Cork & Barley — Restaurant in Clareview

Extremely Disappointed – Not the Hospitality We Expected

We live right across the street from Cork and Barley and have always enjoyed our previous visits — mostly because of the warm and genuine hospitality shown by the owner. That kindness and attention to every guest was the reason we kept coming back. Sadly, our most recent experience was nothing like that, and it left us extremely disappointed.

We arrived around 4 PM (July 24, 2025). There was no one at the entrance to greet or assist us. The only staff member we could see — a lady — was talking on the phone. We waited a while, hoping someone would notice us, but no one approached or acknowledged us. Eventually, we decided to sit down at one of the empty tables while waiting for the staff to help us.

To be absolutely clear — we had "no intention of using that particular table without being seated". We were simply waiting for someone to assist us and expected the staff to guide us to an appropriate table. Once the lady got off the phone, we "waved and called her over" to let her know we were waiting. Instead of a polite response or help, she came over and immediately said the table was reserved and that we "should have waited at the door'. Her tone was cold, rude, and completely lacking in professionalism. We felt embarrassed and insulted — especially since we had done nothing wrong. The only staff member present was unavailable, and no one else helped us or even acknowledged us when we arrived.

We asked to speak to the manager, and she told us "she" was the manager. We then asked if we could speak with the owner, and she replied that he would be in after 7 PM and that if we wanted to speak with him, we should "come back later." At that point, we had already decided to leave.

We walked out and went to "Earls" nearby, where we were welcomed warmly and treated with the hospitality we expected.

Dear Owner,

I’m writing this review not just to inform others, but also to personally let you know what’s happening in your restaurant when you're not there.

I have always respected and appreciated your warm hospitality. Every time we’ve dined at Cork and Barley, you’ve greeted each customer with kindness and made the place feel welcoming. That’s the experience we came back for.

Unfortunately, I had no direct way to contact you — otherwise, I would have reached out privately. But I feel it's important to tell you that these kinds of negative experiences are happening when you are not around. I don’t know how many others may have gone through something similar and just stayed silent, but I felt the need to speak up.

This is not the standard we’ve come to know and love under your leadership, and I sincerely hope changes can be made to ensure others don’t feel the way we did. We truly hope to return in the future — when the warm, respectful environment we once enjoyed is restored.

Dear Customers,

If you're planning to visit Cork and Barley, we highly recommend going when the owner is present. His hospitality truly makes all the...

I went here yesterday Dec 21/24 for the first time. I heard great things about this establishment. My experience was not the same. The service was slow, yes it seemed busy but it took forever to get drinks and longer for the staff to take our order. Two people were offered water but they never received their water. Staff came by a few times and said I’m so sorry, I’ll be back to take your order. More than one time. When we did get to order, I specifically ordered the traditional breakfast option B. I wanted bacon, egg, hash browns and toast. After a lengthy wait, breakfast was served. I was presented with a traditional English breakfast (option A)Which was beans, 1 egg, 1 slice of back bacon, mushy tomatoes, 1 banger. First I don’t like bangers, tomatoes or beans. Which is why I didn’t order that option. A person sitting with me said that’s not what she ordered. I said that’s right I ordered option B. Staff apologized and said she will get me what’s missing. Not that she would bring out the correct meal. I didn’t touch the food on the plate at that time. She came by and told me to go ahead and start eating. So I ate what I liked on the plate.. Approximately 15 minutes later she came out and delivered bacon to the wrong table. Then when corrected brought just the bacon to me. So I ate the bacon. Another staff member came over and took my plate away, after asking if I was finished. Which I was. Original staff member came over and said oh I’ll go get the hash browns… I literally looked at her and said I’m done, I don’t want the hash browns. She said she will promo some of my meal. A lady sitting at the table said that my meal should be free. I understand it was busy and staff was literally telling people walking in that they were full, yet there were empty tables. Granted given the lack of service, that was likely a good decision that was made. I also understand with it being busy that mistakes are made. Seriously!!! Why didn’t this place just bring me a replacement meal all at the same time??? My meal was free and I appreciate that but I won’t be recommending this place or returning to try to have another meal. I like to support smaller businesses but this was unacceptable service. This is 100% accurate to what my experience was. I told this the way it happened from my perspective. Manager/owner please don’t reply with. This is not very accurate. It is 100% accurate as per my experience. The food 1egg, bacon and...

Edit: We were so excited to see this place open again! We got take out yesterday and loved it so much, we decided to go there for lunch today. (Thanks for the note in our take-out, we love you too! 😂) The restaurant definitely has a charming British pub atmosphere. It’s amazingly clean and everything looks great inside. The server was super friendly, with just the right amount of checking in on us. The booths are super comfy and they have the right amount of TVs for watching sports. Not too many, not too few! We ordered the steak sammy and the bangers and mash. Both entrees were sooo good. They came very quickly too. The steak was great, cooked perfectly to order and seasoned well. The bangers and mash looked like the ultimate comfort food dish. Mashed potatoes, bangers, onions and peas all swimming around in delicious beef gravy. Check out my photo, you’ll be dying to eat it on a snowy day like today! This place is a gem in Clareview. I really hope more people check this place out so it always stays in business! Definitely the best restaurant in the area.

Original review: Just noticed this new place pop up nearby, so had to try them since the menu looked so different from anything else in this area. Man... I am SO glad we did. Absolutely phenomenal experience through skip. The portions are huge, the ingredients are super fresh and they don’t skimp on them either! The fries, etc were all still nice and crispy, despite being delivered. We ordered the wachos (waffle fries with nacho toppings) which was such a big portion, it came in a huge pizza box. Amazing, crispy waffle fries, loads of cheese and tomatoes... and unlike most places, they don’t skimp on the hot peppers! We also got the British burrito which was phenomenal! I mean... Yorkshire pudding wrapped around incredible roast beef... how can you go wrong with that?! Lastly, we got the philly-style poutine, which was enormous, lots of cheese, full of fresh peppers and mushrooms, covered in delicious onion straws and topped off with roast beef in incredible BBQ sauce! There was even a personal note on our order, and I really appreciated that they took the time to spell my name right. I can’t wait until COVID is over and we can visit this place in person, because it seems like the service will be awesome. Until then, we’ll definitely be getting take out so they get all the profit! We can’t wait to try the stuffed...