Following stories in the local press about the Runaway Girl and a certain celebrity chef myself and my wife thought we should revisit the Runaway Girl. Previously we have experienced the tapas offered there and always found the food extremely well prepared and enjoyable.

Now relaunched as Silversmiths and only a week since the changes we booked ourselves in for an evening meal. The menu has changed beyond recognition, gone are my much loved tapas replaced by starters, mains and desserts. The restaurant has undergone a total transformation, much brighter and with a modern twist. The staff are friendly and well informed about both the food and drinks now served. The menu offered a nice selection of local products from much talked about venison sausages to Yorkshire blue tart.

I hate being gushy, just doesn’t suit me at all, but the food was excellent, well presented, extremely well prepared and a delight to eat. There was no rush, waiting staff allowed us the time to enjoy our food and left enough time between courses to allow us time to enjoy the food we received. To go with the food there is a good selection of wines and some wonderfully prepared cocktails.

After so many bad experiences with restaurants in and around Sheffield it was refreshing to find a restaurant that delivers good food with staff that are obviously happy in their work. If you want freshly prepared delicious food in a modern friendly environment the Silversmiths is for you.

Whats the prices like ?

Could it still pass for an evening bar?

Following stories in the local press about the Runaway Girl and a certain celebrity chef myself and my wife thought we should revisit the Runaway Girl. Previously we have experienced the tapas offered there and always found the food extremely well prepared and enjoyable.

Now relaunched as Silversmiths and only a week since the changes we booked ourselves in for an evening meal. The menu has changed beyond recognition, gone are my much loved tapas replaced by starters, mains and desserts. The restaurant has undergone a total transformation, much brighter and with a modern twist. The staff are friendly and well informed about both the food and drinks now served. The menu offered a nice selection of local products from much talked about venison sausages to Yorkshire blue tart.

I hate being gushy, just doesn’t suit me at all, but the food was excellent, well presented, extremely well prepared and a delight to eat. There was no rush, waiting staff allowed us the time to enjoy our food and left enough time between courses to allow us time to enjoy the food we received. To go with the food there is a good selection of wines and some wonderfully prepared cocktails.

After so many bad experiences with restaurants in and around Sheffield it was refreshing to find a restaurant that delivers good food with staff that are obviously happy in their work. If you want freshly prepared delicious food in a modern friendly environment the Silversmiths is for you.

How long have you worked there mate? :rolleyes:

Now relaunched as Silversmiths and only a week since the changes

?:confused:

Gawd! I'll miss the name 'Runaway Girl', my favourite club/bar name in the whole of Sheffield!

Will they still be available for hire for late club/private party nights like the one organised on June 8?

?:confused:

Gawd! I'll miss the name 'Runaway Girl', my favourite club/bar name in the whole of Sheffield!

Will they still be available for hire for late club/private party nights like the one organised on June 8?

I heard through a couple of promoters the soundsystem has been sold - so it looks like it's just going to be a restaurant.

Well they better do some serious advertising then, cos it's not exactly on the beaten track!

Thats probably why they are on Ramseys Kitchen Nightmares fairly soon....

He was in town last week.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/features/TV-rescuer-Ramsay-looks-to.4311512.jp

Agree Tyranna - why change the name? Did he put a big sign up outside? On the American one he always got the owners to whoop and cheer when he did the big unveiling! Sorry, but Silversmiths is not exactly original or interesting ... (as a name) but Runaway Girl was.

I'm surprised at this actually. I got handed a menu in town last week. Really didn't appeal to me. I thought it looked utterly boring. The name as well is pants. How boring Silversmiths, apart from anything, it made me think of Richard Smith (one of the better known chefs in Sheffield of Thyme). So really didn't seem appropriate. Runnaway Girl was a brilliant name.

I was going to give it a try. But I'm yet to convince anyone that I show the menu to it is worth trying. It might be nice, but I like to go out for something different.

What's on the menu Jess? I think the food was always fab before ... I don;t think it was the food or the NAME that led it to be struggling - probably location and not really knowing what it was? Been to some cracking parties/band nights there though!
Is it just a restaurant now then?

To me it was just very bland, or probably the "simple" approach that Ramsay usually takes. I can't remembber though sorry. Isn't there a menu online anywhere?

All I can remember was

Chilled Pea and Mint soup
Chicken liver parfait (although this might be wrong)

Basically bangers and mash (worded different)

Lemon Tart
Yorkshire Cheese and biscuits

I liked the way produce seemed locally sourced, but I have eaten every dish on the menu before, many times.

The website is still under construction ... which is ironic as that was the worst thing about the Runaway Girl ... hmmm.
I agree that sort of food seems a bit samey samey and safe.
Ah well.

I agree the problem with Runaway girl often was it was off the beaten track of bars, so you'd have to stumble down to it or make a concerted effort to go. Saying that, I've had some great nights there, eating a meal, watching a band, just having a cocktail, even a Burlesque night once by accident;)!
I like Justin and his attitude so I will definitely be going back to try it as a restaurant in the near future.
Wish they'd kept the name though... and look forward to the programme.

Does anyone actually know when it will be shown on TV?

At least November it says in the newspaper article.

silversmiths is a great name. it's a shame to lose the fabulous tapas, but i think this is a really smart move. i've been nagging justin and the lovely donna for a long time to put real ale on to draw in potential customers from SHU, many of whom were avoiding RG because it didn't serve real ale (and despite some really lovely waitresses and barmaids, one or two bar staff were making up drinks prices off the tops of their heads :suspect: - i hope gordon cracked the whip on that one!)

i'm a very old mate of justin's and i've been rooting for him and donna from the start. i covered their win of best food at sheffield's best bar and club awards 2007 on my blog, including shots i took of chef richie and jonil in the kitchen (both totally sound blokes, in fact i would go so far as to say that richie is a legend.) the blog article (http://judecalverttoulmin.blogspot.com/2006/04/poets.html) also includes the old runaway girl menu in the appendix for those interested or nostalgic! and of course ive got loads of footage of me performing excerpts from my novels at sheffield's premiere spoken word night, words aloud (http://wordsaloud.org) which the RG hosted for a while, on my youtube channel linked to in my sig, for those also nostalgic! in fact when my racy novel is a massive bestseller those times will seem even more nostalgic! :hihi:

all in all, i think they've done the right thing and we will defo be calling in for a meal.

Does anyone actually know when it will be shown on TV?

dunno, but i am planning to find a pub with a screen and set up a facebook event for people to all come along and watch it together - free entry of course, non profit making, only for publicity. i may have copies of my newly released novel on sale at the bar though, wink as i lerrrv tie-in publicity.

my main motivation though is so a load of us can whoop and cheer when justin gets ********ed by gordon, and i can film it and put it on youtube :) i mean, come on people, it's going to be great publicity for silversmiths and great fun for everyone :banana: :banana: :banana: , bring it on!

btw who fancies attending when i set this up? tyranna, you'd be up for it wouldn't you? :) and edna, we can even have a toast to heaven 17's recent gig on the roof of sheffield hallam uni! :headbang:

There are a lot more places doing good food than there are good bars and that it was is sad.

Every time we took different friends there for the first time, they all said it was the best bar in Sheffield. A really unique and eclectic atmosphere.

There may have been some 'inconsistencies' with the drinks etc but i still feel there would have been more mileage in pushing the bar side than the restaurant.

Still, time will tell.

P.S. Sorry to keep moaning lol.

If its off the beaten track, its got more chance as a restaurant than a bar. And they are better informed to make that decision than the rest of us.
I think they deserve big praise for having the balls to go on Kitchen Nightmares.

Although Sheffield has a lot of restaurants, the standard is poor. In a recent Good Food Guide, Sheffield only had one listing, compared to eight in Leeds and even Huddersfield had two(!!).
Having Gordon Ramsey involved in a venue can only be a good thing.

Every time we took different friends there for the first time, they all said it was the best bar in Sheffield. A really unique and eclectic atmosphere.

i agree. but they're running a business and you stay in business by making the business profitable and if the unique and eclectic atmosphere aint paying the bills you strip everything down and build summat else, which is precisely what has been done in the case of RG.


There may have been some 'inconsistencies' with the drinks etc

it's not acceptable, it's unprofessional and was getting them a bad reputation. sheffield's not called the biggest village in england for nowt. i care what happens to that place; i want them to succeed. if you want an example of a perfectly run bar with an excellent range (in the double figures) of beautifully kept real ales then look no further than the dove and rainbow in town, run by goldenfleece, who is also taking over the york in broomhill (re-opening halloween.)

justin and donna needed a re-focus - the strength of the old RG was the fantastic food. it's an old adage but a true one - focus on your strengths. that's been done and now i really hope they can make a success of silversmiths because going on kitchen nightmares is a very, very brave decision.

dunno, but i am planning to find a pub with a screen and set up a facebook event for people to all come along and watch it together - ...edna, we can even have a toast to heaven 17's recent gig on the roof of sheffield hallam uni! :headbang:

Go on then I will look out for the date.:thumbsup:

i agree. but they're running a business and you stay in business by making the business profitable and if the unique and eclectic atmosphere aint paying the bills you strip everything down and build summat else, which is precisely what has been done in the case of RG.



it's not acceptable, it's unprofessional and was getting them a bad reputation. sheffield's not called the biggest village in england for nowt. i care what happens to that place; i want them to succeed. if you want an example of a perfectly run bar with an excellent range (in the double figures) of beautifully kept real ales then look no further than the dove and rainbow in town, run by goldenfleece, who is also taking over the york in broomhill (re-opening halloween.)

justin and donna needed a re-focus - the strength of the old RG was the fantastic food. it's an old adage but a true one - focus on your strengths. that's been done and now i really hope they can make a success of silversmiths because going on kitchen nightmares is a very, very brave decision.

Fair do's then.

I understand the need to keep their heads above water, i'm MD of a medium sized company myself.

Good luck to them both, hopefully we'll find time to pop down and check it out.

dunno, but i am planning to find a pub with a screen and set up a facebook event for people to all come along and watch it together - free entry of course, non profit making, only for publicity. i may have copies of my newly released novel on sale at the bar though, wink as i lerrrv tie-in publicity.

my main motivation though is so a load of us can whoop and cheer when justin gets ********ed by gordon, and i can film it and put it on youtube :) i mean, come on people, it's going to be great publicity for silversmiths and great fun for everyone :banana: :banana: :banana: , bring it on!

btw who fancies attending when i set this up? tyranna, you'd be up for it wouldn't you? :) and edna, we can even have a toast to heaven 17's recent gig on the roof of sheffield hallam uni! :headbang:

I'd be up for this. Got to agree that Silversmith's is a good name and it's plastered in the original stonework on the front of the building - calling it Silversmith's makes the most of the building - good move. I'm up for trying the food and hope it all goes well for them - I don't know Justin and Donna, so will get back with an objective review.

