The Punch And Judy, Covent Garden

Apologies for the long review, but we visited the upstairs bar of Punch&Judy on 19/02/07. The ales were off, but what made the visit stick in my mind was the miserable level of customer service offered by the barman/manager (bald-headed guy). He berated parents for attempting to bring their children into the building, where a quiet summary of the child policy would have sufficed. He remained discracefully opprobrious to various members of our party of 9 throughout the evening. After failing to call last orders, he threatened our party that he would remove our drinks if we didn't finish them quickly (11.00h) which I can appreciate the pressures and desires to get home early, having worked in a bar myself, but no attempt was made on his part to disguise this desire. He positively blackguarded other customers who tried to use the balcony, which was apparently out of bounds, but unlocked and unsigned. The ladies in our party were upset by his manner. All in all, the nettlesome chap ensured that the evening certainly sticks in our minds as a learning experience - maybe we'll take our custom and money elsewhere next time. No rating on this visit I'm afraid!

20 Feb 2007 19:50