The Kings Arms Hotel, Buckfastleigh

Had the misfortune to visit this pub with a group including 2 young children in mid September 2010. First question we were asked by the landlord was "are we the group with the dogs?". Clearly "no" was the wrong answer here as from that point we were not made to feel welcome at all. It seems there is some sort of anti family attitude here despite the menu outside the pub stating children can dine within.
After getting a round of drinks in (and being made to feel like the most demanding customer for asking for a blackcurrent juice for my 4 year old daughter) we sat round our chosen table still giving this place the benefit of the doubt (just) and trying to decide what to order. During this time 2 things happened - first off we were quite curtly told to keep our children within the area we were sat (this was a small area containing 3 or 4 tables). Secondly the landlord walked past the table, leaned across everyone saying "I've just got to check something" before grabbing a menu and slithering off to the kitchen.
At this point we decided to leave. I should add the "group with the dogs" had by now turned up and the landlord could not have done enough for them, being friendly and chatty.
If you come here with a family then be prepared to be treated like a pariah.

26 Sep 2010 19:26