The Robin Hood, Rowlands Castle

Having booked a table for a Friday lunchtime for my wife, my brother-in-law visiting from Australia and me, we drove from Southsea to collect the the fourth member of our party, a family friend in Hayling Island. We arrived on time at 1:00 p.m. to be told, with a weak apology, that the kitchen was closed. When asked why, we were told that the staff were not at work. One girl said that she had tried to 'phone us and had left a message, but this was 30 minutes before our arrival. However, as we surveyed the empty restaurant area, it was apparent that they decided to save money by not opening the kitchen, which wasn't denied. This is a fine example of declining standards evident today!

7 Apr 2010 11:24

The Robin Hood, Rowlands Castle

I booked a table at the Robin Hood the day before for 1.00 Friday lunchtime, for four people - my wife and I (Southsea), an elderly friend (Hayling Island) and our brother-in-law (Southsea)visiting from Australia, following his wife's - my sister's - demise. It was ideal time to get together and catch up.
We arrived on time to be told, "Sorry. No food today. The kitchen is closed". No explanation why from the staff, just an apology. However, the tables were empty throughout the pub so we assumed that, because of a poor turnout, the management decided to close the kitchen to save on expenses.
A Robin Hood employee said that she 'phoned and left a message about 12:30 but, bearing in mind our circuitous route, we had obviously left before it was received. So, embarrassed and with our two guests, we had to try and find an alternative venue.
The situation with the Robin Hood is typical of the greedy, heartless businesses that are rife in England today. And what will my comments achieve? Nothing! They will be picked up via the internet after this is posted and probably scrubbed out. Let's wait and see...

Tom Ponsford

3 Apr 2010 18:54