Estaminet Au Vieux De La Vieille — Restaurant in Lille

THE WORST place I have ever been. Not family friendly or tourist friendly. I have travelled to many countries around the world and eat out regularly. Over the years there have been some misses but this has been the worst place I have ever come across that I decided to write my first review. I always give places the benefit of the doubt and accept some places have off days but the level of disrespect, arrogance and unprofessionalism from the older man showing customers in was shocking and nothing I’ve come across before. We went to dinner to the place opposite the evening before which was good. We noticed the waiter was back and forth from the restaurant opposite with the similar name getting drinks and food so we guessed everything was coming from the kitchen opposite. As the food was nice we decided it would be nice to try this place for lunch the next day as they have a different menu. The weather was on and off raining but we still decided to go out of our way to get there with our son who was in his pushchair asleep. So not to be in the way with our pushchair we asked to sit outside under the very large parasol as there was a lot of outdoor seating. The man at the door sitting customers immediately shouted no and they are only serving inside so we asked for a table inside. The man then became very annoyed and started shouting we can’t come in looking at the pushchair even though we could see there was plenty of space. Our pushchair is a compact style purposefully purchased for holidays and for when going to small places. We are business owners ourselves so always behave very considerably to other businesses and staff as we understand a lot of the challenges. However what faced us was this angry man who did not want us to enter at all and pretty much chased us out with a barking manner and continuing to complain under his breath. Genuinely shocking! Even though the food looked incredible this attitude and level of disrespect is not acceptable. Places like this let their city down and give their city a bad reputation for not being friendly. They can dislike having people with pushchairs or not like that we were Italian and British but as humans we should always speak to each other with respect. For this reason I would recommend not to bother going to this place and to spend your money supporting businesses that appreciate you custom. Luckily all other places we went to in Lille were fantastic with great service and there certainly is no shortage of great food to be found...

Summary: Inattentive service, average food and wine, atmosphere not different from other much better restaurants with outdoor seating. Will not recommend.

Servers were running about as they seemed very busy during lunch time. Maybe try a less busy time if you still want to try your luck. My waiter was inattentive and only interested to quickly be done with it. I was initially thinking of ordering dessert to be served later and asking for his recommendation for a wine pairing. But since he was not paying attention and already looking/ shouting over to talk to his colleague across another table, I did not bother ordering much and kept to a simple main and a random wine. No bread offered and didn't check in at all if I need anything else (not even water). When I eventually got up and paid my bill (you have to go to the till; they don’t do it at your table), I was asked if the food was okay. When I gave my honest answer, no apologies offered either.

The food — I ordered the Welsh au maroilles. It was so salty to the point of being inedible. I barely finished one-third of my plate. The salad was just bland and tasteless. The frites was probably the only saving grace but still nothing to write home about.

Atmosphere - It’s all nice when it’s sunny but you get that everywhere else. So don’t bother here.

Reminders (general): Despite all the above, if you still want to try this, make sure to reserve in advance. Places and restaurants get filled up easily in Lille. When sat outside, be prepared for secondhand smoke. Your coat, clothes and even your food will smell of secondhand smoke. People there will not be considerate of you even in...

We were shocked by how poorly we were treated at this restaurant. We sat outside intending to enjoy a few drinks. Initially, the staff were polite and welcoming. However, everything changed the moment they brought the food menus and we mentioned we were only here for drinks.

Our simple response was met with immediate hostility, as if we had personally insulted them. The staff became aggressive, started swearing at us, slammed down the bill, and told us to leave, saying this was a restaurant, not a bar.

In any decent establishment in a civilised country, it’s common practice for staff to ask upfront whether you’re there for food or drinks. And even if they don’t allow drinks-only customers, there are professional and respectful ways to communicate that. What we experienced was nothing short of disgraceful.

It’s truly unfortunate, the place itself is charming. But the appalling attitude of the staff made the visit completely unpleasant. I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant to anyone based on the...