Fannys Pub — Restaurant in Bolton

First time coming here party of 8 for mother in laws 75th birthday. Upon arriving was told table was not ready so had to wait further 15 mins. Upon being told table was ready, only to find table for 6 was prepared. (2 people were added at short notice but staff was ok with this). Only to find when there certain staff member did not add to list (great what a start). Waited for what seemed a lifetime to order starters. When eventually came found mushrooms in sauce to be very bland very small portions. Other members were ok with there's. Main meals came not long after ok we are getting somewhere (NOT). Sister in law ordered chicken curry had chicken with rice (NO CURRY SAUCE) what's that about ??? Complained to server was offered another meal but respectfully declined as all meals were now served and did not want to have to wait further, her partner was furious. But said I will have a dessert after. I ordered Sunday roast with my wife roast potatoes were that hard I needed a hammer and chisel, meat was fatty tough gravy was bland, I had pigs in blankets that were undercooked (pink) cauliflower cheese that had no taste. My sister in laws partners food was bland also he was not happy at all.

When the very bland tastless mains were somewhat finished. Dessert menu came. We all decided what we would like then waited, waited, waited you get my point. Bill was asked for nearly £250 no apologies or part refund. Interaction with staff was not articulate, as possibly lack of customer service, or just done care attitude. Family member who was furious just walked out saying to his partner just pay for it all. Understanding his frustration I decided to approach member of staff explained how terrible food service and price was. And how upset family members were I myself included. Advised them of writing negative feedback on here. No apologies were given. We then left. Would not recommend seriously overpriced must be no competition around. I will not be coming back !!!

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Disappointing. First time here, wouldn't rush to go back, had higher expectations. Having difficulty understanding why the place is so highly rated in Bolton, possibly because there is not much competition. The food was reasonable and the venue was a bit underwhelming but the worst part to the experience was the fact that it was freezing in the pub. Not exactly a cosy dining experience, everyone was sitting with jackets on. Upon paying I asked if the heating was not working today and was given a very blunt reply that the heating has been on all day and told that it is minus 2 outside. Not a word of agreement or acceptance or an appology. Just quite a confrontational tone. It's not a huge venue with lofty high ceilings that is "difficult to heat" like I was told by the server. I can understand trying to cut down on costs when energy prices have skyrocketed, but as a "premium" hospitality venue, you're job is to make a comfortable dining experience which is what people are paying for. Maybe they are relying on their reputation and have become complacent in their attitude towards their patrons and their customer service. ( And no, just to be pedantic, it was not -2⁰ outside it was actually according to my cars external...

Came here for an evening drink and a bit of atmosphere, but 45 minutes before closing, the staff went full “pub apocalypse mode” – music, TV's and lights off everywhere except a dramatic spotlight by the bar. I half expected a pub-themed episode of Survivor to start.

We asked (very politely, may I add) if they could pop the music back on while we finished the pints we just bought – but no joy. The response was a firm “nah”, with the unspoken subtext of “we’re done here, mate.” One senior staff member explained, with great mystery, that they “have a business to run” – which apparently means switching off vibes well before closing time. Perhaps they’re saving on electricity to fund the sequel: The Silence of the Ales.

It’s a shame – we really wanted to like this place. But if you enjoy sipping beer in awkward silence under interrogation lighting while the staff telepathically urge you to leave, this is the spot for you.

We’ll stick to the other bars from now on – you know, the ones that actually like having customers. Cheers! (But quietly. With the...