The Lamb Inn, Sutton

What can I say - absolutely awful!

We called in for Sunday Lunch - there was nobody behind the bar to serve - eventually a lady appeared about 6 minutes later (this was the Landlady) she offered no apology simply advised that if we wanted food there was a bit of a delay. We asked how long as there were only 3 other tables - 1 already had its food the 2 tables (one party of 3 people the other was a couple) were the only other people waiting. The landlady went to check and advised us it would be 20 minutes - this seemed very reasonable so we went ahead and ordered.

We ordered two of the two course Sunday lunches and a burger with wedges for our son. Our soup arrived - mine was stone cold - seems it was put in the bowl but the chef (Landlord) had forgotten to heat it up! It arrived the second time - it was described as 'creamy' parsnip - more like pureefied baby food with half a bag of sugar disgusting - I did not eat it and was not looking forward to my main course.

About 45 minutes later our main meals arrived - we were lost for words. We were not given cutlery, napkins or any condiments, when we asked for some the landlady instructed her (7 or 8 year old) son to get these for us. He 'banged down' some cutlery but nothing else.

My son had the burger with wedges - the bun was solid and burnt - there were plenty of wedges albeit they were very very over cooked, he also had onion rings (at least that�s what we assumed they were) they were burnt to a solid crisp - and hollow!!

My turkey.... it was 3 round slices - I have never seen a 'round' turkey in my life. It was meant to be accompanied with Parment Potatoes and vegetables - it arrived with tiny square potato pieces, which had clearly been deep-fried to a crisp looked very much like the scrapings from the bottom of a deap fat fryer and solid vegetables. My husbands welsh lamb chops looked like 3 little pieces of fat placed on top of the parsnip soup I had sent back which was described as 'creamy mashed potatoes'.

At this point we decided enough was enough - we got up and advised the landlady we would not be continuing with our meal, as it was appalling - we offered, reluctantly, to pay for the 2 soups. The Landlord then appeared from his kitchen and decided to point out that he totally disagreed with us and that his food was perfect - I really don't think he has any idea of what good quality cooking is - he was quite aggressive towards us and as he was a large stocky gentleman we felt quite intimidated by him - he instructed his wife to take our money for the soup.

During our visit we were not the only people to complain the only other 3 tables also passed comments / complaints to the landlady.

I would strongly suggest that this pub employs more staff and a qualified, competent chef! Also a lesson in customer service would be advisable for both the landlady and landlord - give this pub a very wide birth - keep walking down the road until you reach the highly recommended 'Olde Kings Head'.

26 Oct 2009 15:38