BITE user comments - VillageResident
Comments by VillageResident
The Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates
I used to love this place. You could relax with a warm welcome, good quality, if sometimes quirky food, excellent beer and fantastic location. Our dog and children were always welcomed. Then over the last 5 or 6 years, they seem to have had pound signs lighting up their eyes, which in turn has led to the ruination of this friendly pub. This is no longer a pub. It is a restaurant more concerned with the idea of trendy, overpriced food (even by home counties standards) than it is with the comfort and relaxation of patrons. When the sports car brigade have got bored of the "jus/foam/everything with coriander" style cooking and moved on, I only hope those looking for a genuine lakeland pub will find they are once more welcomed and catered for. Don't get me wrong, I love fine dining and in the lakes if you can go in with your boots on, accompanied by dogs & kids and enjoy a good beer and have some pretty fancy food, all in one place - excellent. Why does it have to be one way or the other? The DD no longer manages this balancing act and unless there is a major change in attitude, we will not be returning.
22 Oct 2009 16:35
You would think a Harvester, by definition, would do a good steak or mixed grill. Not so. I had a mixed grill that was so overcooked (in fact burnt) that the meat could not be cut, even with a steak knife. I picked up some of the meat and tapped it against my plate to see how hard and unpliable it was. Let's just say I feared for the plate.
When asked to change the dish, the staff were very unhappy and the plate came back with the same chips and veg on, all dried up and inedible. They did not even plate me up a fresh lot of chips and veg. My husband's steak was cremated even though he'd asked for rare. The chips were those style that are full of promise, but when you bite in, you find they are full of fresh air.
All in all, very poor food and unhelpful staff. I don't know how they are still trading, unless their custom consists mostly of parents who are too nervous to take their children into a decent pub/restaurant. Won't be going back.
22 Oct 2009 15:46
Appalling service, dire food and filthy dirty. If that's your idea of a good night out, enjoy. We decided to give it a second try after a poor evening the first time and it was worse.
They could not get the food order right and were very surly when we asked them to correct things. We waited well over an hour for our incorrect meals to arrive. When we finally got the food we had ordered, it was not cooked properly (one of our dishes had ice crystals in the middle) and after sending back the second time we realised we were on a hiding to nothing and left. The place needs a complete change of staff, a deep clean and a fresh attitude.
22 Oct 2009 15:36
When we went, the food was acceptable but nothing exceptional. Wouldn't call it value for money as I have had better pub food for less. However, they were very busy and the staff were less than helpful and friendly as a result. When they got our food order wrong, we waited an interminable length of time and were dealt with by staff who clearly felt we were in the wrong for pointing out their error. Then they got our food order wrong a second time and we left after the main course, vowing not to return. What a pity, as it is convenient and could be a really good place to visit with a bit more staff training and a better chef.
22 Oct 2009 15:28
The Thatchers Arms, Mount Bures
I went to a Christening reception here some 6 or 7 years ago and the food, ambience and decor were dire. I'm happy to say that situation is now quite reversed. Food is good quality, locally sourced and nicely cooked. The fish & chips, the BLT and the steaks all superb. The chips are lovely, fresh and crisp. I have special dietary needs and they were cheerfully accommodated as far as possible. The sticky toffee pudding is to die for, served with a lovely ice cream speckled with vanilla. Welcome is friendly and helpful. Beers nicely kept. Highly recommended.
22 Oct 2009 15:21
Excellent pub run by hardworking folk who deserve to do well. Always a really warm welcome. Beers kept well and nice choice.
Food is simple, but quality ingredients, very well cooked. Steaks good, salad fresh. Ham, Eggs & Chips wonderful. Who could ask for more from a small country pub? Will keep going back and recommending to others.
22 Oct 2009 15:10
Bob's pies are pretty good, but the rest of the food is not up to much. Looks like they trying to be trendy & clever, but the quality of the ingredients and of the cooking does not fulfill the promises. Waiting staff in restaurant are friendly. Bar staff not always as welcoming as one would like.
Decor updated nicely, which was long overdue, but cleanliness is a real issue. All in all, was okay, but won't be rushing back. Better food and welcome at the Dolphin in Stisted and the Thatchers in Bures.
22 Oct 2009 15:03
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The Chequers, Great Tey
New Licensees over the last year have made a real difference. A friendly welcome, clean & tidy. Food is typical pub food, but certain things are well done, such as homemade pies & puds. Good guest beers. Toilets could do with updating, but otherwise all is ok. Is now a nice place to visit again. Nice atmosphere.
11 Feb 2012 22:33