The Roebuck Inn, Wickham

An early review said "could be good, but varies", and indeed that has been our experience.

We initially visited as guests of our friends who live locally and visit every few weeks. They were clearly recognised and our party was given good treatment on arrival, and during the meal. The restaurant was quiet and the service and food were quite acceptable.

Welcome - 4/5, Service 4/5, food 3.5/5

Subsequently we visited on our own a few weeks later. What a contrast! The restaurant was busy and through no fault of our own (accident on the M27) we were delayed by about 15 minutes.

Mark made sure (loudly) that we understood his displeasure on arrival, and frankly we felt the evening was off to a bad start. The service was slow although the food was still acceptable.

On that second occasion - Welcome - 0/5, Service 2/5, food 3.5/5

I can't help but think that people on "first name terms" with the management may well get (very) preferential treatment!

2 Feb 2011 15:34