please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
My wife had visited this ‘gastro’ pub twice before with a female friend and had enjoyed their meals. She encouraged me to try the place as a birthday treat. Although only three real ales were available, I thought them a reasonable offer for the modest drinker. All of the management and staff were very friendly and welcoming.
When shown to our table I discovered my paper napkin and all the placemats were glued to the table surface due to inadequate cleaning. I was dumfounded by the incredible number of items available from the printed menu. Even more so as the menu is supplemented by even more items on two very full “specials” chalkboards at opposite ends of this gastro-pub. None of the items on either board was duplicated on the other, so a stroll between the two boards was necessary. Unfortunately all three of us were disappointed with our meals. My ham hock was swimming in a flood of sauce, with a mound of mash, which together threatened to pour of the plate at the slightest disturbance. .
Although not a total fan of Gordon Ramsay you can’t help but admire the man’s business acumen and his common sense approach to failing restaurants. An incredibly long menu is one of his big “do not’s”. Unless the place is crammed full every night, perhaps they might consider simplifying the menu and focus on a few strengths of freshly prepared items. A shame as first impressions were good.
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Was ignored at the bar when I tried to order drinks. Staff appear to concentrate on their restaurant clients, rather than those who just came to the pub for a few drinks.
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More a restaurant than a pub and always a good atmosphere, friendly service and excellent food. Present owners have had a very successful first year (they were once at The Crown, Burchetts Green which they also made a great success). Not cheap , nor should it be, but well worth a visit and booking advised especially at the weekends. Definitely not a place for dickheads.
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We visited the Old devil between xmas and the new year and again in early Jan 2008, the food and hospitality were simply great!. We were made to feel welcome, The menu, the food and the service were all highly commendable. Would i go back? Well its Valentines day soon and i'm expecting to fight my way in to get a table!! Be considerate to your hosts and they will always treat you with respect, its a shame some other reviewers seem to have lost the plot!
A nice place, warm friendly welcome etc -see you there!
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In common with the previous reviewer, I found the staff manners to be lacking somewhat. In fact Sarah Larner, the owner/ chef, called me a "Dickhead with no life" when I asked her where her Partridges came from.
So despite the food being generally good (although a little rich and slow to arrive) I would not advise visiting a place with so little respect for ingredients and their provenenance, and so little respect for customers from no less than the caustic and apparently deranged owner.
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Extensive menu and though relatively expensive, food was excellent. Pub favourites like sausages & mash and chill were well presented and tasted super. Only criticism was that service was not that friendly. Good choice of ales and well kept. Recommended.
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Although the refurbishment is nice the food is very average. A real triumph of style over substance. all the food is served on trangular plates with lots of eye candy salad.
Only one veggie option- a tiny pile of penne and roast veg for £10! the hollandaise with the starter was like custard and the balsamic sauce was sweet as treacle.
Considering the prices I feel a bit cheated. the meat dishes my companions had were ok but anywhere else would be much cheaper. I will not be going back.
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Now re-opened as a "gastro pub". Very tasteful redecoration, still serve a decent pint.
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Reopened after redecoration, etc.
Not been in there, though.
anonymous - 30 Jan 2007 16:36 |
Looks to be shut.
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I stayed here last week and was very impressed, the food was truly Excellent(serving real vegetables not frozen!) I would reccommend the Lamb Shank as one of the best I have ever tasted. A family run business which was really friendly. a big choice of Real Ales all with the Cask Marque.
A Lovely garden with a kids play area, and big car park.
I even brought my wife back on Sunday for the Roast dinner, which was great value at £7.95.
I will deinately be returning.
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Superb food in a cosy setting. Service is prompt and friendly. Seemed a bit steep (£1.60) for a can of coke though. Other than that well worth the visit.
emma - 5 Sep 2004 11:16 |
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