I'd be up for this. Got to agree that Silversmith's is a good name and it's plastered in the original stonework on the front of the building - calling it Silversmith's makes the most of the building - good move. I'm up for trying the food and hope it all goes well for them - I don't know Justin and Donna, so will get back with an objective review.


That is a very good point, about the name being in the original stonework.

How long have you worked there mate? :rolleyes:

So if you give a good review you must work there? Great mentality, if I had slagged it off what would you have said then? "Recently been sacked?"

Agree Tyranna - why change the name? Did he put a big sign up outside? On the American one he always got the owners to whoop and cheer when he did the big unveiling! Sorry, but Silversmiths is not exactly original or interesting ... (as a name) but Runaway Girl was.

Look outside and you see the original sign...it was a silversmiths, so for Sheffield it is original

I was a great fan of runaway girl, good tapas and cocktails. Sheffield does not have many decent restaurants, in fact it has an appalling reputation and is hit and miss in even the best ones. Blunkett commented that there was a lack of decent places to eat in Sheffield, he may be a prat, but he does have a point.
Rather than bemoan something different why not give it a try, it isn’t going to kill you to be open minded.
ps It is of the beating track but next to Hallam uni, thats how I found it, and on the way down to the station.

It's not really off the beaten track - it's a stones throw from the Millenium Gallery, the old National Centre for Pop and just off the main walkway to the Train Station. A short walk to the Theatres, the Showroom or the Odeon. I for one can't wait to give it a go.

Silvermiths got good a good review in the paper today.

"Verdict: It may have been a Kitchen Nightmare but Silversmiths is set to become a foodie's dream if it carries on the way it has started." Silversmiths polished (http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/Silversmiths-polished.4394611.jp)

I think it's a great move. I did think the bar was absolutely fantastic in terms of vibe and image, but the drinks prices (as mentioned already) were beyond a joke, and this led to me very heavily falling out with the venue after being charged £3.50 for a CAN of Red Stripe (the "barman" didn't even pour it for me, just gave me a can and a glass and asked for £3.50 - yeah right). So yeah, it is much more suited to being a restaurant IMO, most people I know said they'd never go in "The Runaway Girl" again, which is no fault of Justin's (really nice guy, spoke to him a few times n band nights). Mentioning band nights, the sound in there was lovely, which I'll miss, but the *ridiculous* bar staff (sorry if you were one of the good ones!) I certainly won't!

I wish nothing but Good Luck to Silversmiths but have to say Good Riddance to TRG!

I've been down to the new Silversmiths Restaurant a couple of times now and it's really worth checking out. For those of you who don't know the Runaway Girl on Arundel Street has been transformed into a sophisticated but relaxed new restaurant - they've made the wise choice of keeping the cocktail bar (and adding some amazing new cocktails!). The staff described the food as 'modern Yorkshire' which I thought was a good description of what was served - lovely presentation, good portion size and fresh tasty stuff - I had some fabulous prawns as a starter and delicious locally sourced venison sausages for my main. I couldn't decide which dessert to try as they all sounded lovely but went for the Yorkshire Rhubarb fool with crunchy biscuit on top - yummy!!

I reckon this place is also a good bet for after work/before theatre/cinema cocktails too as they open from 5pm. It's easy to park outside too and (free in the evening!).

If you go let me know what the other pud's are like so I know what to try next!!

Cheers Caz

Went on Friday and thought it was generally very nice. Definitely one of the best dining experiences I've had in Sheff recently. Good food, decent wine and the misses said the cocktails were spot on.
Only problem was that we ordered shrimp to start but they had ran out. No problem. had the chicken pate and salted beef. Both were excellent. For main course, Venison sausages were cooked to perfection and my girlfriends steak was large and done to her liking.
Was too stuffed for pudding but will go back

Me and the wife eat fish but not meat. Worth a go or not?!

I'd say so. Think they had monkfish and another fish dish on the menu. Cant remember the other one though unfortunately

Any comments on the Dawes` review in the Star yesterday? That`s pretty much the worst one I`ve seen. Usually he`s pretty neutral but he laid into Silversmith`s. :o

Any comments on the Dawes` review in the Star yesterday? That`s pretty much the worst one I`ve seen. Usually he`s pretty neutral but he laid into Silversmith`s. :o

I've never been so can't comment on the place but he didn't do it any favours at all. But then Dawes has his favourites. I bet you never see him giving Richard Smith a bad review.:suspect:

Any comments on the Dawes` review in the Star yesterday? That`s pretty much the worst one I`ve seen. Usually he`s pretty neutral but he laid into Silversmith`s. :o

any body got a link to the dawes review?

I've never been so can't comment on the place but he didn't do it any favours at all. But then Dawes has his favourites. I bet you never see him giving Richard Smith a bad review.:suspect:

plenty of people on here who don't have vested interests have said they were impressed. genuine customer reviews speak volumes and so far they've all been positive. we will definitely be giving it a go.

the Runaway Girl on Arundel Street has been transformed into a sophisticated but relaxed new restaurant...delicious locally sourced venison sausages for my main.

i think on ebay they call this "shilling". please desist, you aren't doing silversmiths any favours, whoever you are (rolls eyes.)

It would be nice if they paid their suppliers! Think they have been bust twice

prob been posted already but has anybody been?

comments would be appreciated

I went at the beginning of September. The service was good and the food was very good (it has Gordon Ramsey written all over it). I would happily go back if someone wanted to go there but not sure i would choose to return myself. I can't really give a proper reason but i think it's something to do with the inside structure; it still felt like i had gone to a bar to eat and i just didn't like that when paying restaurant prices. If the inside was changed to tables throughout the floor space with crisp white table linen etc then i think it would improve it no end. Lovely food but i think i could have equal quality in a more comfortable environment elsewhere. That said, i would recommend it to anyone to try because it's only my opinion on the layout.

I went at the beginning of September. The service was good and the food was very good (it has Gordon Ramsey written all over it). I would happily go back if someone wanted to go there but not sure i would choose to return myself. I can't really give a proper reason but i think it's something to do with the inside structure; it still felt like i had gone to a bar to eat and i just didn't like that when paying restaurant prices. If the inside was changed to tables throughout the floor space with crisp white table linen etc then i think it would improve it no end. Lovely food but i think i could have equal quality in a more comfortable environment elsewhere. That said, i would recommend it to anyone to try because it's only my opinion on the layout.

cheers for info

Following stories in the local press about the Runaway Girl and a certain celebrity chef myself and my wife thought we should revisit the Runaway Girl. Previously we have experienced the tapas offered there and always found the food extremely well prepared and enjoyable.

Now relaunched as Silversmiths and only a week since the changes we booked ourselves in for an evening meal. The menu has changed beyond recognition, gone are my much loved tapas replaced by starters, mains and desserts. The restaurant has undergone a total transformation, much brighter and with a modern twist. The staff are friendly and well informed about both the food and drinks now served. The menu offered a nice selection of local products from much talked about venison sausages to Yorkshire blue tart.

I hate being gushy, just doesn’t suit me at all, but the food was excellent, well presented, extremely well prepared and a delight to eat. There was no rush, waiting staff allowed us the time to enjoy our food and left enough time between courses to allow us time to enjoy the food we received. To go with the food there is a good selection of wines and some wonderfully prepared cocktails.

After so many bad experiences with restaurants in and around Sheffield it was refreshing to find a restaurant that delivers good food with staff that are obviously happy in their work. If you want freshly prepared delicious food in a modern friendly environment the Silversmiths is for you.

Oh, the food here was very pleasant and enjoyable, I must say. I tried this Gordon Ramsay cod dish which was a very Iberian (or Catalan, in particular ? I had a similar dish somewhere in Barcelona) like dish. The atmosphere, too, was very pleasant.

I thought I had posted on my shambolic experience in this restaurant, but it seems not, unless it has been removed. We ate here in the summer.
The meal we had was a complete disaster and I will not go back or recommend it.

From the start, the owners girlfriend was hanging around our table, listening to our conversation. If we commented on any element of the restaurant she interjected, which made us all feel very uncomfortable and at times it was embarrassing, especially when we waited twenty minutes for our drinks and having to remind them twice.

.

Starters were okay, but not great;it was the main courses which were shocking, oh and the service.....
One friend had a steak - it was inedible. It was a very large portion but the knife woudl not cut through any of it as it was so stringyl She tried and tried but to no avail She complained and they offered to make her another. it was now an hour after we had arrived and so she asked them to make something quickly; I think it was sausage and mash.
Another friend had the £13 bangers and mash. The sausages may be good quality but it was such an inflated price for what was served.
I had s fish stew, but it had a flavourless broth and the fish was overcooked.
By time we had finished, it was too late for pudding, so we had coffee and then wine.
My friend and I went to the toilets; the queue was long and by time we returned our drinks had been removed from the table and they were seating other people.

I asked to speak to the manager, he listened, but did nothing about this. He took my email address and phone number and promised to apologise and set the matter right. He failed to respond to this. Oh, apart from a marketing call asking for my email address.

This was a shocking experience from start to finish. I am disapointed that the owner did not resolve the situation. I held back from posting in case he did, but there you go. It shoudl have been a great restaurant. I will not be going back.

is it under new management?

do they still haver the monthly club nights?

Has the programme been on the tv yet?

Has the programme been on the tv yet?

No . . . I think it was scheduled for November but the series hasn't been advertised yet.

Does anyone know when this is going to be on TV ?

I went by at about half nine and Gordon Ramsey was back there with a film crew. I walked by with haste.

I went by at about half nine and Gordon Ramsey was back there with a film crew. I walked by with haste.

When?

Last night?

Does anyone have any idea when the new series of Kitchen Nightmares is?

The Kitchen Nightmares programme will be on in February I think.

The most recent visit was for a special one-off (not part of the KN series) about restaurants coping with the credit crunch, so I was told.

I haven't been since it became Silversmith's but my boss has been several times and is very enthusiastic about it. He's not the sort to give praise unless it's deserved.

