The Riverside — Restaurant in Cotswold District

We had been keen to visit for a meal out since moving here a few years ago. We decided to go for a special occasion, my father in laws 70th birthday celebration. We were unable to book a table which is slightly unnerving for a birthday meal. But as we went early evening, plenty of tables were available. We were greeted warmly by the lovely bar staff and they explained what we needed to do with the new way of ordering etc. The ordering was a little tricky with having to do it on the phone and read out the menu to the whole table a few times but we got there. The food came quite quickly and was nice and hot. We hadn't been given any cutlery or condaments prior to the food coming so had to wait for that to be sorted after asking for it. We were very disappointed with service received by the waiter. He dashed off after we asked for the cutlery before we could ask for everything else we needed. When he returned, we asked for mayo and ketchup and this appeared to be a big ask as he stormed back to get some. We realised there was no salt and pepper pots (as now needed to have them in packets for covid I guess) so asked for that also and when that was given it was literally thrown onto the table. I went to the bar and asked the staff to please ensure he did not return to the table to serve us as service is so important to us, especially for a special occasion. The girls in the bar were brilliant and apologised on their behalf and checked we had everything we needed and all was fine. We enjoyed the food and the chips were great. We then ordered desserts on the app. Our table was not cleared before the desserts arrived. The same waiter brought out the desserts and did not take away any dirty plates when he left we had to ask for the table to be cleared.

At that point I spoke with, who I believe to be, the manager about the service. We were not satisfied with the response. The manager explained the waiter had only worked there a week. Although I appreciate the struggles of hospitality businesses at the moment, this does not make it any better for a family celebrating a 70th birthday. People in general are in need of some great experiences out and about and this just isn't good enough. We were given the impression that we should be okay with the service we were given due to his inexperience. That absolutely is not acceptable. We are paying guests who value both good food and service and should get both. There were plates left on our table when we arrived, which we moved to the table next to us as we needed a larger table. These plates were still there when we left nearly two hours later. One of the beers we were served was also nearly an inch below the top of the glass. Sadly, no matter how nice the food is here, the poor service overshadowed the food.

We would not return there and I would not recommend this establishment to anyone. What a shame this is given the location and potential...

This is probably the second time in my life I’ve written a negative review as I only do so when I feel strongly about something.||I’ve just travelled over from New Zealand and the negative experience at this pub has made me very grateful for the level of service we take for granted in NZ. Over there service means a friendly smile and ‘a nothing is too much trouble’ attitude - that is just the norm in New Zealand, which is why I am so shocked by my recent experience in this tourist-heavy pub. |I’m visiting my elderly mother and we made a trip to the beautiful village of Lechlade to have lunch at this very pretty pub on the side of the river Thames. As we were there to enjoy the beautiful surroundings we sat at one of the tables on the waterfront and I went in to order my first British beer of the trip - which I was very much looking forward to. I ordered a half of a 3B Arkell’s and had a sip and it was delicious, so I took it outside for my mother to try and left it on the table with the slim plastic menu sheet propped up against it. The wind immediately blew the menu and beer over. Looking back it was a really unstable glass unsuitable for serving outside - very top heavy with a narrower base and the light gusts of wind were surprisingly sufficient to topple it! I was horrified so I ran into the bar with the little bit left in my glass and explained what had happened and asked if they were able to top it up in the circumstances. I had originally been served by a lovely young man and lady who had given me a taste of the beer - but this time I was met by an older larger man - who I had approached as I assumed he was probably the manager. His response was to look at me as if I was an alien - he said in an abrupt and grumpy fashion - ‘yes you can have another one but you’re gonna have to pay for it.’|That would be unheard of in New Zealand where we would’ve been met, at least, with a sympathetic response even if followed by an explanation as to why the cost of a quarter of a pint of beer was too much trouble for them to do as a courtesy. It was not just the response but the manner and attitude with which it was delivered that meant our party of 3 immediately left the restaurant without buying any more drinks or the planned lunches (which averaged £16 for a fish and chips).||Such a simple thing would have avoided a very unpleasant experience for an overseas visitor and has now tarnished the reputation and standing of this pub and what would otherwise have been a lovely English pub meal in a...

This is probably the second time in my life I’ve written a negative review as I only do so when I feel strongly about something.

I’ve just travelled over from New Zealand and the negative experience at this pub has made me very grateful for the level of service we take for granted in NZ. Over there service means a friendly smile and ‘a nothing is too much trouble’ attitude - that is just the norm in New Zealand, which is why I am so shocked by my recent experience in this tourist-heavy pub. I’m visiting my elderly mother and we made a trip to the beautiful village of Lechlade to have lunch at this very pretty pub on the side of the river Thames. As we were there to enjoy the beautiful surroundings we sat at one of the tables on the waterfront and I went in to order my first British beer of the trip - which I was very much looking forward to. I ordered a half of a 3B Arkell’s and had a sip and it was delicious, so I took it outside for my mother to try and left it on the table with the slim plastic menu sheet propped up against it. The wind immediately blew the menu and beer over. Looking back it was a really unstable glass unsuitable for serving outside - very top heavy with a narrower base and the light gusts of wind were surprisingly sufficient to topple it! I was horrified so I ran into the bar with the little bit left in my glass and explained what had happened and asked if they were able to top it up in the circumstances. I had originally been served by a lovely young man and lady who had given me a taste of the beer - but this time I was met by an older larger man - who I had approached as I assumed he was probably the manager. His response was to look at me as if I was an alien - he said in an abrupt and grumpy fashion - ‘yes you can have another one but you’re gonna have to pay for it.’ That would be unheard of in New Zealand where we would’ve been met, at least, with a sympathetic response even if followed by an explanation as to why the cost of a quarter of a pint of beer was too much trouble for them to do as a courtesy. It was not just the response but the manner and attitude with which it was delivered that meant our party of 3 immediately left the restaurant without buying any more drinks or the planned lunches (which averaged £16 for a fish and chips).

Such a simple thing would have avoided a very unpleasant experience for an overseas visitor and has now tarnished the reputation and standing of this pub and what would otherwise have been a lovely English pub meal in a...