The Duke (of York), Holborn

I was so annoyed with my evening at this pub that I just had to sign up to this website to tell it upon the mountain! - and to make things worse, I only stopped here an hour! - Maybe they were having an off day?

My night there began at around 9pm, I found the place really, really busy, upon going into the pub I was confronted by a short dark haired man, - whom I assumed was the landlord, as he seemed too officious to be serving behind the bar....I think he was looking after the restaurant side of the bar. He asked myself and my colleagues 'What do you want?' I found this question demanding, agressive and thoroughly unpleasant. Anyway, - I put that aside and answered 'A drink'. His reply was as follows 'Well you have to go next door, its as simple as that'.

This should have really given us the full picture of what to expect from this pub, and we should have known better in staying. As you can assume things didn't get much better when trying to get served. The bar staff seemed slow and inefficient, and once at the bar, I was passed over for being served about 4 times, with people that had been stood behind me getting served before me. When I mentioned this to the staff all I got was 'Well if you don't like it you can leave'. I appreciate they were probably under pressure to serve, but realistically I found the answer thoroughly unprofessional.

I didn't say anything, - I just placed my order and was handed back my change in such way that left me picking up some of my change, from the beer soaked bar.

In all my time living in London, I can safely say that I have never been treated as poorly as I was, that night. I work around the Lamb's Conduit / Russel Square and when people ask wheres a good place to drink....I tell them where isn't first.

I really hope nobody decides to go there.

On up side I'll give it a few points for decor, but thats about it

31 Jan 2011 22:47