The Akeman — Restaurant in Dacorum

Been here before for breakfast which was great, not for dinner this time though. The greeting we had was rude and dismissive and we were constantly made to feel like we were an inconvenience to the staff.

Firstly, I appreciate how hot it was on the evening but the restaurant is air conditioned so indoors wasn't that bad. The restaurant was clearly short staffed and only one waitress and a member of the management team were waiting tables. The manager was the person who greated and didn't even ask if we had a reservation (which we did) he just outright stated "Your table isn't ready" and wandered off. 20 minutes later with three hungry children sat in the bar area, we politely enquired as to when we would be able to sit at our reserved table (booked for 7:30, seated just before 7:50). We gave the waitress our name and were immediately sat at an empty, made table in the corner of the restaurant.

We then waited 30 minutes to have our drinks order taken at which point we had to get up to ask the waitress to take our order as we had been waiting with hungry kids for an hour and one was due a meltdown (understandably). We ordered drinks and food which arrived 30 minutes later and they delivered an extra Margherita pizza instead of cocktail and then forgot twice about the kids deserts. The second time we asked, we watched the waitress ask the chef (open kitchen) where the brownie was and watched his facial expression scream "Oh dear, I completely forgot". On top of this, I ended up having to walk to the other end of the restaurant to the bar to order my wife's drink as they were forgotten again.

By the time we had finished eating it was 9:30 and we only ordered two pizzas, some deserts and two portions of fries which should all have been delivered together.

When asked as we were paying the bill, whether everything was ok, I politely explained it wasn't and why. I explained how the rude managers introduction to the restaurant had set the tone for a disappointing experience and how although we appreciated how hot it was and how we couldn't believe the poor waitress had not only been waiting most of the tables alone but also had to keep checking if her manager was ok (no leading by example here unfortunately) we expected to at least feel welcome and not like we were a constant source of burden for the staff.

We were simply told, I'll take your comments on board so we left. Needless to say I won't be returning to the Akemen. There are plenty of other great places to eat and drink in Tring that there shouldn't be any place for service this poor. Shame, I had been bragging to the family about how good this place was...

I visited The Akeman on a family meal to celebrate the end of term. Three adults, one teenager and a toddler who only woke up at dessert. One vegetarian and three meat eaters. It was a lovely meal and I was really impressed. The drinks were amazing with lovely cocktails that are definitely on the strong side. Great mocktails and bear too.

The service was great with really lovely staff and attentive waiting.

The starters were amazing, the halumi crisps are incredible. The calamari was enjoyed by frequent calamari eaters.

Vegetarians! And even you non veggies. The portabuelo mushroom and halumi burger was INCREDIBLE. It had salad, houmous and a red onion marmelade. Scrumptious.

The pork belly was enjoyed and came with crackling that made the table jealous. The venison lasagne was enjoyed but a surprise for those watching calories as it has layers and layers of brie over the top! The chicken sandwich was also delicious.

The desserts were not the best part of the meal but were nice. The Irish coffee was great. The brownie was enjoyed by a fussy toddler. The sticky toffee pudding is mostly thick treacle and actual too much for a sweets and dessert lover. It was still nice though.

There was a family party next to us and the place seemed family friendly with a classy edge to it!

Overall an amazing meal out with a nice price on the end for the food, service and...

As the hospitality sector in general recovers, at least judging by the numbers eating out, I would have hoped that establishments look to give value for money to their loyal customers. We often visit late Friday p.m. as we know that the kitchen will not be too busy, ensuring prompt service and well cooked food, this as always was the case. However I must conclude that we are now being presented with a vastly overpriced specials menu in order to subsidise the vast numbers of staff present between 16.00-17.30 who seem to think the restaurant area is social club. As one of only 3 occupied tables and with at least 14 staff present, you might expect attentive service. Even paying the bill is now a very 'laissez-faire' operation where a device is left on your table for you to check, make the payment, leave a service charge and then leave without so much as a goodbye or thank you. This comes just 6 days after a similar dispiriting experience at the Grand Junction. I wish that those responsible for managing these places could just put themselves in the position of a customer and see what we see. Even capable musicians need a good conductor, in these two restaurants at the moment they appear to have neither. I suggest a trip to the Lamb Inn in Berko would demonstrate how it...