Crooked Billet — Restaurant in England

This is a hit or miss place. I have been here and had a nice meal but the last two occasions have been really quite poor. Its been recently updated and looks great. Plenty of choice on the menu. However I went with a large family group for a birthday and the meals did not come out consistently and we had a long wait - not good for children (or adults!). The waiting staff were slow and I had to ask twice to get water on the table. It wasnt even busy. The food was average. I thought I would give it a second chance and took my parents for lunch there. It was a disaster. It was a quiet afternoon but again we waited 45 minutes for our meals. They forgot to bring chips with my Dad's meal and my mums lamb was raw. She had not been asked how she liked it. We sent it back asking for well done but it came back bloody still so had to send it back again. By the time she got her meal we had finished ours. My dad's steak was really tough and the explanation was that a bavette steak is a tough piece of meat but very tasty. I have bavette steak at home and it has never been tough. The whole experience was very disappointing. I did complain and we did get an apology and two meals taken off the bill. I wouldn't go back there based on these experiences though. May be ok just for drinks and nibbles but I wouldn't book for special occasions. Too risky and expensive....

Following a family funeral service we held the wake at the Crooked Billet, a lovely country pub just a couple of miles away from the crematorium. Throughout we dealt with Jo who was incredible. Nothing was too much trouble, even when we asked if we might go 'off-menu' to make it fitting for our family. Jo together with Howard and their wonderful team of chefs, bar and waiting staff could not do enough to ensure it all went smoothly. We enjoyed delicious food - butter chicken curry, a vegan three bean chilli, salads, mini Indian bites and more, and of course their renowned sticky bbq pork belly bites, and finished with chocolate cake. We had the use of the restaurant which was more private and it was the perfect choice and venue for us as a family on a difficult day. Jo could not have been more supportive and accommodating and that shone through the rest of the team too. We hope to return to the Crooked Billet under happier times but whatever the circumstances you find yourself there, you can be assured of warm, attentive service in cosy surroundings with delicious food and drink. An enormous thank you to Jo, Howard and all the Crooked...

Two years ago I gave this place 5 stars. But having been coming here every month or so for two years, it has got progressively worse. Prices have gone up, and standards of food have gone down dramatically to the point today where I don't think we will be coming back.

The "salt and pepper" squid tasted like oily squid rings. Not what they used to be when they were actual pieces of squid. The burger was dry, poorly seasoned, and came in a stale bun. The soup, while we can't be sure, tasted like a ready meal from Sainsbury's. The chips were clearly from a bag.

The table next to me, too, was complaining about their roast dinner. Pale undercooked potatoes, overcooked and tough beef, and from what I could see, the gravy was basically water.

Long story short, this place is in decline and the only reason I am writing a review (instead of simply protesting with my wallet) is because we have wonderful memories here.

Owners, whoever you are, please take note.

P.s. anywhere that asks you to tip - at the bar - before you have even received your meal, should be deleted from existence....