself is nice and long so you're not all crushed around one small area trying to get a drink. I am dead chuffed that Staropramen is served on draught as that's my fabvourite lager so things were looking good! There is also a small outside seating area which is covered in case of rain where the smokers tend to sit but at least there is that option if you want it.We decided to eat as well so checked out the menu etc and again the choice was quite good. The staff were very busy that evening so could be forgiven for any slip in service as the place had been open less than a week and demands were quite high. The food when it arrived was well presented and tasty so again no problem though I'm not sure was worth the money as it was quite expensive. We have visited since the opening a number of times for a drink and the atmosphere has always been quite lively and then last month we decided to give the food another go. It was a Sunday and the place was very quiet. However, although it was quiet, the staff also seemed to be alseep and it took us over 10 minutes to be served a drink. The food order was taken at the bar and we decided to sit in the window as we had our choice of the place. Ater scanning through the menu, I'm not sure if the prices have gone up or not since the first time we ate, but a buger and chips is about £10 and a pork pie with salad is £12.50 which is very expensive in my opinion. We had two pints and two Sunday roasts and the bill came to about £35 which to be honest it was just not worth it. There was nothing wrong with the food etc but it certainly wasn't that special either.The problem with Hotel Bosco and Lounge is that I think it is trying to be too many different things and not quite hitting the mark. If you want to eat then you are in the bar area which in the evening can be quite lively. If it was just a bar / lounge as the name suggests then great but it isn't. I haven't obviously checked out the hotel rooms so can't comment on those. They have also now introduced a live lounge theme and opera on a Sunday which might be good but strike me as a desperate attempt to get people through the doors. I would recommed the venue for a drink with friends but if you want something to eat then it is worth your while going elsewhere in Surbiton.