The Woodman, Woodmansterne

Whilst the pub itself and its surroundings are very pleasant, I have nothing but disgust for the level of so-called "service".

I visited the pub today, for the first time, with my parents, for lunch. We waited over an hour for our food to arrive and, on asking when it might be ready, were told "5 minutes"... 15 minutes later "Oh, it's just coming"... Another ten minutes and three plates of cold food finally turn up; even after re-heating these were mostly inedible. Specifically, the meat was under-cooked, the veg cold (and then warm mush), the pastry soggy, etc, etc.

Staff were unhelpful, surly when questioned regarding missing items (gravy and veg) and we didn't even get an apology for this appalling mess.

On asking who I must presume is the manager, we were told that the reason for the poor service and general disorganisation was that "someone couldn't be bothered to get out of bed this morning".

Tables were left stacked with dirty plates; embarassment seemed to prevent anyone coming to clear our table. Ashtrays were left full of rainwater and cig-butts. No attempt at cleaning up was made.

Quite frankly, I've never received such poor service anywhere else and, as I won't be going back, presumably never will again.

Avoid at all costs!

25 May 2008 16:18