Hartley's Restaurant — Restaurant in England

This is a constructive review and not intended to be unfair. We have eaten a few times recently and had a poor experience the last two times, after chatting to my mum and partner who eat here on Saturday, I have decided to leave feedback, because they had a very poor experience and will not return.

The food has always been excellent and the chef is top of his game, I know him and he's a really nice guy. But its the customer service preventing haryleys living up to potential.

I have worked and trained as a waiter in the past in top end hotels and I understand that front of house is so important and like an art form. It makes or breaks customer satisfaction. I'm aware you don't need silver service or to be called sir or madam in a modest setting but the right attitude should be present. The manner of the lady (the one who seems to be in charge) is very poor. She is quite short with people and huffs and puffs.

During restrictions when we visited there was a sign at the door saying wait to be seated. We did so, but then in the middle of lots of customers, sarcastically said ' you can come in you know.' This is unacceptable levels of service. My mum asked for something on Saturday and there was only two tables in. The lady snapped and said 'you'll have to wait.' Ofcourse customers have to wait but surely you can't speak in that way. Surely 'just a few moments ill be with you soon ' would be better. There's lots of choice in furness and people are spending their hard earned money and having a night out they have been looking forward to. At a basic level front of house should be polite at all times.

I really like the restaurant and love the chefs food. I am leaving this review as someone thsts passionate about good service and a good dining experience. This is not even really a dig at the lady running front of house. Maybe she is stressed and thats understandable, but the owners should be aware of things and ensuring basic, good front of house manner is present. Book stops with...

I am trying to be as objective as possible, writing this review.. 4.5 stars or 5 stars

The food was really good, we really enjoyed the vegetarian breakfast. I don't know who's the chef, but he's absolutely dedicated to his craft. The sausages were perfectly cooked, hash browns were crispy, the tomatoes were so juicy! The slices of bread were rightly toasted and adequate butter was provided.. The beans were fine. The vegetarian option included vegetarian bacon which I chose not to have, so I was given 2 extra sausages instead, and I thought, now that's a very generous portion :) The poached eggs were also perfectly cooked..

My only issue was.. The customer service.. It was as if the people there, needed time to warm up to us; which is why I am hesitant to give 4.5...

Just had a meal here and we can't believe this is the same place as the raving reviews we've been reading. The service was awful and the meal was the worst we've had in any restaurant. My steak was served on a large pond of water and oil, which I had to mop up with 3 serviettes so I could put my salad and chips on the same plate. The steak was tough, lacked flavour and was under seasoned, which all made it unenjoyable to eat. No doubt my dog will enjoy it though as most the steak was wrapped up in a doggy bag. Such a disappointment on a much needed date night. (My salt and chilli chips came in a separate dish and my salad came in a ramekin. They were not...