Guest User
March 10, 2024
I took my wife and our two sons for a Mother's Day celebration the evening before (an 8pm booking as they only had this or 8.30pm left), but, unfortunately, our experience wasn't good. While the food was passable (not the high standard we've experienced here in the past), the lack of coordination in serving our meals was disappointing. After over 45 minutes waiting for our food, the first two dishes, which weren't piping hot, arrived. Then we waited another 5 minutes for one more dish and 5 minutes for the final dish. One of the reasons to go out for a meal is to eat it together, so we waited until all meals were served meaning some already luke warm food was cold. The food itself was okay, and the portions were big, but it was just on par with average pub food and I feel it didn't reflect the prices. To make the experience worse, after finishing our main courses, we eagerly anticipated indulging in some desserts. However, it seemed like all of the servers had disappeared and we waited 20 minutes before finally seeing anyone in the dining area, and flagging them down. When we finally managed to request dessert menus, we were then left waiting indefinitely without any acknowledgment from, or sight of, the staff. Frustrated, and with two boys becoming tired, we reluctantly made the decision to leave without dessert. We had to fight our way to the bar (not because it's busy but because there's nowhere else for people just drinking to sit) to pay. When we told the server who was now behind the bar with all the other servers (they weren't all needed there) why we were leaving without dessert, she just shrugged and said, "we're busy". It's disheartening that what was supposed to be a special occasion ended on such a disappointing note due to the restaurant's lack of attentiveness and organisation. We had hoped for a nice family meal but it was disappointing. I won't be back soon. We're from out of the area but I have made several visits with family and for business. As a result of this experience I'm now thinking of cancelling a booking next week at the sister pub, The Recruiting Sargeant as I'm concerned once-high standards in this chain have slipped.