The Kings Arms, Rotherfield

Recently had a meal for 6 in this pub after recommendations from friends. 2 meals were good, 2 were ok and two were disappointing (not good).

Service was slow and out of sync with the meal - i.e. despite ordering drinks, wine not appearing until 1/2 way though first course and then having to be requested again

But the worst thing about the whole thing was the level of noise coming from the bar area; to the extent that one could not hear people at the same table in the restaurant. Turns out that the worst offender was the publican himself who had 15-20 of friends in and was himself shouting jokes at the top of his voice. Also, one of his friends being chased by a girl around the restaurant because he had stolen her shoe - after all who cares about those in the restaurant because one gets the impression they are only there on sufferance.

This pub seems to be run for the benefit of the publican and his mates to the exclusion of paying restaurant customers. Frankly until the pub changes its ways or sorts out this issue probably worth giving it a miss

10 Apr 2010 08:37