The Swan Inn, Tockington

Such a real shame as on first appearances we thought we were in for a real treat. Reasonablly priced bar and the menu look varied and interesting. Great care has gone into the decoration and the wood burning stove was lovely.
It was all down hill after the arrival of the starters though unfortunately! The staff had advised that the soup of the day was mushroom so when 3 bowls of green coloured soup turned up we were slightly concerned - however after the waiter confirmed this was infact pea soup, we carried on regardless. The 4th of our party opted for the scallops which can be described as over priced and over cooked.
The mains were even more of a let down and its not often we complain but on this occassion all 4 mains had to be sent back. The 10oz rib eye steaks (�12.95) were ordered as medium rare and came out well done, and were most definitley not rib eyes (more like stewing steak), the Steak and Kidney pudding was ICE cold in the middle and the Vegetable Wellington was a disappointing empty mass of puff pastry with one slice of courgette and a smearing of tinned tomatoe.
When theses issues were pointed out the very rude and surly waitress, asked 'what was she supposed to do about it' with no apology or attempt to make amends.
Due to the waitresses attitude we sent back and cancelled all of the mains and then overheard the waitress having a very loud conversation with the bar staff about the 'awkward table sending back meals' - very professional!
On settling our drink and starters bill at the bar we were offered no apology or compensation, but the sarcastic waitress did say she 'hoped we enjoyed our meals'.
The Swan Inn is most definately trying to be something its not, the food can not match up to its setting.
We then went on and had an absolutely fantastic meal at The Priory in Portbury, which we would highly recommend to anyone!!!

25 Oct 2010 12:24