BITE user comments - Alex_Bradford
Comments by Alex_Bradford
I've never been here before, so I might have been lucky to have thoroughly enjoyed a couple of hours on Tuesday evening here, so I was surprised to see it rated at just 4.1 out of 10.
I loved the location next to the canal and the 'new looking' oak beam conservatory/extension, with huge glass panels was a great place to retreat to but, when it got colder.
Our meals were fine, as was the beer, the staff were attentive and those on the other side of the bar seemed friendly enough. In short, no complaints.
26 Aug 2010 22:17
The Sir Humphrey Appleby, Whitehall
There is no such pub at this address, which is actually that of the Cabinet Office. And the name is that of a fictional character from the BBC TV series 'Yes Minister'.
... Clearly the Beer in the evening administrator has a sense of humour!
9 Aug 2010 20:11
Not the inviting place it formerly was. It seems the majority of the staff have left or are leaving. Thankfully there are a multitude of other Sam Smiths pubs around the area, but it�s a shame to see a fine pub with a happy team just disintegrate.
16 Jul 2010 07:53
�prickkkkk!!!!�
�Did you get a slap in here or something�
�f*** off .. dont want you there anyway!!�
Thank you, Chelseam and Maggie8. You accurately portray the unrefined, uncultured, uneducated, anti-social behaviour of those wannabe wags, who were so attracted to this thankfully deceased bar.
You also correctly represent the aggressive personality disorders of those who flocked here to scrape their knuckles on the floor and graze them on somebody else's face. [Just one of the reasons why this venue was regularly brought it to the attention of an increasingly disapproving Sutton Police Force].
Thankfully, my deliberately brief visits to this venue were never long enough to �get a slap� as you understatement suggests and I�m certainly not bitter. It should be profoundly obvious from my comments that I am overjoyed to see this pond life magnet disappear forever!
Though the venue is currently unattractively boarded up, the last time I passed by, at least the pavements looked and smelt rather more attractive, without a composite layer of urine, vomit, broken glass and what looked to be occasional spots of dried blood.
I am, however, intrigued to know (or rather, avoid) the current venue(s) of your 'slap happy congregation�, who formerly frequented here � would it be Brixton and Holloway Prisons by chance?
3 Jun 2010 11:38
The Bricklayers Arms, Fitzrovia
Having read the negative reviews of this bar, I tried dissuading friends of mine from meeting up here for Birthday drinks. But it was too late to let everyone know in time, so we gritted our teeth upon entry, expecting the worst and to have the evening ruined by obnoxious staff...
But nothing like this happened! I experienced no refusals to serve any patrons, no contemptuous behaviour from the staff and no confrontations across the bar. In fact, when we all sang �Happy Birthday�, the staff even joined in.
The pub has a large square-ish, bar upstairs, which I found extremely comfortable; the Sam Smiths beer was around �2.20 a pint and the staff were pleasant and welcoming. In short, I found no reason to criticize and can only recommend it.
30 May 2010 06:50
The staff here remain extremely pleasant, as is the view, but I'm rapidly going off this pub. Great pubs result from the efforts of someone with a genuine passion for them. Unfortunately, the impression I get, is that here, the owner's only passion is to make a fast buck for the owner.
It's a real shame to see a historic pub, described in a Charles Dickens novel, is being 'prostituted' for all it's worth.
10 Nov 2009 23:25
Perhaps the landlady�s next move will be to announce that she is �totally committed to the poppy process�?
7 Nov 2009 17:18
The North End Tavern, Worcester Park
A social pub, with various games and table games etc going on in various parts of the pub and sport on the big screens. Regulars seemed on the loud side, but politely moved aside for anyone trying to get to the bar, so you can't judge a book by it's cover.
Nothing unpleasant, but just not my cup of tea. If you like a games/sports theme, it's probably ideal.
20 Oct 2009 15:23
Unfailingly pleasant. We hadn't been here for months, but were made very welcome by all the staff. Busy, but not packed out, so finding a seat was possible. However, it got much busier when the two adjacent theatres emptied.
