Mr Pickwick Pub — Restaurant in Geneva

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...

I like their burgers and enjoy my occasional lunch in the place people there treat me fine but I am sometimes uncomfortable about the way they treat some of their clients. I will share my experience at the Pickwick. The week before Christmas I was in the pub for a late lunch. There was three people and me in the pub. There was a man on the phone who was talking a bit loud and I watched the Bartender turn up the volume of the music louder and louder in response to the mans talking. It was strange I found it very rude and childish, he seemed like a nice enough guy but apparently did not know he was talking loudly. I went over to him and explained what was going on and he was embarrassed told me he was sorry and become more quiet. I found the treatment of that customer very rude and horrible.

I guess there are people they like and people they don't..

I am posting under fac strat because I generally have a decent time personally when I go in there and I will continue to do so. This is not a condemnation of them overall just of the childish actions that can go on in a pub...

I have been a regular customer at Pickwicks for over 20 years and have till now really enjoyed the food, service and atmosphere. Last week I stopped in for lunch. The staff were friendly as usual and I ordered the fish and chips.

When the order came out, I could see that the fish batter was burnt on one half. Completely black and unedible. I could not believe that this dish was served. I wanted to check the inside of the fish before returning it. When I pierced it with my fork, water ran out. It was completely under cooked. I informed the waitress who agreed and she took it back to the kitchen.

The cook was standing by the bar and stared to complain about me returning the dish. He got angry and was rude. I asked him to exchange the dish with a hamburger, but he kept on ranting. I offered to pay for my drink and left.

It was an unfortunate experience and I am sorry that I will not be returning to one of my go to places for lunch. A very...