The Wooden Spoon, Downton

Very disappointing. We picked this pub for a meal out in Downton based on other reviews here and I can only presume it has changed hands since these were written.

Service was virtually non-existant, waitress was silent/sullen and the gentleman who we presumed to be the manager not much more welcoming/friendly. The pub did not seem excessively busy so this did not explain the lack of service.

Portions were quite small and the sunday roast was meagre in its portions, probably the smallest roast dinner I have paid for. The lamb tangine was a more reasonable sized portion. Avoid the chocolate brownie surprise as the only surprise is that you're paying close on �5 for a small bowl of chocolate sponge with ice cream on top. Apple pie and custard was badly microwaved! (How can you get that wrong?)

Rather strangely there is no menu - the only menus are on two blackboards meaning that depending on where you are sat you have to leave your table to loiter around deciding what to have. The range of dishes it must be said seemed good in its variety.

Overall impression was that they weren't that interested in our custom - shame, as the pub itself is pleasant in its decor and we were lead to expect better. We won't be going back.

7 Mar 2011 11:13