Straw Hat - East Hertfordshire

We hadn’t visited for a long time and were excited to be able to get a reservation for a Friday night ! When we arrived only a couple of tables full and couldn’t believe despite being minus 3 outside there was no heating the radiators were cold … some electric fans but nothing powerful enough to heat the place … never have I dined anywhere so cold … in hindsight should have left and gone elsewhere … Food was excellent I have to say but not a pleasant experience as just so cold wo t be returning anytime soon sadly

Never again this was the first time we have been food was cold when it arrived after waiting 40 minutes they was doing takeaway and not bothered about us sitting down the price was crazy plus service charge would never go back and would never recommend.

As the restaurant is not open early in the week they ask you to leave a message on their answerphone. They ask you to leave your details and will het back to you to confirm your booking… I waited.. nothing! Friday evening I called them and spoke to a most unhelpful individual telling me I had no booking and when questioned as to why I never received a call back… not interested. She said anyway there’s a 2 week waiting list!! I was told I could have a table at 6 pm instead of my original booking of 730 …no thank you… and no thank you in the future . Hope the food is better than the attitude..

We often have a takeaway. Consistently excellent food. We just love it. Hot, tasty and good portions. We’ve tried other place on holiday etc but we don’t think you can beat Peking Palace.

We have dined at the Straw Hat a number of times over the years I have always enjoyed my evening there (even if I have always thought it was over priced for the quality and portion of food) However, since re opening since Covid it’s not the best experience. They seem to have taken away all the decor and curtains and everything that made it look and feel like a Chinese restaurant. In my opinion, it felt like I was in a school hall with the lights on. It all felt (dare I say) too sanitary! The food was nice as per usual, although there seemed to be a gaggle of angry takeaway customers that waited around an hour for their collection so that was distracting. Overall, I don’t think the dining experience is as it once was and I certainly would avoid a takeaway from here. It’s a real shame but I wouldn’t recommend or return at the moment.