I went to Silversmiths last week and loved everything about it!!!! Fab atmosphere great wine list, lovely tasty food and really enthusiastic staff. I had Yorkshire pud for starters and veggie pie for main it was fresh tasty and the whole experience was like having a big food cuddle! Hope they survive the tough economic times ahead I am going to go back as soon as i can and i really recommend others try it too. You have to support good independent businesses where possible don't you think?

Does anyone have any idea when the new series of Kitchen Nightmares is?

This one is going to be screened late January as part of a Credit Crunch Special, so I believe.

I left a signed copy of my novel with Justin and Donna to give to Gordon as thanks for helping them out. I hope he likes it.

I went by at about half nine and Gordon Ramsey was back there with a film crew. I walked by with haste.

You're Comic Book Guy off The Simpsons, aincha, love? :hihi:

A crowd of us ate there last night and had the special Christmas menu. We all really enjoyed it, very tasty, good choice and reasonably priced, £25.00 a head I think. I think we'll be back there in New Year.

We went a few months back and generally the food and wine etc was really nice. However, there were some niggly things that really got on my nerves (being slightly pedantic). For instance - they kept bring Gordon Ramsey up again and again and again which got a bit annoying. Other thing was that they had paper tablecloths on the table which were ripped off once someone had left and a new one selotaped back on ready for the next customers. Now I know it's not the worlds most expensive place, but it's not the cheapest either, and I would have expected to at least see a nice cotton tablecloth at least (OMG what am I turning in to???)

Anyone watching it on TV? That pie looks nice.

Anyone been since he did his bit?

silversmith's

think its the same place that used to play live jazz music.....111 or summat

haven't been since....but thinkin of givin it a go!

blimey....gonna buy a pork shoulder and roast it for 6 hours just for jamie...

trying out local restaurants again for gordon

poss little chef for heston....

haven't the boys done well :D

I think we all should give it a go ...

I think we all should give it a go ...

i remember giving it a go about 3 yrs ago when it was a retaurant/jazz bar and thinking it would do well...

since then it became a nightclub....runaway girl...which i'd always meant to go to...but never quite made it! *gutted*

but you're right saf....we should all go...

gerrit organised! :D

Sorry from me ... Silversmiths ...

looked quite ok im sure ive seen tht cheff b4 lololololol

Mmmm pie night every Tuesday - looks fab

http://www.silversmiths-restaurant.com/the-restaurant

;)

The chef managed to use the F word more than Gordon - quite an achievement !

The chef managed to use the F word more than Gordon - quite an achievement !


Yea....but what was going on with his accent!!!! and his hair :D

Can a mod change the title to Silversmiths ... I am shamed ! lol ...

I watched it.

The end result was obviously very good. Just a shame the recession has landed so soon after the changes took place.

I was a bit annoyed how Gordon (or the editors more like) made the music look a shambles. I've been there on many great nights where they had some great bands on and the atmosphere was great.

I did chuckle however when he described the place to look like a lapdancing club, somewhere in ****ing Amsterdam!

I felt a bit sad for Justin when he said take off the music as Justin has obviously had some success with that and must be hard to lose the connection with the various bands.

Maybe he could recreate The Runaway Girl at another venue? I'd go for sure.

I am not surprised that it failed as the runaway girl, I have known Justin for years and did my best to promote the place on here when it first opened but did not find myself going down very often, the music and food mix just did not work very well. To my shame I have still not been since the change of name but I intend to head down soon. It is true that he does need to compete with the chains to bring people in, if you look at Ask, Ha Ha Bar, wagamamas and pretty much every other chain in the centre of town they have all had some very good offers running for the last couple of months and I think it has been the prices more than anything that have put me off. It's strange seeing Gordon point these things out, they seem so bloody obvious!
I hope they can survive and shall do my bit to help by eating there very soon and hopefully soon after that!
:)

made the music look a shambles. I've been there on many great nights where they had some great bands on and the atmosphere was great.

The Runaway Girl was a great live music venue, I've got fond memories of it, although there was no real ale and the bar prices were sometimes made up on the spot, it's no secret that folk were ****** off with that.



I felt a bit sad for Justin when he said take off the music as Justin has obviously had some success with that and must be hard to lose the connection with the various bands.


But Unisol, running a music venue is not a hobby for the owner's entertainment, it's a business, and businesses need to make money. Justin had lost his house, that is not success no matter how many great nights the punters (and musicians and performers, myself included) had had down there.
In the hospitality business you have to care about people, it's a people orientated business.

Gordon was bang on when he talked about turning negatives to positives. That restuarant and Justin, could still be successful. Poo happens, to everyone, and you either turn it to a positive by being brave, genuinely caring about people and caring what effect your actions have on them, or you stick your head up your bottom and turn into a self-pitying scapegoater. I'm not saying that's what's happened in this case, but success takes personal courage and an ability to look at yourself and face up to when you're being a selfish git. Success is not Piers Morgan drooling in Dubai, let's put it that way.

The Runaway Girl was a great live music venue, I've got fond memories of it, although there was no real ale and the bar prices were sometimes made up on the spot, it's no secret that folk were ****** off with that.





But Unisol, running a music venue is not a hobby for the owner's entertainment, it's a business, and businesses need to make money. Justin had lost his house, that is not success no matter how many great nights the punters (and musicians and performers, myself included) had had down there.
In the hospitality business you have to care about people, it's a people orientated business.

Gordon was bang on when he talked about turning negatives to positives. That restuarant and Justin, could still be successful. Poo happens, to everyone, and you either turn it to a positive by being brave, genuinely caring about people and caring what effect your actions have on them, or you stick your head up your bottom and turn into a self-pitying scapegoater. I'm not saying that's what's happened in this case, but success takes personal courage and an ability to look at yourself and face up to when you're being a selfish git. Success is not Piers Morgan drooling in Dubai, let's put it that way.

Hang on, i wasn't expressing a harsh opinions on the matter, i was just saying how hard it must have been for them to let go of what was really the main hub of the business venture.

I think the restaurant looks very nice and, as neeeeeeeeeeek says, will book for a meal hopefully sometime soon.

I wish them all the best, i think they deserve it.

I watched the programme last night, and being out of touch with the Sheffield nite life I spent most of the programme trying to fathom out where it was located. Now I know, and I will visit it next time I am in town,

Wasnt the chef the biggest brown nose ever?

If that Chef was so smart why didn't he do something off his own back, before Ramsey turned up?

An awful advert for the city, a wannabe hot shot chef, with a pretend Gangster/Sheffield accent, using the word f**k in every sentance in an attempt to get on a level with a celebrity.

It will be shut before the year is out.

I thought the chef was a real t*sser. Looks like he'd put his "best" Paul Weller shirt on as if people couldn't have guessed he was a mod, been in the hairdressing salon especially, and deliberately contrived to out swear Gordon Ramsey...oh and then using phrases such as "our kid" how cringeworthy....to top it off he cried...PMSL

On a better note Justin's bird looked pretty good....can't understand why she's stuck it out so long? ;-)

I watched the programme last night, and being out of touch with the Sheffield nite life I spent most of the programme trying to fathom out where it was located. Now I know, and I will visit it next time I am in town,

Wasnt the chef the biggest brown nose ever?

Hmmm, I deliberately tried not to mention the chef but yeah, mostly agree. Made himself look a right plonker.

Another thing I didn't like was how he made out that Sheffield is FULL of chain restaurants, but then there was a shot stood outside Abuelo on Eccy Rd, which is bang next door to Walnut Club/Nonna's - not to mention Leopold Sq with Platillo's. All of which are very good.

Hang on, i wasn't expressing a harsh opinions on the matter, i was just saying how hard it must have been for them to let go of what was really the main hub of the business venture.

Yes I know, Unisol! :) In fact it's me who's being a bit harsh, but I want Justin to succeed so much and I think he needs people around him who are as honest as Richie was...tough love and all that.

I think the restaurant looks very nice and, as neeeeeeeeeeek says, will book for a meal hopefully sometime soon.


I would love to go, only thing stopping me is that every spare penny I have is going into my own business, nowt left over for entertainment, I'm afraid. We've got a professional sausage machine at home anyway, and one of my favourite books is Great Sausage Recipes and Meat Curing - it has some very useful tips on smoking meat. But anyway, it's the whole going out for a meal at a nice restaurant thing that's a treat.



Wasnt the chef the biggest brown nose ever?

No. Richie is a very skilled chef with natural talent. He knows what he's doing, he doesn't the f word about, he is considerate of his team and doesn't b***sh**. Gordon Ramsey is a hugely successful chef and business man. He would not address anyone as "chef" unless they deserved to be called a chef. And being a chef is a whole different ball game to merely being a skilled cook.


in an attempt to get on a level with a celebrity.



I think you're misunderstanding the process. The "celebrity" aspect is completely irrelevant. Celebrities are just human beings like you and me. Richie is one of the most down to earth people I've ever met and not someone to be impressed by mere "celebrity". Once in the kitchen, Gordon and Richie were two chefs working as a team who both commanded the other's respect.

I thought the chef was a real t*sser. Looks like he'd put his "best" Paul Weller shirt on as if people couldn't have guessed he was a mod, been in the hairdressing salon especially, and deliberately contrived to out swear Gordon Ramsey...oh and then using phrases such as "our kid" how cringeworthy....to top it off he cried...PMSL

Lowering yourself to personal insults merely reflects badly on you, BertieBasset. Come on, you can do better than that.


On a better note Justin's bird looked pretty good....can't understand why she's stuck it out so long? ;-)

She's beautiful inside and out. And she's stuck it out because she's a hard working, loyal girlfriend. Whatever you think, loyalty is a commendable personal trait. I've seen loyalty lead to people behaving like mad bitch rottweilers at times but never, ever in Donna's case. She's been nothing other than calm, supportive and strong, no matter what's been thrown at her.

Another thing I didn't like was how he made out that Sheffield is FULL of chain restaurants, but then there was a shot stood outside Abuelo on Eccy Rd, which is bang next door to Walnut Club/Nonna's - not to mention Leopold Sq with Platillo's. All of which are very good.

I think the point may have been that the chains are where most people are spending the most money and are therefore providing the bulk of the competition. The Peace Gardens and much of the city centre is dominated by chains, it's a dreadful shame. The best eateries in Sheff are, in my opinion, the Asian restaurants on London Road like WasabiSabi, but then Asian cooking is the area that interests me most so I'm biased in that respect.

I think the point may have been that the chains are where most people are spending the most money and are therefore providing the bulk of the competition. The Peace Gardens and much of the city centre is dominated by chains, it's a dreadful shame. The best eateries in Sheff are, in my opinion, the Asian restaurants on London Road like WasabiSabi, but then Asian cooking is the area that interests me most so I'm biased in that respect.

