The Criterion, Leicester

It's difficult to be too negative about this pub but at times that's how I feel about the place.
It's a great little boozer and considering the range of beers and the fact that it's a city centre pub it's one of the few places I drink in in the centre of Leicester.
When the bar is quietly ticking over everything is fine but things take a dramatic turn for the worse when it get's a bit busy. Getting to the bar is difficult because of the amount of bar stools that are occupied by folk who find it a chore to give you enough space to order a beer. This means you're standing behind these people and the chances of the bar staff spotting you are slim especially if they're anywhere near the kitchen end of the bar.
Last week I waited 5 minutes at the crowded bar while a chap (apparently the gaffer) chatted to friends while collecteing glasses. He then went down to the kitchen area, dropped off the glasses and stood at the end of the bar chatting to someone else despite there being three people including myself waiting to be served. Eventually a female member of staff appeared and saved the day but it was all too late for the group of six people who couldn't be bothered to wait as long as me and walked out again.
Like I've said, this is a great little boozer but it just needs an injection of life behind the bar. If the service is improved by certain members of staff this place would work much better.

26 May 2008 12:18