The Royal Oak, Pirbright

Sorry, I forgot to add in my previous post [for the benefits of parents] that they had apparently run out of milk, and weren't prepared to give us some hot water for a babies bottle...

I know its a pub and not a nursery but if youre a parent, take your business elsewhere....

11 Apr 2006 08:46

The Royal Oak, Pirbright

Just visited the Royal Oak last night on recommendation from a friend; small party of 6 including an infant. Its been a long time since I have got that unhappy in the space of an hour, and had to pay for the priviledge. The tale of woe is loing, but the salient points worth noting are as follows: they force people with children to move into designated areas - a not unreasonable request, but we had to move from an empty area into one where there were other diners... the new table was by the door and cold, but the fire could only be turned on by "management approval". Nevertheless, we ordered drinks, only to be told afterwards that we had only 45 mins to eat and leave as they have a 9pm curfew for parties with children...

Being hungry, we soldiered on, only to be served food that my dog would have left... a gristly overdone steak, cold chips and to cap it all shards of plastic container in my wife's meal..

Customer service was appalling [if Dan the barman worked in my business I would sack you instantly for being rude and unhelpful - you are clearly in the wrong vocation]. When I asked the managers name, I was told to go and look outside the door....

From reading the other entries in the forum, I understand that the pub has gone downhill - shame it could be a stunning place...

I would love to get this kitchen on a Gordon Ramsay program, or invite the Health and Safety people to go and have a quick look...

11 Apr 2006 08:30