The Stonhouse, Clapham

I've been here three times now as I was looking for a new local. The first two times, I couldn't have recommended it more to friends - we got great food and great service. You couldn't really ask for more. But both of these times were mid week.

I went back yesterday (Sunday) with a group of ten or so friends after raving about it for so long and I couldn't have been more disapoointed.

1. We sat outside and then moved inside as it started to rain. When we ordered some more drinks the girl at the bar was rude beyond belief about us not telling her that we had moved. I totally take the blame for not letting them know we had moved inside but was there a reason to be so rude about it?

2. She then proceeded to be rude every time we ordered a drink. Chip on should me thinks - maybe a career in bar tending isn't your call luv.

3. We then moved back outside and I promptly told little miss rude that we were moving back outside. Some of my friends then ordered food and they were told that they were not serving food outside anymore because of the "changeable weather". We mentioned that people had already been eating outside and they stuck to their guns with the "changeable weather" line. When their food arrived, they were told it was served inside. Approximately two minutes later the table next to us was served food. Charming way to treat your customers.

3. We then ordered more food and they took our order outside and served our food outside.

4. When I went to order deserts from the bar, I was yet again given the "changeable weather" excuse. I mentioned that we had just been served outside and the bar tender (not little miss rude but he obviously went to the same bar tending school for the hospitality retarded) replied that we shouldn't have been served. I went to another waitress, explained the situation and she explained why they had issues serving outside but said that if we didn't mind it getting soaked on the way outside if it was raining and if we would eat it inside if it was raining and if there was the room, then she would take my order. FINALLY - someone with manners and a sense of customer service.

It's such a pity as I really liked this place and I have been telling all my friends in the area about it.

They really should review their staff and attitude as places like this won't survive and don't have the right to survive in an area like Clapham.

1 Sep 2008 11:08