The Brewery Shades — Restaurant in Crawley

Not quite sure how to start this review.

I've been coming to this pub for over 5 years with no problems. I last went on the Monday 10th and had a blast. I then arrived on Friday 14th and was told I wouldn't ever be served again with no real explanation apart from "I was rude to the bar staff". However - anyone that knows me.. knows that I'd never be rude to staff workers and this sounded completely out of character. On the Monday 10th, I'd arrived with friends, had a few drinks, left for dinner and then returned back for 45 mins for the rest of the band that was playing that night. I'd only had around 5 proseccos for the whole of the night, so I wasn't even tipsy or drunk whilst leavjng premises. Really struggling to understand why Nikki said "all of the bar staff were unhappy with me". When I'd only been served by 1 person for the while of the night and had most of my drinks bought by friends, so I hardly came into contact with any of the staff. There were only 2 people serving that night and I was kind (as usual) to both of them.

I've never been barred from a pub/bar/club so to hear this was quite distressing. I also pride myself on having manners and again - it sounded asif it was made up.

I arrived today (Sunday 16th) to ask Nikki (owner) about why I had been barred and if she could give me any information as to why.. and she was a little passive aggressive towards me. I couldn't really make any of what Nikki was saying because it all sounded a bit slap dash, made up & random. I was told "You were rude to ALL of my staff and that I will be banned for life. It's a bit much considering I get on with every single staff member there and I've never had a problem for 5 years. If I was rude, I think I would have already been banned 5 years ago????? This sounded all very out of character and I stand by my actions. It sounded very made up and I'm not sure as to why they have a problem with me. I've always been courteous, kind, polite and in the 5 years I've been visiting, I have never even been drunk on premises.

Very upset at this whole situation. Instead of talking to me and asking me to explain the situation, (which there wasn't any) she has banned me for life outright with no real explanation. I've never been rude to any of the staff and so therefore it's a tad weird. I've spent thousands over the years and it was like my second home, so this is all very distressing for me and they are my only real means of socialising. If I was "rude" when I was on premises, (which I know wasn't the case) then what I'm struggling to understand is - why they didn't tell me when I was there. I figure that the person in question may have a personal issue with me and that is highly unfair.

Very upset.

Saying that, I've had some great nights in here and memories I'll cherish. Shame they can't communicate and talk like adults instead of assuming. I actually thought they accused the wrong person it was that out of character! Thanks...

A detailed review!

I had the choice of going to a great roast of the Forresters in Horley, even round the corner to Greene King PUNCH BOWL or try a new one for £4 more somewhere different. Music enticed me and cosy feel.

Food served quickly! From the chef with an enjoy your meal sir, loved that!

Plate is plain, Gravy was immediately probably more runny than usual with an adequate taste.

Chicken had been PRE SLICED for me! with a totally plain coating and not evenly steaming hot; tatties a tad too large and liekely frozen as it had that hard taste as another review would mention. Mash should be advertised as an alternative.

Yorkshire pudding looked lovely and mixed veg was HIDDEN underneath the chicken.So I suggest a bowl plate not be used for presentation. You wouldnt need a bowl style plate for a roast if the gravy was a thicker style. And perhaps if there was a gravy float the my food wouldnt be gravied at the bottom rather than on the top coating a (slightly glaze-cooked chicken breast)

There's the problem! The chicken! So, was I satisfied by the chicken (and the very bland taste? NO!)

For £16 not satisfied usually results in something especially since much of the chicken left for them to look at?

I wont describe what the manager said or the immediate (go away! vibe I was directed with me) but I didnt want a refund. I wanted a taste of another meat which you'd happily give me for £10...

Thanks! Not interested in the owners response, I wouldn't be writing if (im not asking for an entire other meal)

Stuffing was delicious but the attitude opposite. It was 'sorry you dont like it because i just tried it' (nothing personal madam, and wish you all the best with your job!) but that didn't make my Sunday night. Hence an at-seat review and I'm still hungry, shocked at my response, and disappointed!

(BUT ITS JUST £16, Yes and some of us donr have to spend that all as we have many other choices, and I chose...

I didn't meet the famous ghosts, but I saw plenty of skeletons on this visit to the lovely Brewery Shades...

This time of year, the large outside seating area on the Broadwalk (normally such a good place to watch the sights and sounds of Crawley!) is closed, but the inside is great as always. Lots of seating areas, but I think I prefer the bar area. The staff are brilliant and friendly. There is a good selection of drinks, with many craft beers on tap (you're welcome to try before you buy). The toilets are clean and have clearly been recently done up.

Although on this visit there were several menu-items unavailable, the food is good (as for a self-proclaimed gastro-pub it should be), though I'm not sure my volcanic burger (sublime as it is, topped with chilli con carne and jalapeños) was worth £16. It also took a good while to come, which was odd, seeing that the place wasn't very busy.

But I'm clutching at straws: I can't really fault this place, and why should I? It is a great pub in the...