Rose & Shamrock Village Inn — Restaurant in Hawke's Bay

My previous review I gave this restaurant was awesome, but after the last 2 times you don’t deserve it. Last time waited an hour for pork belly when the place wasn’t even that busy, not even an apology when our food was brought over. Tonight waited 56 minutes for 2 small snitzels and were served cold garlic bread. After 40 odd minutes he said it would be 5 minutes. Then 10 minutes later I went up there again and he refused to give me a refund. Not even an apology either. They didn’t even tell us there was a 45 minute delay and the sign wasn’t even out, if it was I still shouldn’t be waiting almost an hour for 2 easy dishes all you have to do is chick it in a deep fryer and put a little salad on the side. Maybe they don’t know how to do multiple orders at once? We’re working at a snails pace. When food arrived not even an apology either. I don’t know if it’s new ownership or what, I go here a couple times a month and the last couple weeks I’ve gone there it’s been shocking. Rude service. I won’t be going back and I’ll be telling other people to stay far away if they want to eat...

I was at this establishment in March 2012, so staff may have changed in the intervening time. However, at the time of my visit the food was first rate and the selection of beers was good. The best time to come to this establishment is probably on a Wednesday evening, when local musicians (and occasionally visitors from out of town like me) come together to play traditional Scottish and Irish tunes. This particular "sessiun" is strong on Scottish music, and for a "trad" musician like me this was a welcome change from the standard collection of Irish tunes that are played at most sessions.

Putting my review in context: I am based in Milwaukee USA, and travel widely for business. I try to attend "sessions" wherever I go (bringing at least a whistle with me, sometimes a larger instrument as well), and The Rose and Shamrock stands out as the best among the many places that...

Have been here quite a few times(30+) but tonight was the last, sorry to say. Why? We are fed up with paying good money for not so good food. The waste bin must be heaving every night if what we saw going back on the plates is anything to go by. We ordered 3 LARGE Beer batter fish and chips from the special list. We asked for well done chips. Didn't happen. Limp, white, only just cooked and small portions ( frozen ones at that ). Salad was on the plates.... no dressing at all. It was well dry, bland and hard to eat. Although we ordered and paid for large, the fish in beer batter was 2 small pieces per plate. The gurnard was ok but?

We paid $70 for this plus $40 for drinks to wash it down. What started out as a decent place to go for a good pub meal has got greedy and doesn't deliver. Grab One deals etc are the only way to go,...