The Commercial, Herne Hill

This is my favourite pub in Herne Hill, good selection of beers, not to poncey as seems to be the trend in the area and untill last night the food has usually been OK. We both opted for the 10 oz burger called the 'big one'. It took a while to arrive and when it did it was so overcooked that it had shrivelled away to nothing. The 'chunky maris piper chips' were barely warm and clearly out of the freezer while the lettuce was going brown and the onion rings cold and greasy. If we hadnt been so hungry it'd have been sent back. Its a shame as I really like this pub but doubt if I will eat there again for a while.

2 Aug 2008 07:37

The Prince Regent, Herne Hill

Ive been to the Regent many times for a drink and the occasional bite and I generally quite enjoy it. However my view has altered dramatically following my recent monday night visit. I booked a table for 2 in advance which after speaking to the second staff member (the first seemed totally uninterested)we were pointed in the direction of it. This was at 8.30 - by 9pm we wre still awaiting someone to take our orders despite my partner approaching staff only to be told that someone will be round shortly. A further 20 minutes elapsed in which time 2 more recently arrived couples had had their orders taken. This just seemed absurd not to mention rude, and was our queue to leave. Only now did a waiter come over to take our order but by now the damage was done and we shall not be returning, not even for a pint. I understand that places get busy but there was very little evidence of food coming out of the kitchen while everyone around us was sat with empty plates. Perhaps if one of the numerous staff couldve stopped posing for a minute and at least given us the courtesy of a brief explanation/apology re why we'd been kept waiting for over three quarters of an hour we may well have given them the benefit of the doubt. As it stands the next time I want a pint and something to eat locally I'll be going to the Commercial!

2 Jul 2008 23:23