Janets Bar, South Kensington

I've been to this bar a couple of times and in the past have had pretty mediocre evenings there - its always been okay but nothing special. It's always a last resort kind of bar. However I went last night and can quite categorically say I have never received such poor customer service before in my life.

Myself and four friends were quite happily chatting on the tiny terrace, one of the lads had been out all day and decided he'd had enough, one of the girls helped him into a cab (to be fair he was drunk but was not causing any trouble - you know the kind of drunk where you can't really be bothered to talk anymore!) Meanwhile an American woman came over to the rest of us and rudely said our girlfriend could not come back in because she's had too much to drink. At this juncture I should point out she wasn't drunk and had been drinking water for over an hour! The aforementioned American then came back over and shoved a tray of stale jam sandwiches under our noses and proceeded to insist we eat them because "we needed them".

Now, I don't know about you, but I personally I don't go to a bar to have my friends wrongly accused of something, patronised and force fed bad food and all courtesy of a bar that is vastly overpriced and nothing to shout about.

I completely understand they have to retain some level of decorum and obviously have to protect their license but I have never experienced such poor judgment from a licensee. She actually seemed nervous of people having a good time just in case it got out of hand and this really sapped the whole bar of any atmosphere.

There are bars and pub in the area that are trendy and can afford the surly bar staff because they are places 'to be seen' Unfortunately, Janet's Bar, is not one of them.

1 Oct 2011 14:54

The Tide End Cottage, Teddington

Good pub, good food. Service can be a tad slow if you go in when it's busy but hey sit back relax have a few beers and watch the world go by. Oh, and by the way if you've got a dog - this is an excellent pub as they allow man's best friend inside!

28 Nov 2006 12:57

The Swan, Hampton Wick

Used to be a good pub, but now you�ll find it packed to the rafters with students - most of them under aged drinkers that can�t handle their booze, start loud brawls outside the pub, smash windows and generally terrorise The �usually peaceful� Wick. Not only has this crumby pub let itself and it old regulars down, but it's dragging down the neighbourhood too. No wonder the owner of the more classy Foresters slagged it off! The owners should perhaps practise some responsible pub management and turn away the �fast buck�, under aged students, in a bit to win back to the respect of the local residents.

13 Nov 2006 19:52

Foresters, Hampton Wick

Erm Mr Anon, for your info, NO I'm not a disgruntled customer. I actually live in Hampton Wick and also go to the Foresters regularly - probably more than you. Like I said, a pub for a great night out but and yes the bar staff are second to none but personally I think the food is letting the place down � you can get much better food for those sort of prices and therefore I would not recommend it if you want to really get value for money and enjoy a good meal. It�s all down to personally taste - perhaps my taste in food is a little more sophisticated.

29 Jun 2006 21:13

Foresters, Hampton Wick

Used to really like this place. In those first few weeks that Thomas took over, the food was the best I've ever tasted. However I've been back a few times since and although I really like the atmosphere, the food has gone down hill quite severely. I've been served cold burger, ordered steak which when it arrived was just a burger (minus the bap) and been given mediocre scallops AND this was from their new menu and apparently new chef.

I'd recommend this pub for a good booze up and a great night out but steer clear of the expensive bad food!

28 Jun 2006 20:04

The Old Kings Head, Hampton Wick

Good pub. Quite modern but some old fixtures still there - I'd say a good mix of old and new. The staff were friendly and the atmosphere was relaxing. Wasn't to busy when I went in but could see how it could become overcrowded. The music was quite loud, so if you looking to have a chat and a catch up with friends it could be difficult.

20 Dec 2004 23:07