The Cross Keys, Holbeck

I had the misfortune to visit The Cross Keys recently with a friend. When we arrived, we were kept waiting to be served at the bar for about 10 minutes, despite the fact the pub was (understandably) almost empty, and there were at least 3 staff on duty. They seemed to think that standing around gossiping and wiping glasses was more important than providing service. The beers we ordered were horrible. I had an ale(?) which tasted like bitter mixed with washing up liquid. My friend had a larger which wasn't much better. The beer is fine if you like one's you have never heard of that cost about �3.70 a pint (providing you don't have any taste buds).

Later, my friend decided to try a different pint, and went to the bar. He was told by the barman/manager(?) who was sat at the bar using a lap-top, that he would serve him 'in a minute'. Nearly 5 minutes later, my friend was still waiting! Obviously customer service isn't a priority at The Cross Keys!

The pints we had were also short measures - despite the fact the glasses had clear 'to the line' pint measures on them. When we asked for our beers to be topped up, the person staring glared at us. True, they topped the pints up, but we were appalled that we had even had to ask. Maybe a visit from Weights and Measures would be in order?

I have visited The Cross Keys on one previous occasion, when I had something to eat. On that occasion, the food was cold and extremely average, and extremely over-priced. The venue don't feel the need to put the prices up on their menu board - another clear example of their commitment to customer service!

Overall, The Cross Keys is one of the most horrendous, pretentious pubs I have ever been to. The staff obviously feel it is beneath them to provide anything approaching decent customer service, or a welcoming atmosphere. A truly awful pub - avoid at all costs!

28 Mar 2012 19:26