The High Force Hotel, Forest-in Teesdale

Stopped here on 15 March 2009, whilst out in the local area. We live in Darlington and this isn't too far away. As it was lunch-time, decided to eat , even though extortionate prices charged for basic pub grub. As we had a friend with us who cannot eat gluten, I asked whether they would do bacon, egg and chips (no gluten-free meals on the menu). This wasn't on the menu but chips and a bacon and egg stottie were - didn't think it would be too difficult to put the three ingredients together. How wrong I was!! If you really need to know why pubs are closing at the rate they are, have an encounter with the landlord here. He is the most unwelcoming, unhelpful, unfriendly and miserable individual running a pub you would ever wish to avoid . He told me that was the menu behind the bar and there was, apparently, no divergence from this. Don't expect service with a smile here - or any service come to that - he obviously hasn't heard of customer care. He said that he had no price for bacon, egg and chips - not exactly rocket science. The place was empty on a beautiful spring day at 12.30pm - I thought he would have been grateful for the custom! We decided not to eat there, to which he replied 'doesn't bother me', as he turned away �30+ of business. It obviously will bother him. Unfortunately, we had already ordered drinks - small hot chocolate (tepid), small coffee (tepid) and the only real ale in the place (Theakston's bitter). These were overpriced as well - �6.80. Well remember when this hotel had its own micro-brewery and was a pleasure to visit. How sad.

13 Mar 2010 14:41