A pint of beer without artificial ingredients always tastes good, but at �2 a pint, it tasted even better.
8 Oct 2009 16:22
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
I also wholeheartedly agree with Fritz. Judging from some reviews below, you might think the most important factor is whether this �spoons offers chips or not � or which brand of bar snacks are supplied. If this website was named �Chips in the Evening� or �Crisps in the Evening�, I could see the relevance - but it isn�t and I can�t. People, we�re talking about oven chips, microwaved and tasting like cardboard. If you go to a pub to find them and your evening is ruined by their unavailability, you�re looking in the wrong place and for the wrong reason.
When it comes to the Silver Cross, we are talking seriously bad and for very relevant reasons. It has its alleged fans, whose IDs are often created, leave a single ultra-positive review of the SC and then seemingly disappear off the face of the earth. Bearing in mind that a pub�s overall rating is an average of all reviews; it shouldn�t take anyone too long to think of a reason why this might be happening. However, the Silver Cross still has the bottom rating of those pubs in the area and it is bottom by a long way, which indicates something. If you believe that the Moon is a bad pub, please try the Silver Cross and then give an honest rating for both.
29 Sep 2009 16:15
Currently closed for renovation.
Although, as the most recent comments below highlight, the decor wasn't the problem. It's target market is passing tourists, who won't be back a second time, so seemingly minimal effort is applied to every aspect of the pub, once the punters are inside.
Whether the Clarence is closed or open, the Old Shades is always a better bet, or even the Wetherspoons opposite.
But don't bother with the nearby Siver Cross, unless you're happy to wait 90 minutes for a cold, microwaved meal, that on closer inspection - you didn't order.
19 Sep 2009 09:51
I am quite a fan of the Sam Smiths brewery and pubs. For those that may be unaware, it is not plc with shareholders but ownership lies with a Trust. Hence it cannot be swallowed up as many other breweries have been and the price you pay does not include the shareholder's percentage. All the beers are additive free - another (as far as I know) unique selling point. Personally, I like the Old Brewery Bitter. I've tried the others, but prefer this easygoing, inexpensive brew.
I am surprised to see comments saying the beer was poor or expensive. 'Poor' is a subjective view, so I'll leave it at that. But if it is expensive, what and where are you drawing comparisons from? Let me put another way: Can anybody tell me anywhere else (other than another Sam Smiths pub) within 5 minutes walk of Trafalgar Square, where I can get a decent pint in a pub and change out of �2, on any day of the week?
If so, please let me know - I've been missing out, big time! (PS Preferably a pint of beer, rather than a complicated combination of E numbers and artificial colour).
19 Aug 2009 19:12
With regard to the last post:
Steve, I'm delighted that in your case at least, the General Manager of the Silver Cross acknowledged the earlier failings and compensated you. From previous posts, you will see that other customers had similar initital experiences to yours, but there the stories end and adverse ratings remain.
Can you share with us how you dealt with the initial situation? Who did you contact and how? Did you send an email or write in, attaching the receipt?
Thanks.
29 Jul 2009 13:05
The Boathouse Tavern and Grill, Dawlish Warren
Generally speaking, the weight of opinion suggests it's more Doghouse Tavern and Bowl than Boathouse Tavern and Grill.
29 Jul 2009 12:47
A �Footie, Fifteen Fosters and Frow Up� kind of place. Not to everyone�s taste, but if you�re over 18, your IQ�s under 18 and you love sound of your own voice, this is a suitable venue to drink the child benefit and jobseeker�s allowance.
21 Jul 2009 12:22
The name certainly suggests whoever came up with the concept of the Ha Ha Bar had a sense of humour. Perhaps that the idea came out of putting together a list of things visitors liked most about pubs ... then doing the exact opposite and charging O.T.T. prices. Ha! Ha! The jokes on you who enters.
9 Jul 2009 18:32
This is a real might have been, but gone sadly wrong. Over the years, there have been many changes, not just in personnel, but it just doesn�t seem to come off.
