Simon's Place (Simon Lambert & Sons) — Restaurant in The Borough District of Wexford

I came here for lunch with my family on Paddy's Day, and the service was horrible—especially from the older lady with short hair, who I assume was the greeter. All the tables were occupied, which was understandable, but the restaurant wasn’t overly crowded, and the atmosphere seemed calm.

I asked for a table and was met with a sharp “We’re full.” No hello. No warm welcome. Just pure rudeness. I then asked if we could wait, and she responded with another sharp “No.” She added that we could come back in half an hour or an hour. This didn’t make sense to me—if we wanted to eat there and a table opened up in 10 or 15 minutes, we’d miss our chance to be seated.

I asked again to clarify whether we could wait in the empty open waiting area, and with one last dismissive and slightly annoyed “No,” the conversation was over. We ended up standing outside Lambert’s, trying to figure out our next move, and saw others go in to check if there were tables available, only to be sent back out.

While waiting, I wondered why they couldn’t simply allow a line to form outside. It didn’t seem that difficult—there was space on the sidewalk, no fire hazard, and it would have been a reasonable solution. Instead, we had to find somewhere else to eat while our daughter cried from hunger.

We eventually found another restaurant, which also filled up soon after we arrived. But even when it was full, the hostess there empathetically informed customers that there were no available seats and even offered to take their number to call them when a table opened up. That level of customer service was miles ahead of what we experienced at Lambert’s.

I can’t help but feel that the staff at Lambert’s take their popularity and the fact that many people would be visiting for Paddy's Day for granted. No matter how they treat people, they know more customers will keep coming in. I ate here once before and really enjoyed the food, but after this experience, I’m struggling to see myself...

Myself and my son went in today for a late lunch. Last time we were in the service was v good(Linda) and food was also. Unfortunately this time neither was. I ordered chicken tenders & chips for my son and the beef burger and chips for myself. The chips with both dishes were inedible & overcooked. The burger was ok but the presentation of the dish wasn't. It was just a burger and the chips on a plate, no salad or garnish. The tenders were a little overcooked too unfortunately. The biggest issue I think on the day was once the food was delivered we weren't approached throughout the meal and asked was everything ok, this is a normal occurrence in restaurants by staff as a way of showing politeness and if there is a problem it can be rectified early in the meal. As we finished I walked up to the bar to pay. I was waiting for an inquiry as to did we enjoy our meal but still nothing, just told the the amount owed was €22.50. I paid it and we left. It's a pity because it shows how important staffing is, I am willing to try there again because its local and as stated I've enjoyed food there before but if it was someone else they'd be losing...

This is a fantastic eatery and bar . Personally I think outside it needs to let people on the street know how amazing it is and what it offers once you walk through the doors . From the outside if you didn’t know of it you wouldn’t really know it serves such amazing food we walked past it for two days even though smokehouse is painted on the wall we didn’t see it which we regret. Walk inside and you see the most beautiful characterful bar and then after you go wow… you smell it , that real smokehouse smell . You’re greeted by friendly cool happy staff and seated where you prefer. Walk around this bar of beautiful old school design and amazing pics and drawings before you sit and pick some of the most amazing food we’ve had . I had the 16 hour smoked brisket in brioche it was melt in the mouth and pip had the smash burger she said it was the best she’s had we had a side of Cajun fries every mouthful was sensational . This is a food destination bar . 5out of 5 easy . I wouldn’t change a thing inside but let people know what you do outside so we wouldn’t have missed two days eating...