The Halfway House, Earlsfield

Took a friend here for Saturday lunch a few weeks back and to be honest, was utterly disappointed.
First off head to the bar for drinks, had to wait while the bar staff finished their conversation before they would serve me.
Then went back to order food. Not a problem.
45 minutes later, I ask about whether our food is on its way. The barman said someone had popped out to get bread, we'd ordered a pie and some fishcakes, no need for bread, but was sure that it was on its way.
Table next to us get their food and as bar girl walks past, I ask whether our food is on its way, without stopping she grunted over her shoulder, "should be".
A little disgruntled I went to speak to her, suggesting that she might have told us about a wait when we ordered or she might be able to give us some indication about when we might get our food. She then said quite aggressively that it wasn't her fault, they were short staffed and she then carried on with what she was doing. No apology, nothing.
I then asked to speak to the manager.... who was lovely! She listened to my complaints, got us more drinks, brought our food and then refunded the cost of the meal. It was a shame that only she had any inkling of what great customer service should be.
I really like this pub, the food was lovely (when it arrived) and the atmosphere was great. But let down by the barstaff.

22 Nov 2008 09:34

The Stonhouse, Clapham

The most appalling service I've had in a while, even complaining to the manager yielded giggles from the waitresses and bar staff. Confirmed that we shouldn't have given it another go.
Food was great but service really let down what could have been a fantastic evening in a fantastic place.

30 Mar 2008 23:26