It has all the raw ingredients but seemingly lacks someone passionate enough about making this a truly great pub. Century old photographs give both an idea of how attractively presented it once was and how it could look once more.
5 Jul 2009 18:57
The Worcester Park, Worcester Park
I only went here once and once was enough. I arrived with a friend and found an empty pub, except for 3 middle-aged regulars sat at the bar, but nobody was behind it. The trio looked over, turned their backs and continued their conversation. I patiently waited, money in hand, whilst my less patient friend played on a fruit machine. Eventually, one of the regulars got up, went the other side of the bar, refilled his glass and his friends� and sat back down with them again. Whilst this was happening, a middle-aged woman walked through from behind the bar, spoke briefly to the three wise monkeys (a.k.a. see no customers, hear no customers, & serve no customers), briefly looked at me and walked off again.
At this point, I realised that one of the trio was the landlord/manager, who clearly just couldn�t be bothered to serve us. I therefore turned to walk out, at which point, my friend had a stroke of luck and won �15-�20 on the fruit machine. As money started chugging out the machine, suddenly, as if by magic, we were now the centre of attention and as the barman shot to his feet, the barwoman reappeared and marched towards us, now sporting a welcoming smile� But it was now all too late in the day. My friend collected his winnings and called out �Thanks for the beer money!� to which I added, �we�re off to spend it in a pub that�s open!� From the reviews here, it seems our experience was less than unique.
2 out of 10 � both marks for the generous fruit machine.
5 Jul 2009 02:04
I almost came in here, but couldn't get much beyond the kitsch furniture. There is a large, but seemingly random selection, from modern budget sofas to facsimilie medieval thrones, so it looks rather like a theatre's store room.
Noticing the prams and push chairs beyond and being rapidly deafened by the wailing of their occupants, we admitted defeat and withdrew.
From my observations, I can best describe it as a fast food outlet, with seating, where you can also buy alcohol.
4 Jul 2009 16:18
A camera in the toilets? That�s certainly different!
It�s just a guess, but maybe this is something to do with this being a well known gay bar in Soho? � I thought I�d mention it, as none of the recent reviewers have and I�d hate an unprepared visitor to enter and receive an unpleasant surprise.
No, I haven't been here and I haven't left a rating ... It's not my bag, baby!
4 Jul 2009 15:39
Another positive review of by far the lowest rated pub in Whitehall! How about that?
Coincidentally, other than this positive review (and following something of a familiar pattern here), the last reviewer has never reviewed any other pub, either before or since.
Hundreds of genuine reviews can't all be wrong! Overall, pub ratings still maintain that this is the dive of Whitehall. Have a check of the stats, before you make the mistake of coming here.
3 Jul 2009 22:05
The Boathouse Tavern and Grill, Dawlish Warren
If I may interject, there are 4 listed pubs in Dawlish Warren and a further 9 listed in nearby Dawlish. Out of that total of 13, this pub is currently rated 12th and by any standard, that has to be very poor.
On this basis and taking previous comments and observations into account, I think we can conclude, with some certainty, that those who might enjoy a visit to this pub the most are likely to have fur and four legs.
3 Jul 2009 18:43
Externally graceful, internally stylish and in a beautiful location: sit outside, next to the river or on the balcony for a panoramic view of the Thames.
Warm and friendly staff, even when it gets busy. A delightful, tranquil place to have a pint with friends and predictably popular with Richmond�s resident celebrities.
That said, if you're passions are football, foul language and 'avin' a fight, you'll be extremely disappointed here.
26 Jun 2009 16:54
The Boathouse Tavern and Grill, Dawlish Warren
Brummyboy, the point here is that the reviews of this pub are generally very negative and usually angry. The highly positive review, recently added by motheroftwo doesn�t just stick out like a sore thumb, against a tide of negative comments, but reads just like a public relations campaign! It�s not just overstating the pub's merits - it's laughably positive and moreover is the only review ever to come from that �source�.
