The Idle Hour, Barnes

First things first - the service here is literally awful. One member of staff is employed to look after the bar, take orders, serve food, answer the phone etc etc whilst the trustafarian manager merely sits around at the bar getting drunk with his mates seemingly not giving a damn or lifting a finger to help. I was waiting at the bar for 5 minutes just to ask for a menu as the poor waitress was worked off her feet. Recognising the manager, I expected him to step up... or at least point out that I was waiting. Did he...

Obviously money isn't an issue for him, as said manager seems to have no regard as to running of his bar. On tonight's visit all of the ale's were off, and I could only see one or two largers/ciders which didn't have a glass over the pump. Never seen anything like it.

A group of six arrived, and after a great palava of moving one of the customers from his table (as the manager had mis-recorded the booking for four only and therefore had to make room), the poor waitress was forced to literally apologise to every one of the group as most of the menu was off! Ribs - off. Tuna - all out. No crab. Coleslaw - ran out. Terrible, terrible, terrible - I wanted to hug the poor waitress, and spared her the extra work of asking for a drink by going dry.

When my particular food arrived - vension - it was tough as old boots and very very small considering it's price. My girlfriend had the (only) vegie option which was uninspiring and bland, to say the least. I ordered a lemonade and lime and got a soda and lime, my girlfriend ordered an orange and cranberry juice and got orange only. We asked for bread, it never arrived.

There is, however, one re-deeming feature of this pub - the roasts... IF you can get a booking. Just don't ask for a drink... Oh and be prepared to either have to sit by the toilets or get moved if the manager doesn't think you're as important as the rich accents that have just walked in.

Good food used to make up for the unbelievably bad service, however, after tonight's experience I'm not going to be going back. If you go - please spare a thought for the solitary member of staff who the lazy manager has somehow convinced to work there.

23 Nov 2009 00:02