The Exchange Inn, Hove

This pub recently re-opened after a much needed refurbishment. It looks great, and the food is excellent. However, since re-opening the bar staff have become increasingly cold, unwelcoming and generally quite rude - almost as if they think they are doing you a favour by serving you. I received no apology from them when my order for bread and oils went astray. I ended up waiting an hour and whilst the chef profusely apologised in person, there was not even an acknowledgement from the barman that took the order.

The drinks are overpriced compared to other pubs in the area, although the Happy Hour prices are great value (if you can cope with the service without a smile).

The atmosphere is somewhat lacking. The same background music has been playing each time I've been there.

When it re-opened, it was advertised as "What Hove has been waiting for" and I am still trying to figure out exactly what that is. It's not the sort of place to pop into for a quick pint after work (no bar stools at the bar – despite a menu offering bar snacks as well as mains), and it's certainly not the place to spend an evening with a group of friends (there are only a few comfy/cushioned chairs - the rest are bum-numbing hard-backed wooden chairs or uncomfortable stumpy stools). It seems to be the sort of place to meet up before moving on somewhere else. Sports wise - sometimes they show football, sometimes they don't, and it's lost the atmosphere it used to have during the big matches.
It doesn't have the gastronomy of The Connaught or the Ginger Pig (or the cost!). Personally, if I'm in the mood for a pub meal, I tend to go The Bell, The George Payne, or even The Slug & Lettuce, purely because the staff are always so friendly, welcoming & helpful. The lavatories are a heck of a lot better in these places as well (The Exchange may have redecorated their loos, but the same old issues remain!)

If I was rating the food alone, I'd give 8 out 10 as it has been consistently good and there is a varied choice. Unfortunately, due to the persistently declining attitude of the staff, this rating needs to be a 3.

7 Mar 2013 14:34