The idea of this website is for genuine visitors to leave genuine reviews, by which other readers can make an informed judgement. When someone leaves a �one off�, over the top, positive rating and review against a pub with extremely poor ones, it undermines the whole concept. [Although in this case, I suspect most readers will simply find it highly amusing, before dismissing it completely]. Of course, the same is just as true for someone who repeatedly leaves over the top, negative comments for all pubs in an area, except their chosen pub.
However, in one respect, you hit the nail on the head with the comment �people are trying to make a living�. Indeed, in the middle of a recession, with pubs closing down throughout the Country, pubs are trying to find innovative new ways of attracting new custom, particularly the poorest performing ones, who must be desperate to turn the tide.
14 Jun 2009 11:37
A hidden gem in an unlikely location. There are two large theatres within 50 yards, so actors, TV presenters and other famous faces are frequently seen calling in here, before or after a show.
Often very busy on Thursday and particularly Friday evenings but not too packed on other weekdays. There are also several English Schools within the area, so British visitors are frequently outnumbered.
Sam Smiths currently start at around �2 per pint. But if you want a brand name at a premium price, here is definitely not for you.
22 May 2009 19:43
Thank you to the last reviewer for that most evocative observation. Orang-utans are now an endangered species, with just a few thousand living in the wild. So it would be an idea if Sir David Attenborough paid a visit to the Silver Cross one Friday, just to record them in their natural habitat. By the sound of it, he'd better be quick though, before Di, Karen and the rest of the knuckle scrapers all become extinct, due to liver failure.
For the record, Canada dry was invented over a hundred years ago � and that joke soon followed. The author's great great-grandparents were probably sick of hearing it, long before the First World War broke out. However, on the plus side, the author�s vivid description of the Silver Cross's clientele is, in my experience, absolutely, faultlessly spot on.
It takes a rare combination of dismal failing at absolutely everything, for a pub to be by far the lowest rated in the Whitehall area, but this pub manages it - and manages to make it look easy.
12 Apr 2009 23:51
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
I don�t know about �Boomerang Gold�, but maybe the author in question should be known as �boomerang beercritic�, since they keep going back to this apparently awful pub and keep coming back here, to tell us just how awful the place is:
December 2008 �This pub has become the pits.�
April 2009 �Most days the staff can't cope and the pub is a mess.�
�Most days�? Several months after describing a pub as �the pits�, the author is still regularly visiting the same place? If it is �the pits�, why are they returning there at all?
No doubt the boomerang beercritic will be back again, to tell us why they keep visiting a place this apparently terrible pub, over and over again.
12 Apr 2009 13:49
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
Personally, I have always found Jenna, aka 'the American', warm and friendly and my friends and I will be sorry to see her go. Certainly she won't stand for any nonsense - either side of the bar! Isn't that how it should be?
But look beyond the surface and you will discover some of the below writers, who eagerly criticise her are actually leaving intensely negative comments for almost every pub. So maybe they just don't like pubs?
9 Apr 2009 23:08
I visited here on Tuesday evening, which whilst quite busy, wasn't uncomfortably packed. Maybe I am incredibly lucky, or maybe I have a telepathic, positive influence upon all the staff, but I do not recognise the negative experiences of other writers and I have no complaints with the service or any other aspect of the pub.
Naturally, this establishment is primarily a pub, not a restaurant and does not pretend to be anything other than a traditional pub. In summary, as a pub, this remains one of the most enjoyable and attractive places in London, though it seems you either love it or hate it.
9 Apr 2009 22:28
The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross
Yes, it's a quirky, quaint pub in two halves, but as of Tuesday, I will remember this as the place where I probably tasted the worst pint of lager, certainly in recent years. It was how I imagined budget, alcohol free beer to taste, with a dash of meths. It was called 'export', but I can think of other names - and it wasn't cheap either!
It seems most people stand and drink outside the pub, so my tip is to buy something drinkable from Tesco Metro (for a third of the price) and consume it amongst the crowd, in the open air. Or better still, try another pub!