I agree with Unisol. I think that the show could have been a good opportunity to get some publicity for the independant restaurants around - especially Platillos and Cubanas who do tapas. He could have compared them all and shown runaway girl where they were going wrong. Or with the Walnut club for inspiration re the 'British' menu. Shame.... it was actually a good plug for Cafe Rouge!

He is right about the pricing though - people are happy with less choice on a menu if the price is right at the moment. It seems that even those not hit so hard by the credit crunch are still cutting back.... because in some rather strange way it has become fashionable to cut back.... it's as though there is the huge challange to get the best deal out of everything at the moment.

I agree with Unisol. I think that the show could have been a good opportunity to get some publicity for the independant restaurants around - especially Platillos and Cubanas who do tapas. He could have compared them all and shown runaway girl where they were going wrong. Or with the Walnut club for inspiration re the 'British' menu. Shame.... it was actually a good plug for Cafe Rouge!



Yes, I forgot about Cubana's - although they have music so probably not a suitable example.

To me, Tapas is an ideal way to dine out, then enjoy some music, especially if you want to have a few drinks too. A restaurant doesn't have to have a 'Spanish theme' to serve Tapas e.g. Platillo's.

I went to Runaway girl to see bands, to dance to great DJs and to attend the spoken word nights, as well as for the food. I always thought it was great but it definitely had an identity problem, unable to decide what it was.

I found the leather-clad walls and sombre tones a bit quirky, but I do agree that it was reminiscent of a pole-dancing club, and it was nice to see it brightened up.

Given that the RG had won awards for its food, it was logical that it should concentrate on that side of the business. What was sad, however, was seeing how the lack of trade had forced them to re-heat previously cooked food, because they just couldn't afford to throw it away.

I don't think the criticisms of the chef, Richie (whom I don't really know, though my partner does) are fair. His haircut? Come on. WTF has that to do with any of us? That's his business. And his accent is a product of his upbringing and the places he's lived, same as the rest of us.

And as for his language, let's not forget that his job was on the line here! His livelihood, not just Justin and Donna's. They were all in it together, and Richie is one of Justin's oldest mates; they were at school together. He swore a lot because he was telling Justin the bottom line, and obviously felt passionate about it.

His frustration at Justin's head-in-the-clouds attitude, insisting that 'look, we get good feedback' (contrasting with the empty tables) was very moving. He was right when he said Justin wasn't showing Ramsey the respect he deserved.

Above all, Richie is a good chef, trying to support his mate, and hamstrung because Justin is king in his little empire and Richie is his employee, not his business partner.

Donna is lovely, and I felt very sorry for her caught up in the middle of it all.I'll be very sad for them if their relationship doesn't survive this.

Justin is his own worst enemy. He's so single-minded, and for years has been trying to live a dream, an idealised vision of His Perfect Bar, where he hangs out with his groovy customers, dancing to great DJs and cool bands, serves great food, and is a minor hub in the social whirl of the cool crowd.

Cloud cuckoo land. He's a long way from the social centre of Sheffield, close to Hallam Uni. His bar was a strange neither her nor there hybrid which some people didn't like as a result. He served run-of-the-mill drinks at over-inflated prices, and sometimes ran out of beer, which is inexcusable for a bar.

He refused to compromise. He wouldn't try to attract students, despite his location. Fair enough, that might have ruined the place. But lots more Hallam Uni staff would have gone there if the drinks had been cheaper and, crucially, if he'd served a real ale, some decent local beer! I work there and heard that so many times from people that I told Donna and Justin, but Justin wouldn't have it, said it didn't fit in with the image. He imagined beardy beer-bellied CAMRA members crowding the bar, rather than the hip 20 and 30-somethings he wanted. Jesus! Even Marco Pierre White runs a real ale pub these days!

But BEGGARS CAN NOT BE F****** CHOOSERS!

I'm glad Ramsey turned it all around and forced Justin to change. He was in danger of losing his business, his beautiful girlfriend, his home and his best friend and head chef. I wish them all well and hope it succeeds with all my heart. I've tried the venison pie and it's absolutely divine. I'd recommend it to anyone. Ditto the vegetarian pie as well.

i worked there when ramsey did his visit, and after watching it last night i know do understand why ramsey is ramsey, in my opinion (for what it is worth) the show last night was a complete joke. Everyone was strung along that week with what had to be done and said. It was a complete hatchet job on justin who didnt deserve it. He is a great guy and a great boss, and no-one in this city works as hard as he does to make things work. Richie, though he did come over as a complete legend truely is like that in real life. (he has his hair like that because of paul weller), and as i always said, richie didnt need ramsey to come down and show him how to cook, give the guy some ingrediants and he will make something amazing out of it, period. I think enough said JUST GO and find out for yourself if you havent been. You will find its better than any chain and up there with your local resturants. One last thing, credit to justin, he got hammerd that week in filming and he held it together, when most of is would have just walked. Top lad, top place.

i worked there when ramsey did his visit, and after watching it last night i know do understand why ramsey is ramsey, in my opinion (for what it is worth) the show last night was a complete joke. Everyone was strung along that week with what had to be done and said. It was a complete hatchet job on justin who didnt deserve it. He is a great guy and a great boss, and no-one in this city works as hard as he does to make things work. Richie, though he did come over as a complete legend truely is like that in real life. (he has his hair like that because of paul weller), and as i always said, richie didnt need ramsey to come down and show him how to cook, give the guy some ingrediants and he will make something amazing out of it, period. I think enough said JUST GO and find out for yourself if you havent been. You will find its better than any chain and up there with your local resturants. One last thing, credit to justin, he got hammerd that week in filming and he held it together, when most of is would have just walked. Top lad, top place.

Hankering for a pay rise ?

Don't know about everyone else but when I take the o/h out I don't want to be sat that close to my fellow diners, 50 cm either side. Once the hype goes I think so will the eatery.

If it were mine - I'd be selling it in the next 2 weeks.

i couldnt understand why he put the prices up in a credit crunch when all the other places around him had special offers on

simply stating the obvious that others must have been thinking...I'm sure he told his friends in advance, "Gordon Ramsey is coming to the restaurant, just watch me in action, I'm going to spread it on soooo thick, oh and I'll even beat Gordon on the expletives..."

I thought it was amusing when she stuck the knife in when it was just Gordon and her out in the yard...couldn't she have said it when Justin was there?

I'm puzzled as to why anyone after watching the programme would want to eat there. Until Gordon arrived it was clear they were taking the p*ss, just serving up re-heated microwaved food from buckets. Old habits die hard and who's to say those kind of habits wont creep back in. They were hardly striving for excellence!

Funniest bit was at the end, when Gordon said, "Any more problems then DON'T phone me" hahaha



Lowering yourself to personal insults merely reflects badly on you, BertieBasset. Come on, you can do better than that.



She's beautiful inside and out. And she's stuck it out because she's a hard working, loyal girlfriend. Whatever you think, loyalty is a commendable personal trait. I've seen loyalty lead to people behaving like mad bitch rottweilers at times but never, ever in Donna's case. She's been nothing other than calm, supportive and strong, no matter what's been thrown at her.

Is the programme on again... I missed it :(

It was the usual 'made for telly' pap. Jamie Oliver in Rotherham, Dragon's Den etc. Loud mouth ignoramus rides into town, slags everybody off and by the end of the show it's "Thank god you came Gordon/Jamie/Duncan, I don't know what I'd have done without you!" Pure ego-massage for the stars.

Last night Ramsey started off by slagging the handing-out of flyers as it 'Made it look like Malaga' then, later in the show he's set up in Orchard Square stopping people going in to Zizzis, Strada etc. (wonder what he'd have done if somebody tried that outside one of his restaurants?) and comparing his pies with food blagged from Cafe Rouge etc. God, I wish just for once somebody would spit these 'chefs' offerings out and say 'That was crap!' (They may have done, but it would have been cut.)
Fact is, anybody can go into any organisation and slag it off (Yes Ramsey, even yours. That, is if you weren't out shagging your bit on the side at the time...) It's not big or clever.
And as for the ultimate stooge for Ramsey's over-inflated ego, what about the other bloke from Okehampton? That bloke was a health hazard in himself!

Fair play to Silversmiths. Hope they do well.

Geez, some of you are a tough bunch. :)

I think it's fair to say that the owner was clearly heading in an impossible direction prior to Gordon coming along. Chef Richie clearly tried to object - but when someone pays your wages, you don't object, you accept.

I think the breakdown, as shown on the programme, was indicative of the build up of frustration, and was absolutely needed in order for all parties to accept the writing on the wall and to move forward.

It would appear that that's just what they've done - so let's not live in the past of what Runaway girl was - let's look to the present and see what it is now. Surely none of us are above making mistakes - so how about we give the guys a second chance and see if we like the new, re-launched, re-branded version?

I'll be organising a meet there soon - so keep your eyes peeled in the 'Evenings out' section.

:)

and take some alka seltzer along....


I'll be organising a meet there soon - so keep your eyes peeled in the 'Evenings out' section.

:)

and take some alka seltzer along....

As an established foodie, I actually prefer Gaviscon. :thumbsup:

perhaps that may be offered just after the deserts...haha

As an established foodie, I actually prefer Gaviscon. :thumbsup:

perhaps that may be offered just after the deserts...haha

I'm just gonna go with an open mind buddy - it's the best way to be.

:)

Geez, some of you are a tough bunch. :)

I think it's fair to say that the owner was clearly heading in an impossible direction prior to Gordon coming along. Chef Richie clearly tried to object - but when someone pays your wages, you don't object, you accept.

I think the breakdown, as shown on the programme, was indicative of the build up of frustration, and was absolutely needed in order for all parties to accept the writing on the wall and to move forward.

It would appear that that's just what they've done - so let's not live in the past of what Runaway girl was - let's look to the present and see what it is now. Surely none of us are above making mistakes - so how about we give the guys a second chance and see if we like the new, re-launched, re-branded version?

I'll be organising a meet there soon - so keep your eyes peeled in the 'Evenings out' section.

:)

What a fantastic post, sTaGeWaLkEr.

I'm always vaguely surprised that on a forum like this, some posters take delight in making venomous posts, whilst seeming to forget that many people in Sheffield actually know who they are. Who would want to be publically known for making snide, sneering posts on a forum about people who have attempted more in life than you? There is no disgrace in making mistakes or failing in an enterprise that required hard work and courage, but sitting on your backside getting your jollies being poisonous about others on a forum really does mark one out as pond life.

