St James Tavern, Piccadilly

Went there over the weekend and had the worst experience ever in a pub. Went to the bar to fetch a drink and although there were 3 bartenders behind the bar, none seemed interested in serving any customers. They wer just doing there chores behind the bar. One of the bartenders (who i later realised was the manager) was too busy chatting to one of his friend that he did not even see me standing right in front of him seeking some attention to get a drink.
Eventually when his friend left, he looked at me and I asked for a pint of becks. He did serve me the pint but the head was about 20% (no exaggaration here). I asked him to top it up and he did put another 3 r may be 4 more drops literally in it. I was very surprised and wanted to speak to the manager but this French Bartender was indeed the manager of the pub. He took the drink anway from me and asked me to leave the pub and told other bartenders not to serve me. Upon enquiring why he has done so, he replied...'because you did not respect me and my decision'
That was going to be my first drink of the evening and I was looking forward to a very nice evening but that of course did not start well. After reading some of the comments below, I can now understand completely this pub does not really care about customers just because of their location.
Pub in itself is not too bad but the staff and customer services was appauling.
I have got lots of french friend but over last few days i have had a couple of bad french experiences......Mr Manager at the pub and just read about Top French Actor Gerard Depardieu peed...in the aisle of a plane....how disguisting.
For a good experience and a great evening....please avoid this pub....much better options around.

18 Aug 2011 15:53

The Windmill, Hounslow

Recently went to the pub with my wife after about a year or so as we were staying in the nearby etap hotel. We were pleasantly surprised and to a certain degree shocked. We looked around to see if this was the same place we went to last time we were in the area. Old, dirty, smelly carpet is gone and new nice, clean wooden floor in place. My wife absolutely loves the new furniture and they now started serving proper pub food. I had a rib eye steak and my wife had a venison burger.....and all we can say is...food was perfect. For a nice bottle of wine, a steak and a venison burger we paid about �25only. It was a saturday and there was some live music/open mic on as well to add to the atmosphere. Most importantly the staff was absolutely amazing. We talked to a guy who we thought was the manager but later on realised he actually was the owner....great attitude towards customers. Apparantely it is under new management since last couple of months.
All in all....we will definitely go in there again. Contrary to the last visit, the place now looks amazing. Hopefully the new management keeps up with the good work.

15 Jul 2011 14:18