The Prince Of Wales, Westcott

The Prince of Wales is a case where change wasn't for the better. Although some people don't care for "gastro pubs", I prefer a pub with a menu a notch above the average. I thoroughly enjoyed the menu and food (except the burgers) under the previous owners. I liked that there was a quality dining establishment in Westcott. Unfortunately, I will not return after my first experience since the change in ownership. The PoW now lacks a lot of the homeyness and warmth it once had. There has also been a decline in standards with regard to cleanliness and presentation. Our table was sticky and had not been cleaned after the previous guests. A paper table cloth was placed on the table after our order. We were presented with a very unprofessional looking and limited menu of "hot rock" options, but was told if we didn't like what we saw we'd be given another menu. I suggest there should only be one menu with the "hot rock" options included in it. After ordering the ribs from the other menu I can now understand why they're pushing the meals that you cook yourself on a hot rock. The ribs were very, very disappointing. They weren't tender in the least. Quite the contrary, it seemed very little care was taken in making them. They were cooked tough and smeared with barbecue sauce. The veg was overcooked, and the jacket potato was chalky. I suspect it was baked much, much earlier in the day. Westcott really had a gem in the Prince of Wales, but no longer. What a shame.

25 Sep 2011 20:45