Dog and Partridge — Restaurant in England

Awful experience today for Mother’s Day. Beef was overdone, dry and incredibly fatty - yes sirloin cuts have fat, but it was a terrible joint and overcooked. Several of our Yorkshire puddings were burnt on the sides too and whilst the potatoes were okay, they are cheap frozen ones out of a bag. This wasn’t the end of the world, it wasn’t terrible. What was so surprising was the waitress was so blunt and rude, she really shouldn’t be in customer service at all and was like dealing with a stroppy teenager - eye rolling and incredibly dismissive. At no point were we disrespectful or rude - having worked in the service industry ourselves in the past. Half way through our meals as we hadn’t been checked on prior, the suggestion was to take our plates and replace them - I simply said if she could bring some chicken on a plate out we can split instead so we were not left even longer, but no that wasn’t possible and we’re looked at as if we were suggesting something obsurd.

Yes she stated ‘sorry’ but everything else was confrontational and defensive - “well it is busy and there’s only 2 chefs in the kitchen, there’s only so much 4 hands can do” is not the attitude you expect from a gastropub charging well above average for a roast. Then at the end when settling the bill to still leave the service charge on and when asked to remove it a sarcastic remark “well… I tried my best” - really were pushing for this review. What a shame, we’ve been going here for over 10 years and I’m not sure if the ownership has changed hands more recently, certainly the attitude has changed and we will go...

We had a birthday lunch here and experience was less than average. I phoned in advance to check that dogs were welcome and was told that the answer it's in the name of the pub "We are exceptional dog friendly" upon arrival I was told to ensure my dog was on a lead which was not a problem. The garden was currently under renovation so we let the small dog off in the small decking area at the rear away from any other humans. We were swiftly met by the manager to be told no dogs were allowed off lead(not a soul was in this area or the adjoining dining area and honestly like throwing a deck chair off the titanic) no one cared other than Mr jobsworth. Moving onto the food we were a party of around 25 people with a pre chosen menu. I had the Salmon as did around 10 other people. 7 salmon were left on the table and the 8th was given to my dog for the lack of freedom promised. Bar staff were great but the food and attitude to service was appalling. We were invited for lunch but if we are ever passing again we will be passing. I am not one to often post a poor review but this was abismible and I would not wish for others to have the same experience. There is a pub 100 meters down the road which I haven't tried but would suggest trying...

Our visit was almost perfect! We booked for dinner & drinks and were seated outside in the courtyard between two tables not even a metre apart which raised the first red flag.. especially as there was space enough to easily sit a table apart. Second red flag went up when, said near table, occupants started smoking.. less than 3 feet away!!!

We were really disappointed on these two points.. expected more. BUT the good news was once we raised this with the owners they quickly accommodated us and sat us on the opposite side to the smokers.

We suggest you have a 'smoking & non-smoking' side in your outside seating area.. the fact we're sitting outside doesnt stop the cloud of smoke wafting over us non-smokers. Definately would deter us from coming back if our only choice of table was that close to next table and they were smokers too :(

Staff were brilliant and food was fantastic, thank you Dog...