BITE user comments - Tancred1
Comments by Tancred1
We had a similar experience to Charmer12. We didn't eat but the place was really odd. the staff totally inexperienced. We decided against the food for that reason and just went home.
It seems to be a pattern. Take an old comfortable pub, gut it, put on "gastro" food and then staff it with silly kids who don't seem to know what is going on.
Why is it that staff no longer seem to take an interest, smile, be polite, serve quickly and in order and keep the place clean? Is there a special recruitment agency for hormonal, lazy or dopey people?
It's not rocket science.
17 Feb 2010 09:12
BaggyDave. the Oak Tree at Rednal was the Poachers Pocket and before that The Chalet.
The Forest has, I think, always been the Forest (at least since the 70's when beer became of interest to me).
17 Feb 2010 08:43
The Blue Bell Cider House, Hockley Heath
Crikey. I have wanted to go here for years having be a regular at the sadly missed Butchers Arms, Stoke (nr Bromsgrove).
Cider pubs do attract their eccentrics.
I'll give it a go anyway, Sounds entertaining.
13 Feb 2010 17:06
The Plough and Harrow, Catshill
When this was originally made over in the late 80's/early 90's it was actually quite good - good landlord, staff, beer and food.
I have been there is the last year and was uncomfortable. The bar area was very "cliquey" - the locals hogged the bar and seemed unaware that other people wanted to get served. I literally had to (politely) ask them to move twice. If I wasn't a big guy I think they would have just turned their backs.
One barmaid was helpful, another in a teenage hormonal daze. We did eat there and it was OK but I wouldn't do it again - too many other places to go.
Shame really..
11 Feb 2010 14:50
The Barnt Green Inn, Barnt Green
Latest update - my friend complained to the Managing Partner, Martin Nelson, a week ago.
No courtesy of an acknowledgement - let alone a proper reply.
Says it all really. all about making money - nothing about customer service. This is a pattern that keeps repeating itself at this pub.
Will they never learn? This place could be cooking - as it is it's going downhill - again
11 Feb 2010 10:14
I notice that there are no recent reviews or awards - has it gone downhill?
4 Feb 2010 10:29
A discovery. After a rare visit to Worcester for some shopping with my wife we found this and had a meal and (too much) beer.
3 Feb 2010 18:57
I have always had a good pint and meal here. Only issue is that amongst the otherwise excellent staff was one guy who kept calling the customers "mate". For some reason it got up my nose.
Highly recommend it though.
3 Feb 2010 18:53
I haven't been to this pub since I was below the legal age for drinking.
On my visits back to the UK I sometimes drive past it.
One day I will pluck up the courage to go in.
3 Feb 2010 18:47
Not sure about the makeover but then again I like old time boozers.
The beers are excellent and I have eaten here regularly with no complaints.
3 Feb 2010 18:42
This is a most excellent pub. Friendly staff, good beer and food.
Music nights are wonderful and you can just see that everyone is really enjoying themselves.
3 Feb 2010 18:41
The Barnt Green Inn, Barnt Green
Went in with my friend from France last week and he was very upset.
The bar staff kept doing a runner and had no idea about how to serve people in turn. They seemed to think the customers were somehow incidental to their enjoyment.
Most of the locals now drink elsewhere, which is the pubs loss as they tend to be wealthy and inclined to spend good money every night.
Very sad as its an excellent location - just staffed by silly kids with no manager in sight.
3 Feb 2010 18:16
The Golden Cross Hotel, Bromsgrove
Really bad!
I went in with my wife and ordered beer and food. The bar staff were gruff and the tables were covered in detritus.
When the food arrived the girl gave us out plate and wondered off, I guessed to get our side orders. But no, she was collecting glasses. Had to chase her up . Meanwhile the main course went cold.
I complained to Wetherspoons and got a standard letter back - they couldn't care less.
OK for chavs, wino's and cheap beer.
3 Feb 2010 18:05
The Coach and Horses, Weatheroak Hill
A real English pub.
Not mant left, so catch it whilst you can.
10 Jul 2009 05:22
The Barnt Green Inn, Barnt Green
This pub keeps having makeovers.
it used to be a great local - a mixture of all sorts and I could take the dog in.
Then it went through a Toby style makeover - big mistake - they cleared out the locals, banned dogs and encouraged allthe scruffs from Rednal and Rubery with fights and bouncers. Then the business went downhill and it has been reburbed as a very upmarket place - with prices to match.
Very nice but souless with too many poseurs and disinterested staff.
Best in the area infortunately.
9 Jul 2009 13:43
The Old Hare and Hounds, Rednal
On a visit back to the UK my old neighbour suggested we go for a pint.
The pub is well made over and there were none of the roughs that used to use the pub. Service good and beer good.
I took my wife on our next vistit and..........a load of loudmothed chavs in baseball hats and polo shirts boasting about their naff motors.
We finished our drinks and retreated to the Barnt Green Inn.
9 Jul 2009 13:36
Queen Victoria, Barnt Green
Recently changed hands as it had gone downhill. It had had a makeover some 3 years or so ago but still attracted the same crowd that let it down in the end - chavs and builders etc in dirty clothes.
It has now gone up market (i.e. more expensive and some dress rules) but still feels wrong - the layout has been changed but the two levels conspire against an atmosphere - perhaps its cursed ! - it was originally built as a Temperance Hall !
Wish it luck though.
30 Apr 2011 10:51