The Six Bells, Chiddingly

Everything that a country pub should be! Quaint and quirky pub, friendly staff, landlord that makes you feel welcome and like you have known him for years, affable punters, fantastic food at a great price and very generous portions (cheesey chips a must! Along with pavlova and banoffee pie!). I cannot sing it's praises enough. May look a little rough and ready round the edges inside but thats only because it is so well-used! Very popular with all ages and everyone made to feel welcome. BRILLIANT!!! :-)

9 Nov 2010 14:52

Blackboys Inn, Blackboys

I have been going to the Blackboys for many years and in the last two I have noticed a lot of changes - unfortunately most of them are for the worse. The decor has much improved (although parts are being over done, on the whole its nice), but that is about all I can say on the positive.
The attitude of the (older) staff couldn't get much worse. Each time I have been I have been met with rude and unpleasant nature far removed from what a country pub should offer. Put it this way - the log fire is warm but the recption from the landlord has be very frosty. Odd seeing as I live in the area. Even the basics of courteousness and manners have been lost.
Examples - Standing at the bar and mid drinks order the phone rings. Bar maid goes to answer the phone, then stands chatting to the person on the other end for a good few minutes before returning to finish our order.
Another example, stod at the bar waiting to be served, bar staff are too busy chatting to family members across the bar and eating their chips than they are to actually serve loyal customers. Oh, and to top it off - on leaving the pub, turn to say goodbye and thank you, the landlord turns away. Call out thank you and goodbye. Stoney silence follows. Call again thank you and goodbye. His retort was a grunt. Charming.
Such a shame. A beautiful pub, ruined by the staff. Could be such a wonderful place to spend free time, I shall not be returning to spend my hard earned cash there.I have very fond memories of this place from the previous landlord and landlady. I have been going back in the vain hope it will recover in my estimations - however after the last rude experience I am afraid my 12 year loyalty has now come to a very abrupt end.

9 Nov 2010 14:44