What a fantastic post, sTaGeWaLkEr.

I'm always vaguely surprised that on a forum like this, some posters take delight in making venomous posts, whilst seeming to forget that many people in Sheffield actually know who they are. Who would want to be publically known for making snide, sneering posts on a forum about people who have attempted more in life than you? There is no disgrace in making mistakes or failing in an enterprise that required hard work and courage, but sitting on your backside getting your jollies being poisonous about others on a forum really does mark one out as pond life.

Criticism often says more about the critic than it does about the criticized. :thumbsup:

We went just after ramsey had left after the relaunch and the food was cracking and service prompt and friendly. We saw Justin chatting to another customer about the whole experience and how he felt he got layed into and really didn't want to ditch the music.

Flame me all yer wants, but the truth is, the chef is a crackin' chap and Justin is an egotistical prat that doesn't have a clue how to run a proper restaraunt.

After having the full Ramsey, he then turns the tables and decides to do his own thing, creating a more expensive set meal menu at £25 per head.

As Ramsey said, £50 for two people before even getting sat down is askin' a bit much.

Looking at the psychology and attitudes that we're shown, it was clear that Justin was (and probably still is) in a masive state of denial, trying to convince himself, Ramsey and others that he was in some respect "A Success".

Even when it was starring him in the face, he would accept that he's failing and badly.

If I had to guess, I'd say he came into a bit of coin, decided to get in on the ego-centric sheffield music scene, realised that he's outta his depth and needs to make a profit and decided to make it into a food / bar / club / late night to the point the place didn't really have any purpose or real identity.

Sort of a jack of all trades, master of none type establishment.

As for Richie, I commend his accent, passion and modest attitude. It was quite clear that in his most notable torrent of swearing, he completely forgot he was on camera and being recorded, as once he'd finished, you could see in his face that "oh ****e, I proper wen't off on one and that was all recorded"

Those that we're so quick to mock his hair, accent or whatever are basically mocking the lowest common denominator, probably influenced, in my opinion, by a touch of jealousy. Seriously, how many of those that mocked Richie are in self tought proffession of over 10 years and can say that they've been complemented by one of the best men of his profession?

Yea....but what was going on with his accent!!!! and his hair :D

O.M.G I know I deteced a jamaican/yorkshire mixed in with a manc accent thing going :hihi:

I felt sorry for him because you could tell he was very passionate about his work & came across as a top chef but Justin would not listen to him or his ideas.

Nuff repsect to the chef :headbang:

Those that we're so quick to mock his hair, accent or whatever are basically mocking the lowest common denominator, probably influenced, in my opinion, by a touch of jealousy. Seriously, how many of those that mocked Richie are in self tought proffession of over 10 years and can say that they've been complemented by one of the best men of his profession?

Completely agree. I just thought Richie came across as a nice guy who cared for his mate and was frustrated that he wasn't being heard.

He might do well to contact CH4 Producers though about his own version of 'The F word' :hihi:

look who's being "poisonous about others" now... :loopy:

If you want to go to the restaurant then do it, I prefer not to given the way they were treating their customers prior to Gordon Ramsey turning up.

Whilever they were getting away with charging customers for serving up rubbish they were happy to do so....I'd rather eat at establishments that have high standards from the start...rather than having to go through the public embarrassment and humiliation of washing your own dirty laundry in public before they start serving fresh food.

What a fantastic post, sTaGeWaLkEr.

but sitting on your backside getting your jollies being poisonous about others on a forum really does mark one out as pond life.

Hey did anyone see this last night? Been to Silversmiths? I thought Richie the chef was a top man.They were in Arundel square handing out pie :D

look who's being "poisonous about others" now...

I'm looking, but I'm not seeing your point?

Although we went shortly after Ramsey, we didn't go before Ramsey. Me personally, I like a sence of perspective. If something was ok before and its now amazing, then to me this means progression and a true basis for comparison.

If you have the best of everything, all the time, then what IS special?

look who's being "poisonous about others" now... :loopy:

If you want to go to the restaurant then do it, I prefer not to given the way they were treating their customers prior to Gordon Ramsey turning up.

Whilever they were getting away with charging customers for serving up rubbish they were happy to do so....I'd rather eat at establishments that have high standards from the start...rather than having to go through the public embarrassment and humiliation of washing your own dirty laundry in public before they start serving fresh food.

Yea, maccy D's food is always cooked fresh.
:hihi:

Firstly, the owner didn't have a clue. He clearly thought he could give up his job and make it as some kind of big shot around town! This was shown when he completely messed up the service, despite the kitchen being in brilliant shape! The chef seemed so frustrated, it is no wonder he was shouting and swearing, I don't doubt that this was genuine emotion. Also, when he was crying because he was complimented by Gordon, this was genuine too.

Those saying it painted Sheffield in a negative light are wrong. It showed lots of nice scenes, hustle and bustle and lots of bars and restaurants. How is this negative? Plus, Gordon said about it being a large City, with a lot to offer.

If it was simply a television stunt, as has also been suggested- has this restaurant now not started to attract far more attention and draw in more crowds? YES. Those I know who eat out regularly, are considering and going to Silversmiths.

Saw some of it. That Chef swore even more than Gordon himself. is that much bad language really necessary or just put on for the cameras? Me wonders.

it,s called pap tv ,

Does that stand for Peel a Potato?

i told you to bin those crackers ,

it,s called pap tv ,

What's the difference between a comma and an apostrophe?

Saw some of it. That Chef swore even more than Gordon himself. is that much bad language really necessary or just put on for the cameras? Me wonders.

Nope swearing is rather common in Chefs.

It's so true that there was no real direction with the place before. I'd heard the food there was good, however it was never clear when they would be open for food. I'd always thought of it as a live music venue/bar that did a bit of food, and considered going but didn't want to get caught up in a soundcheck so never went. Gorden made some good points and it was obvious that the place wasn't making money, which is a shame as the chef seemed like a competant and passionate guy whose potential wasn't being fully realised. Hopefully business is picking up now, and i aim to get down for a meal soon.

I'd just like to point out two things:

Firstlly, we ate there when it was Runaway Girl and served tapas dishes and loved the food every time, and they won Best Bar Food Award in 2007 in the Sheffield Pub and Club awards.

Secondly, though I'm not saying it's a good practice, bulk-cooking in advance of basic meals is commonplace and hundreds of takeaways, cafes and restaurants will have buckets of sauces, cooked ingredients, dressings, dressed salads and the like, in fridges or on shelves, to use as components of the meals they send out to tables or to takeaway customers. I'm OK with that, but I thought Runaway Girl was sufficiently far up the quality chain that every dish would be cooked from scratch. However, I understand, given the financial pressures, why they did that.

I haven't spoken to Justin or Donna personally since the show as I thought I'd give them a couple of days before giving them a bell, but I hope this isn't bad news... there's the predictable thread about the show over at Digital Spy (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=982029&page=1), a huge forum I've partaken in in the past to defend the first series of Extras and discuss early Big Brothers. Here's some quotes: (anyone still wondering why much of my forthcoming novel My Adventures In Cyberspace is set on a large forum may now be getting the idea...)

DratVanity: Haha, that Sheffield chef is amazing. He's RamsayX2.
He swears because he cares!

spazmonkey: Wow... Ramsey and the northern chef in that manly swearoff sat outside was amazing scenes....

Serial Lurker: Just put it on, I walk past that place in Sheffield most days and had no idea it was a restaurant.

OlgaChristie: But it seems their frustrated swearing tapas chef featured last night is no longer with them..............
http://www.silversmiths-restaurant.c...mage/the-chefs


I don't know if Richie has left or not, but I checked OlgaChristie's link and Richie isn't in the shot :(

I want to add to what Yog said above. The yellow containers the food was stored in are common in kitchens, they're just empty wholesale ingredient containers, not exactly "buckets". And when I went to take photos for The Best Bar Food Award that Runaway Girl won at the Sheffield Bar and Club Awards, the food was being prepared freshly so the bulk pre-prepping must have been a later occurrence necessitated by financial problems. There are some photos of Richie carving a Jamón Serrano, and Richie and Jonil holding the award, including a copy of the old Runaway Girl tapas menu, on my blog at this link (http://judecalverttoulmin.blogspot.com/2006/04/poets.html).

And if the business goes bankrupt, all I can say is that according to Richard Branson (one of my heroes) in his autobiography "Losing My Virginity", most reputable businessmen have been bankrupt at least once. In other words, it's a war wound that shows you're not just playing at it.

all the food made when runaway girl was a tapas resturant, was preped on the day, i.e tortilla was all made fresh at 4 oclock like clock work, the reason why they were in tubs was because there was only two chefs, i challange anyone to prep for a busy sat night, when really you are short staffed, and not store any of it. Though it was never shown, there was a piece on camera, were richie explained this to gordan and he agreed, but like i said, for the purpose of the show it was edited out.

I'm almost certain he does

Owner got owned by Rammo.

From a person who used to go into Runaway Girl regularly, I found the programme cringeworthy, and actually quite difficult to watch.
In my opinion Runaway Girl was a really cool venue for live music and cocktails. I was always under the impression that the food, was more of a bonus thing. It was never really about the food.
If Justin and Donna, had really gone a hundred percent into pushing it as a great late night cocktail bar and live music venue it would have gone from strength to strength, as there are no really fanstatic places like that in Sheffield. Now Runaway Girl has gone there really is a void left for late night bars here that aren't full of chavs.
However, the direction is was heading in became confused and suddenly it was made to look like a restaurant doing really badly....rather than a cocktail bar doing reasonably alright and just needing a nod in the right direction. Instead they were sent completly in the wrong direction, and are left with tables crammed next to each other cms apart, and none of its orginal character, and emptier place than before. Oh yeah, and as a side line to this, they also made themselves look foolish on national television. Ramsey and his production team, couldn't really give a stuff what happens to 'silversmiths', they just wanted an entertaining tv programme, and when they met Justin Rowntree, they knew they would probably get it! :-/
I would also like to add, that in my opinion particular people who were on that programme need to hang their head in shame for the annihilation of Justin. That poor bloke is a muppet (I know this for a fact I have met him several times) however, I'd like to think that if I was under that much pressure my girlfriend/fiance and supposed 'best mate from school' would be a bit more loyal. I think the programme probably gave him a lot more to think about than the direction of his buisness.

