The White Horse, Downton

We were so disappointed! I had booked a table the night before for a family trip out (with 87 year grandma). When we arrived into the pub it really looked great with a roaring fire and lots of comfy chairs but we were guided in to the 'stable' - freezing cold extension. I did ask if they light the big open fire but the owner mumbled something about it would get a bit smokey and then he left us.

The disaster didn't end there. We waited an hour for the food and only got it after we complained. The roast beef lunches were cold, the steak pies had variable qualities of meat (some much tougher than others) but th fish pie was piping hot and grandma said it was tasty. We sat with our coats on for the whole meal as did the other four tables of diners - who were still waiting after us to receive their food.

The Manager was inept at offering apologies and didn't even offer a complimentary drink or anything as compensation. we saw other people with very angry expressions, but honestly, after waiting an hour plus for your food on a Sunday lunchtime - where do you go?

We did mange after our main course to find a little table near the bar - in the warm - so we squeezed round it and had some dessert but again, we were surprised that there were no 'chocolate' desserts like chocolate pud etc, there wasn't even chocolate ice cream! What kind of publican can set a menu without these things???

Also, when you look at the pub website there are some magnificent photos of food when this is clearly taken from some other restaurant.

Even while we waited so long for our food we noticed the Owner sitting relaxing on a couch with other people instead of keeping an eye on the really pissed off customers in the 'stable'!!!!!

One good thing, the pint of local beer was good.

1 Feb 2010 11:52