we wandered down to try the bedford early evening last saturday night, without a booking, and snaffled the last available table. the place was buzzing, and it had a nice busy vibe without being overly loud or hectic. our waitress who was very pleasant and welcoming explained how the system works, to tick the boxes on the laminated menu card with a marker pen etc, and we ordered in due course. i had the veggie balls with pesto and parmesan, and my husband had the beef balls with spicy tomato and parmesan, plus a side of onion rings washed down with the steaming copper kettle cocktail pitcher. the food came in a timely fashion, the service from our waitress and all the otherstaffwe engaged with was welcoming and very friendly. ok the food might be simple, but it was good. i don't think it was particularly overpriced, it depends on your out look. i like having the option of small meals, and i enjoyed the overall experience and ambience and would most definitely go back again. since when has ponsonby dining been all about quantity anyway? go to valentines or denny's if that's what is most important to you.