What's the difference between a comma and an apostrophe?

One is a curry and the other is inserted anally.

In my opinion Runaway Girl was a really cool venue for live music and cocktails. I was always under the impression that the food, was more of a bonus thing. It was never really about the food.
If Justin and Donna, had really gone a hundred percent into pushing it as a great late night cocktail bar and live music venue it would have gone from strength to strength,

I agree, I loved Runaway Girl and I had some of the most intense experiences of my life down there. However it was losing money. It's a business, not a fun hobby.

as there are no really fanstatic places like that in Sheffield. Now Runaway Girl has gone there really is a void left for late night bars here that aren't full of chavs.

There's loads of them. The Washy, The Stockroom, The Red House, The Shakespeare...


I'd like to think that if I was under that much pressure my girlfriend/fiance and supposed 'best mate from school' would be a bit more loyal.

They have been incredibly loyal!

Anyway, I've just seen this article in The Mirror online, Call for Ofcom probe as Gordon Ramsay's 240 F-words cause outrage (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/01/31/call-for-ofcom-probe-as-gordon-ramsay-s-240-f-words-cause-outrage-115875-21086756/)

Oh my days. Funniest thing I've read for ages. People watching a show where the chef is well-known for using strong language, and then ringing Ofcom to complain about it. That's what I call being a muppet. Using strong language isn't outrageous. Famine, war, children dying from preventable illness in their millions, that's outrageous. Human beings never fail to amaze me.

Apparently it's been really busy since the programme aired.

That will die down though I would imagine if it's not upto standard.

I read this thread with interest, and I was surprised to find this thread here in the Entertainment Section.

One thing I do know is that, it seems like you guys all know each other, and I don't think that you are doing your mate a favour by being so public about his business, and there are so many, so many comments here and there which refers to people's hair, or their standard as a working professional and so forth. If you are that good a mate of his, you should truly tell him so! You make him/her see the reality. There is no point by keeping your true opinions back when you see your mate going down the pan.

From some of the comments made, I do not think that the owner seems to know the restauranteur business. He should be out of it while the going is good. It is not an easy business, and there are so many areas to consider, and you also go with the flow. Not your ideal dream job. Cos reality and dream is a totally different thing. Everyone has to ride the waves. Even Gordon Ramsey. I am also sure that he cut his losses and actually did a lot of nasty things to get where he is today. i.e. stealing someone's clients when he left some establishment ?

I'd just like to point out two things:

Firstlly, we ate there when it was Runaway Girl and served tapas dishes and loved the food every time, and they won Best Bar Food Award in 2007 in the Sheffield Pub and Club awards.

Secondly, though I'm not saying it's a good practice, bulk-cooking in advance of basic meals is commonplace and hundreds of takeaways, cafes and restaurants will have buckets of sauces, cooked ingredients, dressings, dressed salads and the like, in fridges or on shelves, to use as components of the meals they send out to tables or to takeaway customers. I'm OK with that, but I thought Runaway Girl was sufficiently far up the quality chain that every dish would be cooked from scratch. However, I understand, given the financial pressures, why they did that.

Bulk cooking is not a common thing. You do cook, and you manage your supply chain pretty closely, so that you do not waste food. Hence, most things will and do cook from scratch and fresh. A good decent kitchen will know this, and manage it accordingly. Wasted food = wasted supply = wasted money. If you are bad at guessing numbers then you should be frugal and be prudent.

There are components which you do make to make things go faster, but you never ever do this if it means sacrificing the quality of the food. If you cannot bring yourself to eat the food, will you serve it to your customers? I cannot believe that I read that he re-heated food to sell to his customers. You may do this at home, if you wish to be frugal, but you never ever do this if it means bringing yourself a bad reputation as a restaurant. How can anybody risk this? If you do not have a good front of house. I would sack them. Finding good decent staff is not easy either. If you do not get someone that can do the job, then just move on and pay for someone who can do it, and will do it.

A lot of the decent businesses in Sheffield are run by families. Like Nonnas, who may have internal conflicts of their own, but at least they resolve it, and do not get into a bad state like a professional kitchen/ dining establishment. I have seen soooo many decent chefs in this city, only to be badly let down by their management. This is so bloomin obvious.

The amount of money charged is high, and the level of quality served in this city is actually not. David Blunkett is so darn right. You do not have to pay an arm and leg in anywhere else in this country to get a decent standard of food. It does not have to be posh, and nor is it snobby in any way at all. Diners in Sheffield is missing out. I would not pay 50 quid for a non-starred restaurant. Most people will be humble actually, and are not passing by trade and are vultures in this industry. Diners and foodies are not idiots. It is not people do not know their food, but people do not like to be ripped off either. It is very obvious.

all the food made when runaway girl was a tapas resturant, was preped on the day, i.e tortilla was all made fresh at 4 oclock like clock work, the reason why they were in tubs was because there was only two chefs, i challange anyone to prep for a busy sat night, when really you are short staffed, and not store any of it. Though it was never shown, there was a piece on camera, were richie explained this to gordan and he agreed, but like i said, for the purpose of the show it was edited out.

This is absolutely ridiculous. You do not have to justify yourself, and nor do you need to say your piece. I am sure that if the management can put money out to open a place, then this is their responsibility to manage and judge, as it is their business. If they do not know how a restaurant works, and the dynamics of a kitchen, then it is their money which will lose out in the end.

The TV program was done for a purpose and style. You should know that this is how it will turn out. It also is a chance to buy this so called restaurant a bit of prime time tv slot as well. If the management still charges and increased his charges when the credit crunch is here. Then he truly is not worthy of opening his own restaurant, as he gives the rest of the restauranteurs in this city a pretty bad name. If the credit crunch is here, then he should reassess his ingredients list, and change them and adapt to the time and money that it takes to make something. Then think of something even more creative to push that boundary.

If I find another supposed "fine dining" restaurant in this city which serves sausages at 10 quid a pop, I think I will scream. It does not show any creativity of the chef, and it is just mere lazy cooking! The Blue Room did this and charged a hell of a lot. I was not impressed, and I hope that many other fine-dining restaurants do not go down this route either. I am also sure that I can source even more higher quality sausages from down South for cheaper and of a higher quality.

We called in last night to get a table - and couldn't because it was fully booked, so it would appear that things are going well.

I look forward to eating there at some point.

Yeah, me too, sTaGeWaLkEr :) :thumbsup: I like the idea of meeting up with a few peeps from the forum at some stage as well, considering you're all strangers. :partyhat:

Yeah, me too, sTaGeWaLkEr :) :thumbsup: I like the idea of meeting up with a few peeps from the forum at some stage as well, considering you're all strangers. :partyhat:

Well keep your eyes peeled in 'Evenings' out' then. :thumbsup:

Is the show repeated or available to watch online?

I guess it might be on 4OD.

Is the show repeated or available to watch online?


If you go to the main channel 4 watch again page here (http://www.channel4.com/watch_online/) then on the free catch up box there is a white oblong box with a scroll arrow on the right hand side. You can scroll through all the programmes available on free catch up until you find the one you want which in this case is Ramsey's Great British Nightmare, then click on "Go" and you should end up on this link (http://www.channel4.com/video/brandless-catchup.jsp?vodBrand=ramsays-great-british-nightmare).

Then tick the box that says:

I confirm that I have read the Terms and Conditions, and that I am 18 years of age or older.

Then click on "Play episode" and a box will come up with the programme in.

If you go to the main channel 4 watch again page here (http://www.channel4.com/watch_online/) then on the free catch up box there is a white oblong box with a scroll arrow on the right hand side. You can scroll through all the programmes available on free catch up until you find the one you want which in this case is Ramsey's Great British Nightmare, then click on "Go" and you should end up on this link (http://www.channel4.com/video/brandless-catchup.jsp?vodBrand=ramsays-great-british-nightmare).

Then tick the box that says:

I confirm that I have read the Terms and Conditions, and that I am 18 years of age or older.

Then click on "Play episode" and a box will come up with the programme in.


Thanks!...

Anyone been for the 3 courses for £15 deal yet? I've heard from a workmate that it was pretty poor (much smaller portions, not such good quality ingredients). I went before Christmas and the food was gorgeous, but that was the a la carte menu.

Some cost cuttings are to be expected of course, but I don't want to go if it's rubbish. Anyone got a sample menu maybe? :confused:

Firstly, the owner didn't have a clue. He clearly thought he could give up his job and make it as some kind of big shot around town! This was shown when he completely messed up the service, despite the kitchen being in brilliant shape! The chef seemed so frustrated, it is no wonder he was shouting and swearing, I don't doubt that this was genuine emotion. Also, when he was crying because he was complimented by Gordon, this was genuine too.

Those saying it painted Sheffield in a negative light are wrong. It showed lots of nice scenes, hustle and bustle and lots of bars and restaurants. How is this negative? Plus, Gordon said about it being a large City, with a lot to offer.

If it was simply a television stunt, as has also been suggested- has this restaurant now not started to attract far more attention and draw in more crowds? YES. Those I know who eat out regularly, are considering and going to Silversmiths.

T.V Doesn't need to paint Sheffield in a Negative Light! It Can do it Itself :hihi:! Anyone see the Program about the Emergency Services in Sheffield covering the 2-2 Derby Match Plus other Local "Characters" about town!

The owner was a Daft Sod who needed Shaking up a bit and was clearly inexperienced in the field which he had chose to pursue so it was good to see Ramsay Finally Get through to Him! From what I saw in the Show it does look better now and the food does look good which is the Soul of Any Restaurant! Hopefully will get to go there at some point!

I agree with Unisol. I think that the show could have been a good opportunity to get some publicity for the independant restaurants around - especially Platillos and Cubanas who do tapas.

Why would they want to give publicity to other local independant restaurants? The only way Ramsay can prove that he's made a difference to Silversmiths is if it goes from strength to strength. If you're considering going there and then decide to go to Platillo's instead and give them a slice of your hard earned because of some publicity Gordon gave it, it's kind of going against the point of the programme.

I watched that programme the owner came over as a right tit , putting up the prices when the credit crunch hit, we went for a meal there one night and trust me I wish I hadn`t anyway rant over

...we went for a meal there one night and trust me I wish I hadn`t anyway rant overSince it changed?
Can you describe what in particular you were unhappy with??
I am interested in going at some point but very broke at the moment so don't want to come away wishing I'd gone somewhere else!

Since it changed?
Can you describe what in particular you were unhappy with??
I am interested in going at some point but very broke at the moment so don't want to come away wishing I'd gone somewhere else!

