The Queens Head, Uxbridge

The pub closed on Saturday 20 Dec. It is one of 14 Orchid Group pubs that have gone into administration. Punch Taverns will be the new owners when it reopens.
Fortunately, there are no outstanding Christmas bookings, but it seems odd for Orchid to do this at such a busy time of the year.

22 Dec 2008 18:41

The Bell and Crown, Chiswick

Ten of us went for a meal there last Sunday afternoon. It wasn't a great success, the five of us opting for the roast beef all having cause for complaint. For �13.95 we got:
- 3 small slices of almost raw beef. Two of us didn't mind the rawness (and it was tasty), but the others couldn't manage it.
- 1 small tepid, soggy and limp Yorkshire Pudding.
- 3 halves of small roast potatoes, some of which weren't properly cooked.
- some thick julienne carrots, barely warm
- a small portion of cabbage combined with one or two peas in a (cream?)sauce, cold.
- a dollop of horseradish sauce.

Three of us had sweet at �4.95 (or was it �3.95). My apple crumble was simply soggy stodge.

For balance, I must say that those not having the roast generally enjoyed their meals, and the manager responded positively to our complaints and gave us three of the roasts free. We arrived early, and I suspect that the kitchen wasn't yet up to speed. On the way out, I noticed that the portions were more substantial and appeared to be better cooked.

Even considering the location, the meals were very expensive.

26 Aug 2008 15:08