The Villagers Inn, Blackheath

Where shall I start... I'm a man with simple tastes however, irrespective of that, there are certain standards which must be adhered to, especially if one is running a pub, located in relatively affluent part of the countryside.

My young lady and I arrived 5 minutes before the opening time 12 noon, and was told by a scruffy looking gentleman, sat smoking a cigarette, that "we're not open yet and this is the staff area" and pointed that we should stay outside in the blustery wind until opening time. When the rest of my party arrived, young children in tow, we were told specifically to "please keep an eye on your children as they may run into a waiter serving hot food and may burn themselves". In my time, I have never, and hope never to encounter such a case. However, it was his tone that got my goat.. Not one that would be considered polite, yet not entriely impolite - although expected from a chap who considers service is too much for him to bear.

Our food, despite being the first to order before other patrons arrived, were served third. I know this because the table next to ours were half-way their meal, as though eating was going out of fashion.

The only redeeming quality about this pub was the young chap who served us - he was polite, asked if there was anything else he could get us, and perhaps, should be promoted at once. Otherwise, reviews such as this will become common-place for what I deemed on first inspection, a charming pub, tucked away in a quiet part of the woods.

Your former customer.

20 Oct 2008 09:17