The Old Spring, Cambridge

What an appalling experience. The service was curt and abrupt with the staff acting like some form of demi-gods in their private space. Couldn't care less about the customers who had the temerity to interfere with their gossiping. Waited 5 minutes (at least) to be served in a quarter full bar. The girl who served me didn't even speak. A quick glance whilst chatting to one of her friends with the conversation continuing whilst pouring our drinks.

God awful beer, didn't even try the food (a person next to me had some concoction which looked like they had drained the nearby river). Avoid at all costs.

3 Apr 2011 18:06

The Fort St George, Cambridge

My three adult children wanted to organise a large family Mother's Day treat for myself and their two grandmothers. As we live in Cambridge we wanted a large pub in which the 20 of us wouldn't feel like we were hogging the place. We wanted a good view and the ability to eat outside if the good weather stayed the extra day. We also wanted to spend the afternoon together rather than just going for a meal and leaving.

Incredibly, this was difficult in Cambridge. My husband and I did a recce all last week visiting lots of sites. There were lots of drinking pubs (in, have a drink and leave) and lots of pubs which did food (eat up and let's be on our way), but none where 20 diners could feel comfortable sitting and enjoying the outside ambience.

As we were about to give up, not being impressed with the curt atmosphere at the Old Spring. a local suggested we looked over the river at the St George. As soon as we crossed the footbridge we knew that we had hit the jackpot.

A lovely outdoor seating area overlooking the river. Easily accessible toilets and plenty of time to enjoy our afternoon. We sat there for four hours, no one rushed us away and we felt really welcome. The food was a carvery which was easy to get to and tastey. The staff were helpful and the (reddish tinged haired) lady who served us was polite throughout.

A critism. Why don't they wear name badges. I would like to write and thank them personally for making our mothers day a real treat, but I don't know who they are! 10/10 for everything. Next year ... there again.

3 Apr 2011 17:49