The Stepping Stones, Westhumble

I was a bit puzzled by the mixed reviews this pub has recieved before visiting on New Year's day, but now it all makes sense. Staff seemed friendly and approachable, took a reservation for lunch, and agreed to let us leave a pram in a backroom while we went for a walk in the area.

On our return, admittedly rather later than we had planned, we were at first seated and given menus. But after 15 minutes, the owner came over and told us that she couldn't serve us as the pub would be closing in about 30 minutes, and we had missed the cut-off for last food orders by about 2 minutes.

She didn't explain why they had made us wait 15 minutes just to be turned away. Very un-enterprising management; why turn down �50-75 in business just so you can leave on the dot of closing time? Why not offer us something quick and easy to prepare? Pure laziness, as far as I can tell.

11 Jan 2008 14:12