The King William IV, Heydon

We were regular visitors to the King William IV before we had our children 6 years ago and always found the food to be outstanding. So we were really looking forward to returning to celebrate 20 years since our first date � we were somewhat disappointed.

We were virtually sat on the same table as the couple next to us and had quite a loud party sat to the side of us � hardly the romantic setting we were hoping for.

The starters (crab & prawn cocktail and shredded beef) were fine � not outstanding but fine. My main course of pork came with frozen veg (not what I had expected for �14.95) and my hubby�s� Wok Fried Tiger Prawns and Scallops with Stir Fried Vegetables and Noodles with a Caramelised Sweet Chilli Sauce� (again �14.95) seemed to be swimming in a bitter sauce. When I mentioned that I was disappointed that I�d been served frozen veg it was barely acknowledged. The Eton Mess I had for desert still had the stalks left of the strawberries and I was left fishing out bits of greenery from the cream and meringue.

After all that, we were really looking forward to retiring next to the Inglenook Fireplace to have a nightcap before heading home, but found that even on such a cold night, they didn�t feel need to light the fire. I know it�s not the end of the world � but it was so cold and it�s such a beautiful fireplace......

So in the end we paid the bill and headed off home. We�d travelled over 30 miles to get there and the person giving us a lift was shocked that we wanted to go home so early.

It�s such a shame � it was a great place (I even held my hen party there) but we won�t be going back again.

20 Feb 2010 10:38