Leather's Smithy, Langley

We stopped at the pub for lunch, whilst driving around on holiday and like many who ventured in, thought the immediate welcome was a little frosty.

It was early September, the pub was practically empty, yet when we asked for a table for 4 (including our two young children), we were told we must sit in the family area. Which although pleasant enough, couldn't quite understand the logic of having a separate area for us to be banished.

However, the food was very good, reasonably priced and the staff suddenly became most helpful. We asked for a steak and ale pie to be split between two children, and this was more than catered for including polite conversations between the staff and the children.

We had a little chat with the landlady about our holiday and was given a very warm farewell.

So perhaps the landlady hasn't got the greatest of people skills, but once in motion can put on a smile and host her patrons well.

22 Feb 2010 18:02

The Cross House, Doynton

This is a lovely little country pub, with a really warm welcome. It serves good food, athough some meals are a little overpriced for what you get. Infact, you are probably better spending a �1.00 more and having something deliciously home cooked, rather than having the egg and chips.

It is children and dog friendly, as you would expect for a village pub, and the walled garden is well secluded and has a very small children's swing.

The toilets could do with a revamp as they smell quite mouldy and suffer with damp.

However, it is well worth a visit if in the area and has some stunning walks on its doorstep.

22 Feb 2010 17:47

The Crown, Saltford

This pub has gradually deteriorated and unfortunately become a grotty, dirty, slovenly kept pub that calls itself a restaurant.

Bizarrely the car park is always full of overweight people queueing up to eat the low grade food served within.

The toilets are dirty, hand dryers never work, hand towels never provided.
The bar area smells of stale beer, the soft furnishings are ripped and tables are left uncleared whilst the staff stand at the bar texting their friends.

Once I ordered a pot of tea. I was handed a teapot with no lid, not given a spoon, and when I requested some milk, the plastic milk carton was shoved in front of me!

If you want to have a good meal around the Longwell Green area, I would thoroughly recommend the Lock Keeper in Keynsham.

Go here if you have no taste, too much money and can't see the grime.

22 Feb 2010 17:42