The Royal Oak, Poynings

what a disappointing visit - we took a "pub walk" around Devils Dyke & had parked our car just out the front of the pub. After a lovely walk, we wanted to have a couple of drinks in the pub before making our way home - we also wanted to have a look at what the meals were like as were planning a lunch out for quite a large group of our family to celebrate our engagement.
Inside the pub, there was 1 table free which when we tried to sit at a bearded guy came over & stopped us saying the table was booked & stuck a sign on it. So I asked him to find us another table at which point he said "ah dont worry they arent coming in til 3 so as long as youre gone by then" to which I replied we definitely would be as we were only coming in for drinks.

His response was "oh - well I want to keep the table for people who are eating.". And that was it - basically if youre not eating, then youre not welcome at this pub. So they can stick it as far as Im concerned - they wont ever be getting my custom & they missed out on a large party for lunch. If they are a restaurant and not a pub then they should advertise as such & save everyone the embarrassment of effectively being thrown out when they try and sit down.

10 Jan 2011 12:41

The Royal Oak, Poynings

what a disappointing visit - we took a "pub walk" around Devils Dyke & had parked our car just out the front of the pub. After a lovely walk, we wanted to have a couple of drinks in the pub before making our way home - we also wanted to have a look at what the meals were like as were planning a lunch out for quite a large group of our family to celebrate our engagement.
Inside the pub, there was 1 table free which when we tried to sit at a bearded guy came over & stopped us saying the table was booked & stuck a sign on it. So I asked him to find us another table at which point he said "ah dont worry they arent coming in til 3 so as long as youre gone by then" to which I replied we definitely would be as we were only coming in for drinks.

His response was "oh - well I want to keep the table for people who are eating.". And that was it - basically if youre not eating, then youre not welcome at this pub. So they can stick it as far as Im concerned - they wont ever be getting my custom & they missed out on a large party for lunch. If they are a restaurant and not a pub then they should advertise as such & save everyone the embarrassment of effectively being thrown out when they try and sit down.

10 Jan 2011 12:40