The Rambler Country House, Edale

I knew we were headed for trouble when we placed our drinks order at the bar. I went to Rambler Pub with four of my children (twins aged 11, a toddler aged two and a baby aged 1).
I asked for two coca colas and then asked whether they did a cordial for the little ones.
I was advised they did so asked for two blackcurrant squashes. When the drinks arrived the blackcurrant was mixed with soda water. When I queried this the manageress told me that I should have specified water and as I did not they would not exchange them!
I then ordered the food in the following way:
"we'll have 3 portions of sausage and chips from the children's menu and, I quite fancy that, so I'll have the same".
I paid twenty seven pounds and sat down at the table. I had to get my own highchair as nobody brought one.
When the food arrived they brought 2 childrens meals and one plate with 6 sausages, beans and chips. I asked why there were so many sausages on the plate and was told that I had asked for 3 childrens meals and the same again!
I explained that I didn't mean that I wanted to eat 3 children's meals. I had meant I would like sausage and chips as well. I asked how much I had been charged for the plate of sausage and chips and was told by the very rude manageress that I had been charged 3 x childrens meal. Which meant �15!
When I pointed out that this would make sausage and chips the most expensive thing on the menu I was told that this is what I had asked for and that I couldn't send it back because I had already started eating. (in fact I had cut off a slice of sausage for my baby as she was hungry).
I then asked where the missing children's meal was. I was told I would just have to make up the third children's meal from the food from my plate!
I pointed out that I had paid for three children's meals and "the same" and that they hadn't given what I had paid for.
I was told the kitchen was now shut.
I then asked for a refund and was told 'certainly not'.
I then said I wanted to make a formal complaint and was told by the manageress that I could not.
I told her I was legally entitled to make a complaint and she was obliged to tell me the name of the owner.
She said she would not but that if I wanted to make a complaint she would pass it on.
I was then told that if I didn't stop complaining she would throw me out!
As it was late and the children were hungry I had no choice but to divide the food between the kids and ask for a doggy bag to take home the remainng sausages!
It was a horrible, if amusing, experience. The manageress is the rudest woman I have ever come across.

4 Aug 2008 13:33