We was there last week and we would have been better getting a takeaway ...........We eat out all the time and this one wasn`t as good as it`s cracked up to be ......

We was there last week and we would have been better getting a takeaway ...........We eat out all the time and this one wasn`t as good as it`s cracked up to be ......
Can you be specific though?

Was the service poor?
Were the cuts of meat bad? Small portions? Badly cooked?
Were the vegetables not fresh?
etc...

Also did you tell them what you didn;t like.What seems to be part of the problem with restaurants that are pretty poor is that they have 'hardcore fan' customers who tell them how great it is, and the rest of us are too British to complain in an objective enough a way to make them see where they are going wrong. People seem to either rant and get overly angry, or just not want to complain!

We called in last night to get a table - and couldn't because it was fully booked, so it would appear that things are going well.

I look forward to eating there at some point.

Do you eat out everynight dear ??? :o

No wonder you're ..............in charge of the foodie meets !!

:hihi:

Also did you tell them what you didn;t like.What seems to be part of the problem with restaurants that are pretty poor is that they have 'hardcore fan' customers who tell them how great it is, and the rest of us are too British to complain in an objective enough a way to make them see where they are going wrong. People seem to either rant and get overly angry, or just not want to complain!So true! Like that other restaurant Ramsay was sorting out last week...
That pig headed owner was listening to his old regular 'blowing smoke up his ar5e' telling him that things were better before the new menu (that radioactive 'never goes off' lamb :gag:) but when it came to a cremated chicken breast he said "I bet it doesn't get sent back" :loopy: that should not be the basis for deciding whether something is OK or not!! I know I would probably not send something back if it was horrible - just never go there again!

So true! Like that other restaurant Ramsay was sorting out last week...
That pig headed owner was listening to his old regular 'blowing smoke up his ar5e' telling him that things were better before the new menu (that radioactive 'never goes off' lamb :gag:) but when it came to a cremated chicken breast he said "I bet it doesn't get sent back" :loopy: that should not be the basis for deciding whether something is OK or not!! I know I would probably not send something back if it was horrible - just never go there again!

tut tut! ;) I would always either send something back or make sure someone knew it wasn't up to scratch, but not to the extent of that person who sent back a well done steak cos of a bit of gristle!

That said, if its a combinantion of minor grumbles I prorbably wouldn't say anything unless they added up to really spoil an evening. Like not getting pudding - eh Stagey ;) :rolleyes:

tut tut! ;) I would always either send something back or make sure someone knew it wasn't up to scratch, but not to the extent of that person who sent back a well done steak cos of a bit of gristle!

That said, if its a combinantion of minor grumbles I prorbably wouldn't say anything unless they added up to really spoil an evening. Like not getting pudding - eh Stagey ;) :rolleyes:
I know :blush: but sometimes it's inappropriate and you'd rather just not bother. Two examples:

At a pub once I had lasagne, so badly microwaved from frozen that one end was welded to the plate and totally inedible, and the other was cold, and the cheese on top had never seen any kind of conventional heating. It was obvious then that they microwave all their food, so I couldn't be bothered to say anything, just never went back.

Another pub - my favourite place - always does amazing food. We took some friends there & one of the dishes (chicken & chorizo pie) was really disappointing taste-wise and also had a sharp little chicken bone in. That time it was worth saying something becasue we know how good their food is and how high their standards usually were, so knew they would want to know if there has been a balls-up ;)

The pie was still ten times better than that awful lasagne...

I know :blush: but sometimes it's inappropriate and you'd rather just not bother. Two examples:

At a pub once I had lasagne, so badly microwaved from frozen that one end was welded to the plate and totally inedible, and the other was cold, and the cheese on top had never seen any kind of conventional heating. It was obvious then that they microwave all their food, so I couldn't be bothered to say anything, just never went back.

Another pub - my favourite place - always does amazing food. We took some friends there & one of the dishes (chicken & chorizo pie) was really disappointing taste-wise and also had a sharp little chicken bone in. That time it was worth saying something becasue we know how good their food is and how high their standards usually were, so knew they would want to know if there has been a balls-up ;)

The pie was still ten times better than that awful lasagne...


Its a fair point, I see why you didn't bother in the first one! Unfortunately I get to eat mostly (but not completely fortunately) microwaved pub food once a week cos I meet with a group and we eat in the pub first - its middling quality, but I'm sure we could eat better for the money, but its convenient to eat there!

Anyhoo - not what this thread is about! naughty us!

Yep, back on track now - sorry all!

But I still want to get to the bottom of why pennycrayon & feargal's mate were disappointed.

Take for example these off the current 3 courses for £15 menu...
Starters: Smoked salmon and prawn in a light puff pastry case with fresh dill and caper dressing
Main Course: Finest leg of lamb, pan fried and roast, served on a puy lentil and pearled spelt risotto
Dessert: Chocolate bread and butter pudding served with passion fruit and raspberry cream

Now, forgive me but I just wanna run there RIGHT NOW! That sounds right up my street - I'm finding it hard to imagine what could go wrong there.
But I'm really broke at the moment and can't afford restaurant meals much so if we go out for Valentines Dinner I don't want to get something I could have made better myself...

Yep, back on track now - sorry all!

But I still want to get to the bottom of why pennycrayon & feargal's mate were disappointed.

Take for example these off the current 3 courses for £15 menu...
Starters: Smoked salmon and prawn in a light puff pastry case with fresh dill and caper dressing
Main Course: Finest leg of lamb, pan fried and roast, served on a puy lentil and pearled spelt risotto
Dessert: Chocolate bread and butter pudding served with passion fruit and raspberry cream

Now, forgive me but I just wanna run there RIGHT NOW! That sounds right up my street - I'm finding it hard to imagine what could go wrong there.
But I'm really broke at the moment and can't afford restaurant meals much so if we go out for Valentines Dinner I don't want to get something I could have made better myself...


I know, I thought the menu read really well too!

Yep, back on track now - sorry all!

But I still want to get to the bottom of why pennycrayon & feargal's mate were disappointed....
Well KatieB, just passing info on, but my friend had seen the menu before they went and thought it looked promising. However, she said that on the £15 menu, the broth was the only starter available, no salmon, nothing else. There were a couple of unappetising mains, and a couple of deserts, none of which floated their boat. The whole party ended up going a la carte, and then were quite shocked at the portion sizes (tiny pieces of meat and fish, very few veg/accompaniments, etc). The food tasted lovely, but there just wasn't enough to justify the high price.

There was also a fairly hefty service charge included on the bill, which wasn't clearly stated on the menu. :(

I hope it was just a one-off bad day.

Well KatieB, just passing info on, but my friend had seen the menu before they went and thought it looked promising. However, she said that on the £15 menu, the broth was the only starter available, no salmon, nothing else. There were a couple of unappetising mains, and a couple of deserts, none of which floated their boat. The whole party ended up going a la carte, and then were quite shocked at the portion sizes (tiny pieces of meat and fish, very few veg/accompaniments, etc). There was also a fairly hefty service charge included on the bill, which wasn't clearly stated on the menu. :(

I hope it was just a one-off bad day.Aah ;) I see what you mean now.
I would never choose a soup or broth on a night out either!

I just phoned them actually and they are fully booked for Valentines night anyway.

I am still tempted for the night before though... hmm...

Also did you tell them what you didn;t like.What seems to be part of the problem with restaurants that are pretty poor is that they have 'hardcore fan' customers who tell them how great it is, and the rest of us are too British to complain in an objective enough a way to make them see where they are going wrong. People seem to either rant and get overly angry, or just not want to complain!

I think people only have a Right to Complain if, They have been waiting for their food for over an hour and the Restaurant is very Quiet, Or if there was something blatently wrong with the Food I.E Undercooked, Cold, Overcooked etc.
If it's just not to their taste, or there is nothing obviously wrong with it they should keep quiet, and not make a very hard job even harder for the Kitchen Staff! Someone's made an real effort to provide you with nice food and you should be appreciative of it and not jump down their throat over the most insignificant thing!

Went tonight, had the 3 courses for £15.
Not lots of choice for that menu (2 starters, 3 mains, 2 desserts) but you can't expect too much for a £15 table d'hôte menu from anywhere this small and I happened to be very pleased with what my options were on this occasion.
May be worth people relying on this to ring ahead and check what will be available.

Food was good, service not that quick but they were pretty full and said they weren't expecting it to be quite that busy. I can see the kitchen needing the extra time to maintain standards but drinks were slow to come too and I couldn't see why that should be the case as there were plenty of waiting staff.

Care and attention to the food, along with decent ingredients came across and thus I will go back.

By the way Silversmiths is a restaurant, Surely it should be in the "Going out in Sheffield" forum with all the other restaurant topics not "Entertainment Chat".
Can an Admin move it please.

Went tonight, had the 3 courses for £15.
Not lots of choice for that menu...May be worth people relying on this to ring ahead and check what will be available.
Ooh I'm going tonight... a bit worried because we have booked a table for 9:15pm, so they may have run out of the best things by then!
What did you order last night & what would you recommend? :)

I refuse to go due to the chefs always slouching about outside during the day, sitting on the bins, smoking and washing the windows while wearing chef whites. Grim.

I think people only have a Right to Complain if, They have been waiting for their food for over an hour and the Restaurant is very Quiet, Or if there was something blatently wrong with the Food I.E Undercooked, Cold, Overcooked etc.
If it's just not to their taste, or there is nothing obviously wrong with it they should keep quiet, and not make a very hard job even harder for the Kitchen Staff! Someone's made an real effort to provide you with nice food and you should be appreciative of it and not jump down their throat over the most insignificant thing!

But people are talking about not going back somewhere because of whatever was wrong, so its clearly not insignificant. And its not always food so therefore not always the kitchen's fault.

Furthermore it may be that a meal wasn't to a customer's taste but they thought it would be because of how it was described on the menu. I wouldn't kick off about it or anything but I probably have a word and say that although the dish was fine it wasn't described very well on the menu, or at least not descibed in a way that actually gave you an impresison of the dish you were ordering.

Complaining isn't always about 'jumping down someone's throat' but about comminicating how your experience could have been better. Its then up to the manager to decide how to deal with that.

Ooh I'm going tonight... a bit worried because we have booked a table for 9:15pm, so they may have run out of the best things by then!
What did you order last night & what would you recommend? :)

Sorry, only just got chance to look on the forum so you should still be there at this point.
I ordered the shredded pheasant starter, Barnsley chop for main and the dark chocolate tart for dessert.
Hope they had plenty left for you.

