The Black Bull, Ripon

I only wish I had read the reviews on this site before visiting this pub! We visited looking forward to a sunday roast after attending the classic car show at ripon racecourse. We do not know Ripon, so just headed for the main square. On entering the staff were polite, but as commented, not overly welcoming. we ordered two lamb dinners. after waiting about half an hour, the meals came. a couple on another table asked the waiter about their food as they had ordered 20 mins before we had arrived!! when our meal eventually arrived, I had to chase around for a knife and fork, then mint sauce etc. when i asked staff they went away and came back about 5 mins later. the meals were burnt and inedible. I found a waitress and explained I was unhappy. then i discovered we had pork. my partner cant eat pork so i was just happy i had tasted the meal and not him. the plates were taken and they came back with lamb, but the same burnt veg as they didnt have anything else left! the other couple eventually got their sausages after one hour wait. Half way through trying to eat the meal (i was very hungry!), I found a hair on my plate. I went to the bar to ask for the manager who i was told was away but they would get the relief manager to come over to me. we waited another 10 mins and then i explained everything when he came to the table. although polite, he appeared very apathetic and just asked if he could get us anything else. i asked if we could have a refund and he said no as the manager had the keys or whatever for the till/safe! he offered us a free drink of lager and shandy. we accepted this as it seemed to be the best we were going to get. staff also kept coming out of kitchen and using their mobiles then going back in. they were also rolling their own cigs behind the bar whilst serving. it was our first (and the other couple next to us) visit and needless to say, our last. Am seriously considering contacting trading standards and writing to manager. You have been warned!

3 May 2010 17:29