The Dirty Habit, Hollingbourne

As reviewed on another site; new owners obviously spent a fortune on refurbishment to create what appears to be the perfect village restaurant/pub. Unfortunately, we had the bell rung (I didn't know this still went on!) at 9.45pm on a Sunday evening. The three black clad staff in a huddle by the bar obviously wanted to go home, no matter that our tab was running up a nice income for the owner. Paid our �80 and virtually heard the door lock behind us. Tempted to cancel a booking for the next Saturday but thought we'd give the dining experience a chance to redeem the bar experience. Oh dear, a 25 minute wait for our order to be taken, and only then when we managed to attract a passing waiter. Half our 'while you wait' order of olives and fresh breads arrived with our starter course and monkfish main that needed a steak knife. Enough Eastern European staff to make any Gdansk resident feel right at home. This is one local who will not be bothering again. Such a shame, it all looks good but cheap labour and average food drags it right down.

28 Sep 2009 12:27