The Rose and Crown Sevenoaks, Sevenoaks

For the last year we have visited a different pubs in the West Kent area each Tuesday evening and had some nice surprises and found some gems. Alas this pub was not one of them. The two bar staff couldn't muster a smile between them which should have been easy in a large pub with only ten customers. Part of the food order was for a cheese omelette and I asked if some onion could be put in it. I was told by one of the bar staff that she would check with the cook who is also the boss. Not a difficult request to carry out to keep the customer happy, the reply was "Yes" but only because she's in a good mood. The food was generally average at best but sent the sea bass back, smelly and off and covered in balsamic vinegar but no mention of that on the menu. One of my group wanted a cup of tea at the end of the meal but alas they don't have tea making facilites (hot water and a tea bag!) but could do coffee. In summary, the beer was good, got a refund on the sea bass without asking, staff unwelcoming and it seemed they were doing us a favour despite us spending over �100 in there. Will not go back and out of the last 50 plus pubs we've visted in the year this provided the poorest welcome/service and compared poorly. A better bet would have been the Harrow at Knockholt, about 5 minutes up the road with great food, decent beer and a great welcome.

27 Jan 2010 11:37