Ye Olde Coach and Horses Inn, Melton

We were from outside the area and decided to book a table at a local pub near where we were staying for dinner.

Strangely enough, the lady on the phone said she could "squeeze us in" for 7 and not 7.30 as we had previously requested. This, we assumed would have been because they were extremely busy.

We started to get a bit twitchy when the taxi driver informed us that only "visitors" eat there and not the locals (not a good sign)

We turned up, and it was empty... the chef pointing at us to come round the side and only the landlady and barrages of blackboards all over the place! We were left wondering where the hoards of people were that prevented us from eating at our desired time!!

The landlady was very curt and had no sense of humour when asked whether the 2 menus she handed us were "specials" menus or in addition to the numerous blackboards! It was utterly confusing over which menu was what so we all opted for a curry theme.

We shared a starter between us which was ok, but the curries were swimming in oil and the naan breads were very greasy. We couldn't finish the meals as there was an awful lot - and quite clearly not freshly cooked for us. In my experience, the sauce looked pre-cooked and then reheated. Disappointing for the cost of the meal.

The ambience of the pub was very stiff, and although the chef did his best in the kitchen - he was let down by a very matronly landlady who did not create a warming and welcoming atmosphere. We all felt like we were back at school and certainly didn't justify the "compulsory" 10% service charge. We were paying enough for the food, and sensed that the extra costs were put on to ensure a high profitability in absence of a high customer throughput to generate their cash.

This is a disappointing review to write, as the location is excellent, and the surroundings very conducive to what could be a successful and bustling pub. The interior is very authentic and the log fires/old bottles and bar area serve to recreate an olde english pub feel. They have a pool table and a juke box in a separate area.

I get the impression that these people have been running the pub for a long time, and probably had a very successful business at the time. They are probably both knackered and could do with pointing in the right direction and can't see the wood for the trees! I feel that they are trying to do too much and are confusing the general theme of what they are seeking to offer. A simple menu of traditional British homemade food would do this place (and the chef) a massive favour and would hopefully seek to win back some highly sought after and precious local business.

I would not return to this pub, unless I'm passing and noticed that they had found a cure to the rapidly multiplying blackboard epidemic!

6 Jan 2010 21:38