Abergavenny Arms Hotel, Frantback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Visited this pub at lunchtime on Tuesday. Our party of four people were all impressed by the interesting and varies menu. We were equally impressed by the food when it was delivered by a charming and helpfull waitress. I had half a braised pheasant which was tasty and cooked to perfection. The vegetables served with the pheasant were well cooked, varied and tasty. My other guests had smoked salmon and sea bass all declared their meals well above average.
I have read other reviews and feel I was at a different place. My Wife and myself have visited the pub separately several times over the last year and have always been well looked after by the charming staff and always enjoyed the food, beer and wine.
leonB - 21 Dec 2012 13:02 |
I recently visited this place with a friend of mine who has Down's syndrome. Naturally he was paying, so I decided to have food and so we sat down at a table near the colouring books.
The waitress approached and asked "Oym boobleh. What yews want?" A bit surprised I explained that my friend and I had come for lunch. She tutted and boldly walked away, snatched a menu from the bar and returned with a sigh - throwing the menu on the table. Regrettably I asked what today's special was and she hissed "Loik it or loomp it". In the end I had the steak and my friend just had peas.
Halfway through my meal I realised that my steak was slightly undercooked. I requested that it be cooked for a little bit longer, which isn't usually a problem. As I explained the situation to the lady she called me a "Fockin twut" and told me to "Fock off". I decided that we should call it a day and go somewhere else. After all, we didn't come here to be insulted.
As we got up to leave a very aggressive looking man wearing a ripped and blood-stained chef's uniform came rushing towards us wielding a set of nun chucks. As he came towards us he destroyed at least 30 pint glasses that were innocently sitting on the bar. This man was definitely well trained.
We ran out of the pub across the car park. The chef got into an Austin Montego estate and began to drive at us with fury in his eyes. We had to dive out of the way as he screeched past us. He did a U-turn and came pack at us. The waitress had now appeared and was throwing plates at the chef. He mowed her down violently pinning he against the outside wall. We called the police and he was later charged but then released due to lack of evidence. Suffice to say I will not be visiting again and Martin Lewis received an email the very next day.
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Whilst we had a decent pint (reasonable selection) the food left a lot to be desired and don't get me started on the landlady - a proper charmer. There was a slight issue with one of our dishes and we asked for it to be warmed through (if it wasn't too much trouble.) Without even looking at the dish or feeling the plate, was told that it was fine and she wouldn't warm through, she was actually quite rude - the fact that the staff seem to cower behind her suggest a great working environment. Life really is too short to get into rows with people like this so we'll take our custom elsewhere - their loss but guess they're too thick skinned to care.
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Wonder if this Pub/ Restuarant will be on the " Hotel Inspector " series on Channel 5 soon, if not, I think someone should recommend it !!!!!......
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Went into this pub last month with my husband and children and I feel compelled to write my review here, I originally put off reviewing it because I feared I'd identify myself but that is not my concern now since reading the other reviews it sounds like our situation is common.
We ordered the Duc l'Orange which was overcooked and leathery, and the orange was obviously, at best, a chocolate one. Hubbie's beef was apparently revolting and tasted "like bull semen". My son's fishfingers from the Kid's menu looked like they had been in the deepfryer for months. The wine was corked also. I informed the landlady about our disappointment politely in a non-confrontational manner and she erupted in front of us, I could not believe her tone and I could feel the sweat on my neck and I am not an easily intimidated lady. Hubbie wolfed down the remainder of the revolting meal and wine then informed her we would be leaving without paying due to her VERY aggressive tone. She picked up the now completely empty wine bottle on our table and took a swing at my husband with it and knocked him on the head with a thud.
At this point the other guest's audibly gasped and my son (6 year's old, plays the Piano and Tuba and is going to Oxbridge) started to cry. I was FURIOUS that this woman was reducing my family to this on our day out, so we ignored her and just walked to the exit, with her cursing and hissing closely behind us the whole way.
We hurried outside, to find the sous-chef had chained himself to our car bonnet. A fight ensued as the hissing banshee clambered down the steps toward us and started pelting us with cheap french furniture. It was like a scene out of a movie. Their kitchen staff and several guests had gathered at the spectacle but she sent them back inside; I could see they were all terrified of this evil woman. At this point an alarmed patron phoned the police but they told him that they were refusing to come out to a disturbance at this pub again as it was "too common an occurrence" - I kid you not!!
We eventually prized the sous-chef off our car and ran down the landlady who was wailing out "not again" which also suggests that this has happened before, and made our exit.
I would advise everyone to go to this pub, to leisurely eat and drink everything on the menu then tell the landlady how revolting it is, start a fight with her and then you don't need to pay for anything. I have also added this guide to the MoneySavingExpert website for those who are looking to save cash in these hard times.
