George Inn, Bathampton

I have just returned from a ghastly Sunday lunch experience. Firstly, every last bit of character has been knocked out of this pub which I used to enjoy visiting. Secondly, my husband was told when he enquired about going on the waiting list for lunch that the list was closed. Funny that, as I asked five minutes later, and was put on the waiting list, as was every one else who asked at that point, but then, I am white and he is black.

After about a fifty minute wait we were found a table, but we were not made to feel welcome, and I can honestly say, I�ve never felt more unwelcome. We ordered large Sunday lunches, which according to the menu included two yorkshire puddings, as well as extra beef, roast potatoes, mash, and vegetables. We were given two yorkshire puddings, TWO roast potatoes each, and most possibly the most dreadful beef I have ever eaten-hardly edible, stringy and tough.
The young waiter who served us was most apologetic when I pointed this out, and he himself admitted that if we had received the large dinners they would have come on a large, oval plate. When he mentioned this to the manager, and fairly deducted payment I heard the manager say, �Well, at least we�ve got some payment out of them.� The inference was that he expected us to run away before paying or something like that. I would like to know why we were not told that we could not have the large dinner as advertised, but it is clear that if I had not queried it, I would have paid the full amount.
I do understand that places are busy, and that it is always sensible to book, but in the present economic climate I am surprised that seven people can be treated so shabbily. Normally, I wouldn�t think race has anything to do with it, but as there were three black people in my party, and we were basically told to go away in the first instance, I have to say, that I think this certainly goes some way to explain why we were treated so badly-I would hate anyone else to suffer the same experience.
I own two homes, one in Bath and one in London, and I can�t remember the last time I had such a dreadful meal experience, and felt compelled to write this review to warn others.

8 Jan 2012 17:27