19 Mar 2009 22:40
Walkers of Whitehall, Whitehall
I have always thought of this place as a magnet for pretentious, fast stream civil servants, anxious to impress their equally pretentious peers. To some extent, I was right, as one power dressed and overdressed young woman proudly and vocally announced to everybody within a 3-mile radius, that she was able to trace her roots to a mistress of Edward VII. [Now we know the secret of a good interview technique for a senior role in Central Government].
On the plus side, it was rather more cosmopolitan than I had expected. However, the sound waves of those few loud and conceited voices unfortunately polluted the entire establishment and the way they addressed the polite staff was utterly disgraceful. Rather a shame, but not entirely unexpected. Still, I imagine that if Prince Harry can find a free window in his hectic schedule, he would absolutely love the venue - as well as the 'talent'.
19 Mar 2009 21:20
CLOSED
After a succession of unpleasant occurrences, this pub has closed and is apparently being redeveloped into something more trendy. It is a sorry situation, given that this was Worcester Park�s oldest inn, from a time when huntsmen did indeed frequent, after retiring from Henry VIII�s nearby hunting park.
1 Mar 2009 06:04
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
Regrettably, not as friendly as it used to be. All the Eastern European staff presumably flew back eastwards when the Pound Sterling took a pounding and flew southwards. Oh well, it was good whilst it lasted.
In fairness, 'the American', who some reviewers have criticised was extremely warm and friendly towards us. My guess is that this had some bearing on our equally pleasant approach towards the staff, upon our arrival.
8 Feb 2009 00:19
I passed the Silver Cross today and noted the sign in the window "Closed due to flooding". Flooding? But it's a dry day, with no sign of rain and I can't recall a heavy rainfall recently. So maybe the flooding is just on the inside and coming from the . . . . . on second thoughts, I think I'll park that thought and move swiftly on.
30 Jan 2009 18:00
Downstairs is a well presented, traditional pub. Upstairs is rather stylish, with an open fire and sofas, where it is more comfortable to have a meal with a group. I called in here a few days ago and overheard some well dressed French visitors praising the food - that can't be a bad sign!
Apparently, the Sam Smith beers are free of artificial additives. I am a fan of the Old Brewery Bitter at around �2 a pint and the similarly priced Alpine lager usually goes down well with lager enthusiasts. It's unpretentious, without all the badges and expensive advertising campaigns � I prefer it that way.
Some of the more pompous criticism suggests to me that perhaps the beers would be better received by some if they were �5 a pint, laced with E-numbers and endorsed by disgraced sportsmen! If you want an honest pint, you�ll probably like it here, but if you enjoy the experience of paying 2 or 3 times the price for a name, stick to Irish theme bars - with their less than authentic, antique Guinness billboards, etc.
24 Jan 2009 02:24
Reviews tend to be at either end of the spectrum, with no happy medium, so I had no real expectation of what to find here. The location must rate as one of the very best in London, with panoramic views of the adjacent Thames and Canary Wharf opposite. The pub itself is an authentic aged one, being described in Charles Dickens� last novel, �Our Mutual Friend� and happily, it retains much of its character.
Adorning the walls, mainly upstairs but also on the ground floor are a huge collection of paintings, prints and etchings, featuring ships, maritime events and famous naval personalities. There looked to be a fair range of beers to suit most tastes, including (for me), the welcome sight of Flowers.
Most importantly, I can only praise the members of staff, who were courteous, hospitable and friendly. We had arrived expecting to make only a brief visit, but felt contented, overlooking the river, so we stayed for a couple of hours or more.
Sure, the prices are not cheap and I usually prefer to go for a cheaper option, given that most pubs are bland, characterless shells. But here is an exceptional location with appealing surroundings and friendly, amiable staff. True, it would have been far less pleasant if it was very busy, but the same would be just as true for any other pub.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and rate this pub highly, but mindful that my comments do not sit easily with some of the other reviews here, my response is that I can only speak as I find. After all, that�s the whole idea, isn�t it?