Thought id has my say

Went to Silversmiths last night, went at 9pm very busy, no problems service & food was excellent.

With regards the menu, we opted for the 3 course £15 simply due to the fact things we wanted were on it. Somebody sat at the side of us did have the same dish but not on the £15 set meal and there was a bit more but nothing to cry about. For £15, 3 courses could not expect mountains of food.

Second visit both great would recommend silversmiths

Thought id has my say

Went to Silversmiths last night, went at 9pm very busy, no problems service & food was excellent.

With regards the menu, we opted for the 3 course £15 simply due to the fact things we wanted were on it. Somebody sat at the side of us did have the same dish but not on the £15 set meal and there was a bit more but nothing to cry about. For £15, 3 courses could not expect mountains of food.

Second visit both great would recommend silversmithsOoh I think I was there at the same time as you! We were booked in at 9:15pm on Friday night!

I had a lovely meal although we spent more than we intended - oops!
The £15 set menu on offer didn't tickle my fancy - soup followed by chicken - which sounded lovely but I really had the set menu from the website stuck in my head and really fancied seafood & lamb.

So we ordered a la carte...
For starters we had king prawns with cherry tomatoes on ciabatta - amazing! Soo tasty, massive plump juicy king prawns - yum!
I had home cured salmon which I think was probably the best I've ever had - so lovely that even OH liked it (and he hates supermarket smoked salmon) really soft, melt in the mouth - great flavour and lots of it.
I think both starters were £6 each and well worth it.
Mains were both lovely - barnsley chop and haddock. Both really tasty but it was the starters that were the real star of the night. I agree with others that there could have been more veg as I love plenty of veg with my meat... but I was nicely full after 2 courses and neither of us wanted pudding.
The venison sausages weren't on the menu :(

The service was really friendly and prompt etc - perfect waiting time for food, can't criticise a thing about that (and the restaurant was fairly full)

I think they add service on automatically and OH didn't spot this and added it on again! :( I didn't see the bill as I nipped to the loo, it was just as we were walking home that he mentioned it was more expensive than we were expecting... although silly him for not checking properly or keeping hold of the receipt!

All in all I had a lovely evening and great food... will definitely go back & check out 'pie night'!

Sorry, only just got chance to look on the forum so you should still be there at this point.
I ordered the shredded pheasant starter, Barnsley chop for main and the dark chocolate tart for dessert.
Hope they had plenty left for you.That starter & main were not on the menu the next night... so the menu changes every day then ;)

Me and our lass went down for pie night on Tuesday. Couldn't book ahead, as the voice mailbox was constantly full but they managed to squeeze us in on the back of a no-show booking.

Had an amazing Vodka Martini cocktail at the bar before being seated and our lass had a fabulous fresh Watermelon cocktail, handmade by a rather talented young barman.

Served with two Yorkshire puds with real home made gravey for starters, and the Venison Pies were on the table just before we finished the starters (which was more than acceptable, as we'd said we were starving). Ordered a bottle or Rose and hoped we'd have room for Coffee and chocolate finisher, but we simply had no room. Superb pie and gorgeous mash. Our lass finished her pie I was stunned that I couldn't finish ( i didn't think it'd be that filling but I was so wrong).

Expecting the bill to be about £60 in total, I was genuinley suprised when gaffer brought the bill and it said £49. As I'd figured we'd have been happy if the bill was £60, we chose to give 'em £60 and asked for no change.

I've tipped over a fiver before at other restaraunts when it's been pretty decent, but cracking service, quality, establishment and staff needs to be recognised.

We'll probably be back next week and we'll be back again the week after with a few friends too. .

Went last night for 'Pie Night', had the vegetarian pie (delicious) and tried my friend's venison one (also yummy). Service was good, we didn't wait long to be served nor did the food take long - the pie and mash was £8.50 and we had a lovely Chilean Suavignon Blanc for £12.00. I strongly recommend that people give it a go before writing off the place.

Been there, found the food ok but overrated and overpriced and didn’t like the service, my girlfriends felt pressured to order more drinks and the staff, especially the manager Justin kept coming back asking us if we wanted more drinks so it was uncomfortable. :(
We won’t be going back, try Walnut Club, Wig & Pen bar and restaurant instead!:thumbsup:

I replied to your other post on the same subject in another thread. However just in case you don't read it, I'll post it here too:

Emailed them about what? The fact that you found it overrated and overpriced? On the latter, perhaps you could check the prices on the menu before you go in. Regarding the former - Silversmiths is overrated by whom exactly? People who like it? Well you must admit they're entitled to their own opinion.
Or perhaps you emailed them to complain that they were giving you too much attention, personally I'd prefer that to being ignored all night.
I really don't understand your beef with the place based on what you posted. However I'm open to being enlightened....

That’s so sad eman grooving, are you genuine or do you work for Silversmiths or perhaps a family/friend? Responding to my post within 10 minutes of posting…that must be a record and you can’t be genuine, are you like an online marshall that is always watching to censor free speech or any posting that is true? And responding to my post with so much vitriol and sarcasm, well if you are genuine I feel really sorry for you, if you work for the restaurant or are associated with them or was associated with Runaway Girl, it shows the type of characters they are associated with. :suspect:

To enlighten you..i said we went there on a girl’s night out and what started as a good night was ruined. The food was average, but the service was bordering on harassment, we didn’t want any more drinks but felt pressured to order by the staff coming up and constantly advising (‘telling’) us what drinks we must try. I only wish Gordon Ramsey had told the Silversmiths people a little about customer service. We only went out for a girlie night out to enjoy ourselves, not to be harassed and encouraged (‘forced’) to buy things we didn’t want. :(

your not the rachel walker who works at the walnut club by any chance?

I went to Silversmiths about a month ago. The service was fine, not bad but I wasn't compelled to leave a tip. However, the food was excellent and really that's all I want from a restaurant.


also it looks a bit suspect that you have only just joined and find a thread 2 months old to slag off a business on your first post

My thoughts exactly. Suggesting other places to go too... sounds like a rival.



Why should I not email them? Sounds like you are an attention seeker who has a history of being ignored, ever tried calling The Samaritans, they may be able to help you.:help:

Sending an email to complain about service in a restaurant strikes me as a little pathetic, were the staff really that scary? If you had a problem with the food, service or bill, why not ask to speak to the manager after your meal?

No, I am NOT recommending the Walnut Club or any other restaurant or bar, I am telling you of my experience at Silversmiths. It was the manager who was one of the people who was also forcing us to buy drinks. :mad:

No, I am NOT recommending the Walnut Club or any other restaurant or bar


Erm....yes you did....

We won’t be going back, try Walnut Club, Wig & Pen bar and restaurant instead!:thumbsup:

Yes, I have had good experiences at other restaurants in Sheffield and there are many great places to try. It was implied that I work for the Walnut Club or Wig & Pen bar because I said to try these instead. I do not work for them or any restaurant or bar. My point was to try any place other than Silversmiths if you want a pleasant and memorable dining experience.

Finally! I've seen this on YouTube. I've been meaning to watch this show, just because it was about a local place.

I was really surprised at the programme's content, and was also actually quite moved by it. The fact that there is an individual who has a dream, and has a business, has a very supportive partner, and a very loyal friend who does his catering side of his business, this idiot (sorry, but if you are reading, then you are,) is a very lucky man indeed! I genuinely feel that the owner do not know this industry well, and I did feel sorry for him when he wanted to show Gordon Ramsey that he "did" have good reviews once upon a time. However, what he does not seem to know is that market conditions changes all the time. As an owner, you have the duty to yourself to keep your business above water, awards or no awards. Even Goron Ramsey was genuine and honest in the programme and mentioned that his restaurants closed. If it means losing all his restaurants in total, closing a few to reserve the cashflow is not a dumb thing to do! I do not think that anyone can predict the future, and if nobody can, then why would this owner think that what was yesterday's feedback and comments apply in today's current climate, or to be acceptable by tomorrow's diners?

I am actually quite excited by this place after I read the Sheffield Telegraph's review that it has "potential of foodie's dream". Well! What an accorlade. To be frank, I champion the Telegraph's writing more than the Star's. Martin Dawson is just a socialist at heart and not a true foodie by some of the comments which he comes out with at times in his reviews. Sometimes he does not even rate a place if he doesn't like the style of food, or that he is not knowledgable in that cuisine. Yes... I have been reading. ;)

I have read the comment that this used to be the jazz place with food. If this is that "111" place, then it should have gotten its act quicker a long long time ago. As the combination of decently priced food, with music in the city centre was not even available 4 or 5 years ago. I think Crystal really broke that mould. Now, the "music+decent food" combo seems to be saturated in the city centre. As you now have Crystal (didn't they serve food too?), Sylvester's, Sanctuary (they tried), The Ivory... Maybe they should now focus on being that little bit more different in their menu choices and competitive in pricing? I still cannot believe that a Sheffield restaurant without any star by AA, or the Michelin Guides can charge on the same pricing band as a starred restaurant. I think that this is taking the mick. Truly.

I am actually looking forward to dining there, since now they are doing the same style of 15 pounds for 3 courses, just like the Blue Room. On a Saturday too. I am also gobsmacked by the expensive prices of their a la carte. I do not know who writes and calculates their a la carte menu, but they should quit while they are ahead. If you cannot sustain your suppliers, then don't put it on the menu. If anything, in a small business like this, they should have a rotating menu to use fresh ingredients all the time. Just like the Ivory's. At least it ensures that you do not waste food, and your suppliers are able to keep up with you, and stock for a monthly basis. ;)

I like their pie menu idea, and I hope that they would continue to be rotating the style of pie choices each time. I hope their services are getting better though. :hihi:

Richie is no longer the chef

"I am actually quite excited by this place after I read the Sheffield Telegraph's review that it has "potential of foodie's dream". Well! What an accorlade. To be frank, I champion the Telegraph's writing more than the Star's. Martin Dawson is just a socialist at heart and not a true foodie by some of the comments which he comes out with at times in his reviews. Sometimes he does not even rate a place if he doesn't like the style of food, or that he is not knowledgable in that cuisine. Yes... I have been reading."

If you want to insult me please do me the honour of getting my name right. It's Martin Dawes. Look, I've only been doing this job 20 years so I haven't got the hang of it yet, OK?

Richie is no longer the chef

I wonder what the food is like now ?

Please give me your review.

Slow service but good food when it arrived... 7/10