Despite what you might expect, we are going back here on Tuesday. A+++
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Ten of us went to this pub today for lunch for my Grandmothers 90th birthday lunch and I have to say it is the worst food I have ever had. There was something wrong with every dish we ordered. The fish was off (smelt of ammonia) even though the staff denied it, the childrens hamburgers where mainly gristle and had so much pepper in they were spicy hot, the other fish was so overcooked it was chewy and the roast potatoes were old, reheated and horrible. We did complain and were very honest with the landlady to which she answered 'What do you expect me to do about it' in an aggressive manner. We were so disappointed but also upset that we were treated in such a way and made to feel guilty about complaining. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone and will never visit again.
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Passed this pub many times and been impressed by the well maintained exterior and menu boards. We actually got round to stopping off for a Sunday late afternoon meal. The interior was just as well maintained, with a friendly warm feel to it. The staff were very helpful and welcoming. The food menu offered a wide variety of both light and full meals; we both opted for the open steak sandwich and homemade chips. After a rather long wait of 50 mins (we were assured, apologetically, that it is not their normal waiting time) the food arrived and was very good indeed. I will definately return as both the staff, food, ambiance and toilets were great.
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This place seemed more like a hotel/restaurant than a pub. It seemed fairly large, but didn't quite make full use of the space on offer. Harveys Best Bitter and Youngs Bitter were the 2 real ales on. Complimentary Terry's chocolate orange segments on the bar were a nice touch. The food itself looked tempting, but was a little on the pricy side. Possibly good for food. But far from ideal for a beer in the evening.
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Popped in with two friends on Saturday lunchtime at the end of a long walk. Despite the fact that we were wet and muddy, the staff were friendly and welcoming. Beer was excellent. Does all feel rather like a hotel foyer, which is not my taste - but it wasn't nearly as bad as the other reviews led me to expect.
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Where to start!
Having spent a thoroughly wet three days, camping in the local area we decided to visit the Abergevenny Arms for Sunday lunch with our aim being to spend several hours eating and drinking, racking up quite a large bill for the pub, we were a group of 10. The pub itself was lovely and in the main room they had a huge fireplace which contained a wood burning stove, fully loaded with paper and logs ready to burn. On seeing this my wife spoke with the barman and asked whether we could light a fire and he said yes. Several minutes later the barman told us the fire couldn't be lit as it was set for the evening. We apologised and said we would let the fire die down, the barman was happy with this. We then ordered from the menu, which wasn't cheap but looked very good fare (prices for mains �9 / �13.) When our food arrived we were asked to move from the comfy chairs to a large table that was set up for us - we were told to leave our coats on the sofas so we could return to them following lunch.
The food, in the main was very good - I had the marsh lamb, no issues.
Halfway through lunch a woman started throwing our coats around and when we asked her why she literally blew her top, came over to the table and started to verbally abuse us in front of other guests. Our crime - was that we lit the fire! We explained that we had asked and had received permission and that when told we apologised etc. She continued to rant on and to be honest we were a bit dumbstruck as to her rant, it certainly seemed like she was spoiling for a fight. My wife and I then went with the landlady to speak with the barman who quelle surprise altered his version (though I can see why given the events that followed.)
We returned to the table and the landlady came over after about 15 mins and in still quite an aggressive voice said 'this is not open to discussion, but I want to say sorry....' Not open to discussion? I'm sorry but her reaction was totally over the top and unwarranted.With our meal ruined, the atmosphere destroyed, we asked for the bill, which for 10 people came to approx �160. We decided that we were only going to pay �125 (about half the price for the food) and take our custom elsewhere. We explained this and then left the building and we were followed out by the Landlady and the Chef who I assume was her husband.
We asked for the Police to be called due to the situation that was developing. The Chef went to his car and blocked our car in their car park - a Mexican stand off then ensued. No point the whole group remaining so half left, so my Wife, Myself and two friends remained, waiting for the Police. After about an hour the Chef came out with two of staff to confront us. Face to Face, he hurled obscenities firstly at myself, spittle covering my face, my hands firmly wedged in my pocked. Seeing I wasn't rising to his verbal assault he then moved on to both my other friends doing exactly the same. He screamed that he had a 'restraining order' and that he could not hit us though if were to hit him then all hell would break out. His two staff behind him look terrified and no doubt the Chef and the Landlady are a pleasure to work for.
Eventually the Police arrived and to cut a long story short we were advised to pay the missing amount which we begrudgingly did - however if we'd only left our name and address with the Pub then we would've been well within our rights to take out custom elsewhere, which we did. Reading the other comments, it's quite clear that this couple have serious issues going on and both are thoroughly unpleasent to the point of being foul.
I would not recommend this Pub to anyone.
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we had not long moved into the area and decided to go here for a sunday roast, i had the roast beef and asked for it be well done and it came back still pink, the veg was frozen, the yorkshire pudding was covered in grease and the potatoe's were still hard and were not very nice. they noticed i had not eaten my food but failed ot apologise or ask what was wrong with it.
the landlady came across extremley rude...
i would not recommed this pub to anyone and certainly won't be going back....