23 Jan 2009 19:09
We�ve all seen the odd confrontation in a pub, but I�ve never seen a wild west style punch-up . . . until I came here! I arrived on Thursday and arrived to see a brawl in full swing, between two groups, at least some of whom appeared to have Irish accents. It consisted of even numbers of males and females, led and urged on by the females. They were certainly too old to be students, mostly aged around or over 40. The staff did not seem particularly unnerved by it all. Does this happen often here? As a pub, 5 out of 10, though I can�t fault the live entertainment!
18 Jan 2009 12:06
As has been said many times, by many people, this is by far the worst pub in the area for multiple reasons. Currently, as voted by some 50 reviewers, this pub scores an average of 4.4 out of 10 which is substantially lower than any of the others in the locality.
I therefore read with interest and a little amusement, the praise heaped upon this establishment by StudioM and particularly the comment "the service was the best I have ever encoutered in any restaurant or pub in the UK". I imagine the author means 'encountered'.
It would be interesting to know what establishments StudioM is making a comparison with, since (as Vinnie, below was quick to point out), the author StudioM has only ever left 1 comment for 1 pub! All very interesting - I think Sherlock Vinnie's response sums up StudioM's comment rather well.
I wonder what would be the average rating for the Silver Cross if every one of its employees left a rating of 10 out of 10 for their own establishment? Any ideas, Vinnie?
23 Dec 2008 23:31
It is with the greatest of pleasure that I can confirm that the notorious Tone�s Bar is PERMANENTLY CLOSED. No longer will the pavements be paved with urine and resemble a minefield of broken glass.
Gone are the days of the sight of half-cut chavs, wobbling back to their white vans. Departed are the sounds of confrontations between tattooed women with tourettes and covered in the latest range from Elizabeth Duke. Vanished are the 200-decibel conflicts that echoed around a half-mile exclusion zone.
As a result, North Cheam is probably the only place in Britain where house prices have actually gone up in recent months. With the anti-social campaign that has blighted the lives of locals for so many years being finally over, I�m surprised there wasn't a WW2 Victory style street party!
22 Oct 2008 11:09
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
I called in here during the attempt at the world record wine tasting event (anyone know if they succeeded?). As ever, staff were courteous, polite, and prompt � and a good evening was had by all.
However, also as ever, one of the many middle-aged, obese characters, in need of both a wash and shave, tried for some time, to charm one of female staff, who was probably less than half his age.
She diplomatically turned down his advances, which seemed to come as something of a surprise to the frustrated, aforementioned Jabba the Hut look-alike, but not the 20 odd people watching his efforts with great amusement. As a result, I have little doubt that in the near future, I will be reading another angry complaint on this page, referring to �an awful place� and �a rude female member of staff�.
22 May 2008 17:01
Chav city and young offenders reunited on the inside, broken bottles and urine stains on the outside - keep walking.
2 Apr 2008 21:20
From all perspectives a fine pub. It gets busy like anywhere in London, but not mobbed like other places. The staff are friendly and efficient but won't stand for any drunken stupidity. Clientele therefore tend to be people out for a pleasant social gathering, rather than an evening of intoxicated lunacy, so it won't suit all tastes. The Sam Smith's Cider and Pure Brewed Lager, which is served in a unique tall glass are both worth sampling.
30 Jan 2008 18:10
I visited here as part of a large group of 30 and was very impressed. All staff were cheerful and the speed of the service was superb.
20 Jul 2007 14:38
Conveniently located with huge picture windows, which allow a panoramic view of the bustle of Covent Garden.
2 Mar 2007 19:52
The Bear and Staff, Leicester Square
Friendly staff, well located to meet up with friends - thumbs up.
2 Mar 2007 19:46
The Princess of Wales, Charing Cross
Smoky and poky � the least attractive and welcoming of the Nicholson pubs in the area.
2 Mar 2007 19:23
The Opera Tavern, Covent Garden
Cosy and friendly - a well managed and pub with welcoming, dedicated staff.
2 Mar 2007 15:50
This is probably the most traditional pub in Whitehall and the least changed over time. Not as touristy as the Clarence, with a higher proportion of local customers and vastly superior to the neighbouring Silver Cross. The Old Shades has a narrow front and looks tiny at first glance from the outside, but on entering, it is tardis-like, i.e. surprisingly long. Definitely worth a visit, if you fancy something with a more authentic feel. Very pleasant staff and at peak periods tends not to get quite as packed as the Lord Moon of the Mall opposite.
