New Inn, Portland

After attempting a Sunday lunch here for a birthday occasion would certainly never go back! We had pre-booked a table for seven for 1.30pm on a Sunday. We�d chosen the New Inn because it was close to my elderly mother�s (the birthday girl) and genuinely looks like a nice clean friendly pub.
It was quiet with only two other diners and a table had been very nicely set out for us with wine glasses, paper napkins etc. On the table and others there were the standard glossy menus and also printouts detailing the Sunday lunch � this consisted of prices for 2 or 3 courses stating that starter was Homemade soup, lunch was Beef, Pork or Turkey and then a selection of sweets. On going up to the bar to order, I was then told there was no soup. Ok, disappointing but we�d manage. I then started to order a couple of Pork and was told there was only beef!
I expressed my views to the barmaid taking the order in a fair manner � basically saying that it seemed a bit absurd to have put out printout menus when they didn�t have half of what was offered and that it was extremely disappointing especially when we had booked and so they knew we were coming! Nothing was said to us beforehand that certain items were not available, the barmaid gave a kind of sorry but there�s nothing I can do apology. Take it or leave it. We should�ve left it, but time was getting on and we were hungry so we went with the beef.
After a wait, the first beef dinners arrived and we could see immediately a severe lack of steam, on tasting the beef and veg were barely warm and the potatoes looked as if they�d been re-cooked from old. We were disgusted, it was almost laughable.
The barmaid offered to reheat the dinners at which with raised eyebrows we stated that we would like our money back. She did this with absolutely no question or apology, it just seemed acceptable and I wonder if they are used to it, I certainly am not surprised they weren�t busy. There was no contact with the chef and we didn�t think it would be of any use anyway.
We were astounded at the service, they knew we were coming and were not prepared, it seemed perfectly acceptable to put out menus that 50% of which could not be catered for and then to serve cold food.
The fact that we were able to get a full refund with no bother showed the lack of pride and confidence in the service. We subsequently tried the Clifton where we were fitted in to a busy time of day and were served a lovely HOT dinner with excellent service.

2 Jun 2008 10:05