The Red Lion, Boldre

Having been to this lovely old pub for drinks we decided to take friends out for dinner here. The bar and waitress service were very good, however the meal we booked was repulsive. I ordered monkfish tail at nearly �13. It came out completely rubbery and tougher than shoe leather, the accompanying vegetables were like leftovers from the week before...I asked my husband to try them and he discreetly removed the contents from his mouth into a napkin, as in his words they were 'off'. My friends haddock was dry as a bone and looked like it had been forgotten about as it was so obviously overcooked. For such a lovely pub with otherwise good service, it is shocking to see that the chef really couldn't give a damn about the pub's reputation. All four of us said that our meals looked like the chef really couldn't be bothered. We will most definitely not be returning here and advise other people to think twice if they are eating. The food we had should have been condemned and I fear if the chef continues here it will only be a matter of time before there are serious issues with the food such as food poisoning or other health complaints. Such a disappointment for a potentially excellent pub with friendly bar and waitressing staff. We will not be returning!

5 Jan 2011 13:20