18 Feb 2007 17:20
This pub proves the saying 'you get what you pay for' isn�t always true. It is more expensive than the Lord Moon of the Mall opposite, yet inferior in every way - including the food. The Old Shades is also just a few feet away and is again undoubtedly a much better bet � how the Silver Cross survives, I have no idea!
18 Feb 2007 16:58
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
This is a pub with exceptionally pleasant staff and it is certainly the cheapest in Whitehall. There is a good selection of beers on draught and reasonably priced food. I would also recommend sampling the extensive selection of keenly priced bottled beer from around the world. With much to recommend this pub, it is usually very busy, but the staff are extremely hardworking, polite, focused and good-humoured.
I have always been made most welcome � one manager unfailingly welcomes his returning customers with a shake of hands. All the staff are extremely hospitable, even when they are very busy and under pressure. In short, they deserve credit.
They certainly do not deserve to be demoralized, as they have been in the rather fierce criticism below of January 5th. What is particularly distasteful is that the author is vindictive enough to write a description and name of an employee on a website � whilst he himself spinelessly hides behind anonymity.
I cannot recall a mistake by staff or having had any reason to complain, although I have witnessed visitors ordering food and quoting the wrong table number or on one occasion, a group having ordered food at the right table, then moved to another table at the other end of the pub, before the food had arrived. Of course, the resulting delay or confusion is occasionally viewed by a particularly arrogant customer as the fault of the staff for not discovering or anticipating the customer�s error sooner.
There are several specific comments by the author, which simply just don�t add up:
�I made my way to the bar and tried to make a small complaint � I have not been noticed for 10 minutes, and there was no one else at the bar!!�
This sounds most unlikely, since this is without doubt, the busiest pub in Whitehall. At its busiest, the queue is several bodies deep, all along the length of the bar and it can certainly take some time to get served for that reason. Even at its emptiest, it is still rather busy, with new customers constantly arriving - you would still be hard pressed to stand at the bar alone for just one minute without being joined by another customer. If you are ever lucky enough to be at the bar alone, you are always served immediately.
�My wife decided to leave while I was waiting at the bar, not even starting her meal. I asked for the bill (mistake on the bill again!!)�
To order food at ALL Wetherspoons, the customer ALWAYS pays at the bar at the point when the food is ordered. No customer would EVER have had the food brought to their table and then have to subsequently ask for the bill, in order to settle up afterwards. � It is quite impossible for the event described by the author to ever occur.
�A waitress/barmaid with dark, medium length hair(Sabine?)�
Last but not least, on my last visit, I tried to discover who Sabina was. Readers will be amused to learn that there is not and (I am told by the staff) has never been anyone with the name Sabine/Sabina working at this pub for as long as anyone working there can remember. � THERE IS NO SUCH PERSON!
Rather than leaving malicious remarks for a non-existent employee, and hiding behind the safety of anonymity, if the author genuinely feels that he has a grievance, then as already suggested by another subsequent member, he should be a man - rather than a mouse and write in person to J.D. Wetherspoon plc with the FACTS. I have supplied the address directly below for his convenience and I am sure that the Company will investigate any genuine cause for complaint. I look forward to seeing his update on this site.
J D Wetherspoon plc
Wetherspoon House
Central Park
Reeds Crescent
Watford
WD24 4QL
13 Feb 2007 22:11
Back to Alex_Bradford's profile
The Anchor, Wisley
Had I read the reviews first, I wouldn�t have suggested elsewhere, but I have been invited here twice this week, for an evening meal on Tuesday and lunch on Friday.
I enjoyed the vegetarian lasagne, which came with salad and garlic bread. The Tanglefoot was fine and the service ok, but the location is really fantastic. Being as this stratch of the canal and Pyrford lock is on National Trust land, hopefully the character of the area won�t change too much.
27 Aug 2010 23:00