Dining at Pétrus – Wood v inspectors

The following are some of the e-mails circulated among AA inspectors and AA managing director Roger Wood about their respective views of Pétrus.

Roger Wood, managing director of the AA, 21 March 2002:
"Having surveyed Pétrus prior to the dinner I planned next Monday, I was most unimpressed - staff were hardly courteous, it seemed like a poseur's restaurant, extremely expensive and I thought the ambience was lacking."

Chief inspector David Young, 4 April 2002:
"[Inspector] Jayne Wyatt [and I] enjoyed two technically faultless, accurately cooked and classical meals. My lunch was under £30, a real bargain. Service was attentive, knowledgeable and courteous without being obsequious. Pétrus remains a serious contender for promotion from four rosettes to five rosettes."

Roger Wood, 4 April 2002:
"I, and some other executives, visited Pétrus again - of all the upmarket restaurants I have used, this must be the least desirable and the least likely to be used by members/public."

Senior inspector visit, 22 April 2002:
"A quite stunning meal. Underpinned by classic combinations and outstanding technical skills, the flavours were a joy, the combinations of textures and tastes were delightful and the several small surprises did not jar or confuse.

"The winning factors were the superb balance of the flavours, well-judged in conception and then in execution, an adroit and teasing restraint, fabulous depth of flavour, but not at the expense of one flavour dominating, or of heaviness of result. Service was impeccable.

"In the formal division, this must now be the best restaurant in the UK/London. Recommended increase from four to five rosettes."