The King Edward VII, Stratford

What a shame, this used to be a rare find in the pub desert of Stratford, but no more. The pub changed hands shortly before the Olympics and the initial handover didn't go well. There was a severe lack of stock on occasions and the staffing was a shambles. However, they seemed to have sorted things out lately.
On a recent Sunday evening visit, things had deteriorated to such an extent that we shall not be going there again anytime soon.
The food prices had been inflated in what I assume to be a cynical attempt to exploit the new clientele in the area, possibly visiting the local Westfield shopping centre and on the look out for a half decent pub. A wild mushroom risotto turned out to be a meagre portion of fried ordinary mushrooms added to some pre-cooked rice. The price astonishingly near £12. A burger, supposedly sold with coleslaw, turned up with so few strands of the stuff that it was later found hiding in shame in the bottom of the bun.
The service at the bar was at best poor, at least one of the people serving was having real difficulties with the english language. Not unusual in the area, it's part of the charm of the place, but this was beyond a joke.
The manager really shouldn't be in the business, He used to be humorous in a Fawlty Towers sort of manner, now he's just sullen.
It's sad, it was almost a good pub. I think it's only a matter of time before this enterprise prices itself out of the market and then applies, like so many, to convert to "luxury" apartments, close to transport, shops and sadly, no decent pubs.
All rather cynical, I feel. Do yourselves a favour, if you need a decent beer, then Tap East in the Westfield centre is the place to go. Expensive, little ambience, but good drinking.

16 Mar 2013 12:15