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Having booked two nights in this pub as a place to stay whilst working locally I was a bit worried when I found the posts here. However I found the pub to be very welcoming and the beer excellent. I had a very superior open ham sandwich one evening, and being a bit hungrier the second night had liver and mash which was good. Lots of other diners semd to be enjoying their meals too. I thought the food good value and whilst it is not the focus of this site both breakfasts were excellent: fresh fruit, juice, toast, choice of cereal plus a good cooked selection. Everyone I spoke to was welcoming, pleasant and very helpful. I spend a lot of odd nights in pubs up and down the country and this was better than average and good value for money.
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Unfortunately after fergus' review, I can only say that my experience was totally the opposite!! I had mussells and chips, normally one of my favourites, however on this occasion it became very apparent very quickly that their mussells were off!!
Having explained the situation to the landlady, she simply replied that no-one else had had a problem and refused to apologise in any way.
If you are looking for service with a smile...I suggest you look elsewhere!!!
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I was searching the net for the phone number to book a table and was dissapointed to find this review and thought I must reply. (Refering to the last review by Gavers).
I have visited this pub on various occasions and I can say the food is superb. Like you say, all kitchens can have an off day and I would erge you to return and you will not be dissapointed.
Since changing hands the pub has been given a new lease of life. It is now a lovely place to eat in either bar or the restaurant, with a lovely garden also. Shame about the road noise in the garden though.
I would reccomend the Moules to anyone and the chips served with them are excellent.
I would certainly reccomend and will be visiting again this week!
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What a disappointment. After a long awaiting refurb under new ownership, the place looks good and finally gets some customers.
The Harveys was off, which was a shame.
The menu looked good and reasonably priced.
But the landlady had a face like thunder. It's a long day if your doing B&Bs and running a pub, but that's her choice.
The food when it finally came was awful.
Two of us ordered the stir fried king prawns, another opted for the belly of pork. The pork was OK, but it's a difficult dish to rium.
The prawns were disgusting and the smallesy 'Kings' I've ever seen. Chewy, tasteless and undercooked. They came with a pink sauce - I've no idea what was it in other than chilli. I like spicy food, but it was devoid of any other flavours.
We sent them away, but the waiter spoke to the chef, who offered to replace them, but we declined. Had he come out of the kitchen to apologise or explain himself we may have changed our minds.
The landlady made no apology, but didn't charge for the two prawn dishes.
All kitchens can have an off day, but there's no excuse for rudeness.
We won't be going back.
We rescued our eveing by going round the corner to The George, which is a much friendlier place and one where the govenor at least wants your custom.
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A change for the better I think, had Sunday lunch here last week and must say it was really quite good, decor also improved, seems cleaner and will be quite happy to return.
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This place has changed hands. (Has had a bit of a make over as wanted by Nigger) It seems to be a bit more of a food pub now, but the beer was in good shape last time I was in.
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Went there yesterday for the first time. Friendly welcome from dog, locals and owner. Shewn through to restaurant, offered choice of four menus (standard, fish, specials and /prix fixe/. Chose from the last (two courses for GBP 6-95), I had cheese souffle followed by wood pigeon breast with mash in a red wine sauce, wife had pate followed by fish and chips. Outstanding value (the fish-and-chips included two large pieces of haddock). Total bill inc. two alcohol-free Becks, a pint of orange juice and lemonade and a coffee was less than GBP 23-00.
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Nice interior and very friendly and helpful staff. My London Pride was in good nick. Had an expensive ploughmans but it was huge and packed with fresh salad, pickles, nice bread, etc. My only disappointment is that the garden faces onto a busy noisy road.
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Had Sunday lunch there recently with wife and outlaw. A very decent carvery and oiutlaws scampi was good portion too - next time will try to sit in main bar because found lighting in side dining room a bit unsympathetic. Good interesting beer selection, but damned if I can remember what I had. Friendly enough staff, all appeared clean.
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lovely location, nice place to sit and have a few drinks if you're in the area, lunch is always nicely done and staff always very nice.
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Great service, friendly bartender and hearty English breakfast at sparrow's fart, no less. Loads of charm and very modern bathrooms (especially as I'm a Yank and this is in England). Only caveat, watch your head on the low beams. They musta been short in the 15th century. Definitely worth the 53 pounds for a comfy bed and that big breakfast.
jfive - 31 Dec 2005 17:15 |
A very nice traditional boozer.
Pros:
Comfortable with nice decor.
Interesting guest beer (Wadworths JCB when I visited).
Friendly service.
Cons:
Beer range would have been a bit dull without the single guest, Green King IPA, Abbot, Fullers London Pride...yawn.
Can get very busy on Sunday lunchtime, where diners ordering drinks from their tables get preference over customers waiting at the bar.
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It's right at the north end of the village. Some interesting beers turn up in here, look at the blackboard.
Vasili - 30 Jul 2004 16:52 |
A trditional Sussex pub dating back to the 14th century with 2 bars, restaurant and bed and breakfast. Serves snacks,sandwiches and salads and a selection of homemade main meals on a daily changing menu.
Paul Vallis - 24 May 2004 19:32 |
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