The Whitakers Arms, Accrington

I have visited the Whitakers a few times and it was a dull lifeless place with poor food. So I was quite intrigued when I learned that it was being taken on by a new landlady - who had told everyone she was going to make it so much better. It seems that she, her father and her younger daughter are going to run it with the help of a couple of the staff who have been there a while. We were told it was going to be a good "local" run by the family for families. Well, all I can say is, that yes the food is a bit better than it was - but it still has a long way to go to match some other pub eating places close by. As for the attitude of the management - this was nothing short of disgraceful. The landlady used the "F" word constantly to abuse staff and the equipment - and she was rude and abrupt with customers. Her father seemed just happy to stay out of the way. The daughter worked well - even though she had no experience and the barman - who I am told - has been there for years looked about to drop he was so hard pressed - not to mention being sworn at by his boss. This place has a long way to go to be worth another visit and I will think twice before letting my young children in there with me because of the rude and abusive example set by the lady of the house. Avoid this shambles of a place!

21 May 2013 12:24