I have been a loyal regular of Mr. Pickwick since late 2009.

I first tried the burgers and sandwiches, which I tired of quickly, but when I finally tried their curries (chicken, lamb, or veg.), I knew I had found the best thing on the menu. But, then, something changed. The curries would be excellent one time, but then really not the next time. Finally, after a year, I got so fed up, I wrote a 3-star review here in 2011:

"The curries are very hit or miss and they don't cut the vegetables into small enough pieces. The side-order of fries gets smaller every week. Desserts - fugetaboutit."

I stand by what I said back then, but a few years ago, management shook things up a bit, hired a new chef, and changed the menu.

While I'm not completely satisfied with the changes, it is definitely an improvement. Except that curries are not a staple on the menu. 🙁 They are only an occasional special. If they had curry on the menu, I would order a curry EVERY TIME I GO THERE. As it is, I don't order food every time.

Last night, chicken curry was the special. In past years, I got veg curry, because my experience with chicken curry had not been very good (tough, dry pieces of chicken). But, I was really in the mood for curry last night, so I ordered it.

OH MY GOD! It was the BEST CHICKEN CURRY I've had in Geneva in years. The chicken was tender and juicy. The pieces were the perfect size. The vegetables were neither too few nor too many. It was spicy enough, but didn't go overboard - really just the perfect middle ground. I gushed to the bartender who took my order and then had to tell the chef in person, because I was so happy. And, now, I'm here doing the same.

PLEASE, Mr. Pickwick, put curries back on your menu.

For the most part, the staff are awesome, with one notable exception. I understand and recognize that being a regular has its advantages, but I see how they interact with all customers and it's great. People used to complain about staff not smiling, being surly, ignoring customers, etc. That is NOT A THING anymore. The staff are friendly, helpful, happy, and just fun to be around. And they all make the extra effort.

The fact that I go there regularly and almost exclusively begs the question: why do I only give it four stars? Because I care. Because, for me, five stars means everything is great and there is nothing to improve. But, I see things that could be improved. Because there is one staff member who has a major attitude problem, but thankfully is only there one day a week. I speak with management about the changes I think they could make. There are times they agree with me, there are times they don’t or they are unable to act for other reasons. But, the key thing is that they listen. And that’s the best you can hope for. And it’s why I go back again and again and recommend it to friends and new-comers and strangers on the street (yeah, I’m that guy!)

About 15 beers on tap, 40+ TV screens showing all kinds of sports, football from all countries and Champions League and World Cup, Rugby, Tennis, American football (NFL), cricket, Olympics, basketball, baseball (!), ice hockey, etc. Live music concerts every weekend (Thu-Sat). Dart boards. Two floors with two huge rooms downstairs and a chill-out room. Pub Quiz on Monday nights. Close to the UN, close to WTO, close to the train station, easy access with Tram.

Do yourself a favor and come out to Mr. Pickwick.