The Shakespeare Arms — Restaurant in Guelph

My husband and I went for dinner on a Friday evening (after having dined there last week during a leafs game and having had a great overall experience). We went inside to be seated and we noted how quiet it was compared to to last time (there were maybe 4-5 occupied tables.. we asked to be seated on the patio. There were three other occupied tables at the time (630ish). We were greeted promptly by our waitress and receive our drinks in quick succession. We ordered similarly to our last visit as we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. When our food arrived, we noticed that the portions were significantly less than previous, but not a big deal. We ordered the pineapple curry sauce for the chicken wings which we had the last time and could not stop talking about it! We were dipping everything we could find in this sauce because it was that good! This time however, there were a total of three wings (out of maybe 10? Whatever a pound is) completely lacking of any sauce at all. Again, not a HUGE deal, just disappointing. I then when to grab the celery off of the plate which was black in the middle with grey veins throughout and had a piece ripped off the side of it!! It wasn’t until I found a large piece of plastic wrap on one of the carrots (on the side veg platter) that I decided to bring these issues to a waitress. We flagged a waitress down (not the one who had been looking after us), she took away the veg with the plastic on it and apologized for all the other issues. When our original waitress returned to the table with our bill, we were surprised to see that there was nothing being compensated. The other waitress had not advised her of anything we spoke of!! She again apologized, and took the bill to see if they could adjust it all. She came back and again apologized, but management was only willing to comp the veg platter and 1/2 off the wings. She seemed genuinely disappointed in how it was handled, but understandably, out of her hands. We let her know that while the table behind us was being billed out, the manager RUDELY interrupted the transaction and decided to have an argument with the waitress about staying late. This was not only in front of paying customers, but loud enough for other patrons to hear and made us ALL feel very uncomfortable (we discussed this with the other table as we were all in disbelief a manager would be so inappropriate). I advised the waitress that we would not be returning and that management was...

Have been a customer on and off for about 30 years. The food, atmosphere, and service were always good. Have gone twice now since new management took over and sadly will never return. The first time the service was horrible, the big guy who seats you was giving the waitress heck in front of us, and others which was not appropriate, however the food was great. We decided to try it again and there was nothing positive about it. I asked specifically asked what was in the Sheppard's Pie as I have allergies and was told broccoli, onions, peppers. I ordered it as it was clear of my food allergies. When it came, it clearly was not what I was told was in it. The broccoli, and such were on the side and the vegetables that were in the Sheppard's pie I could not eat. When my husband went up and told the big guy that I could not eat it and said to him that I had asked what was in it, the guy came over to our table and made me feel like it was my fault, to which I told him I asked specifically for a reason. At that point I just ordered a salad as my husbands food had arrived. He ordered liver and onions and it was so tough he could hardly eat it. I had a glass of wine and the waitress took it without asking if I was done and there was clearly wine still in the glass. When the bill came I felt like I should not have been charged for the salad as it was not my fault I had to quickly change my meal and a salad was not what I would have chosen. The waitress asked how everything was when she brought the bill, and we told her of our experience and she said oh they are short staffed. That is not our fault you are short staffed. The people at the next table sent there food back and when we left the man was complaining to the guy about the food and service. The big guy was running around trying to do to many things instead of delegating and communicating with the staff. They seemed confused and none of them knew what they were doing. If you dont smarten up you wont be in business long and its such a shame to see what was such a great place...

This past Sunday evening (5:30 p.m.), we decided to visit a restaurant that, for many years, had been a favourite gathering place. The dining room was bustling with activity, and although we anticipated a lively atmosphere, the evening was marred by a series of disappointments.

To start, there were only two servers and one bartender attending to a close to full house and patio. All worked hard to keep up with the demand, but it was clear they were stretched far too thin. After being seated, our server was quick to the table and with drinks. The one appetizer took 30 minutes. More than an hour passed, and after several discussions with our server, it became apparent that our meal was nowhere close to being ready; sadly we decided to settle up and leave.

There was no clear communication regarding delays, and the lack of attention left us feeling overlooked.

What makes this experience especially unfortunate is the contrast with past visits. Under previous ownership, the restaurant was known for prompt service and consistently excellent food. It was a place we looked forward to returning to, a spot where the energy was matched by hospitality and efficiency. Sadly, that reputation seems to be fading under new management. The changes are palpable, and the once-welcoming atmosphere now feels chaotic and uncoordinated. In summary, the restaurant’s transition has not been for the better.

While the staff did their best in difficult circumstances, the overall experience was disappointing. It’s a shame to see a beloved local spot lose the qualities that made it special.

Having managed the front of the house at a restaurant, I understand situations that lead to unplanned understaffing. In those cases, management steps in and supports their staff. That did not appear to happen.

For now, we’ll be looking elsewhere when craving a reliable dinner out. Shame on the new management for thinning both kitchen and front of the house staff down to...