Pesto at Cabbage Hall — Restaurant in England

My son booked afternoon tea for my birthday. He called to check it was suitable for someone with a gluten and dairy allergy and was assured this was fine. I had major foot surgery in December and am using crutches now. This was the first time I have been able to go out anywhere, I was really looking forward to it. However, on arrival we were quite abruptly greeted, although it was very clear I can hardly walk and am using crutches, the person decided to show us to a table involving steps which I can't manage. The restaurant was empty at 12 noon so plenty of more suitable tables. When I said I couldn't manage steps we were, without asking if it was suitable, shown to another table and told it's near the disabled toilet (this toilet has a large pool of water in the floor, very dangerous for some using crutches, thankfully I managed not to slip, clearly not checked before opening time). We were told whoever had taken the booking had not noted down the allergies and they could not cater for gluten free afternoon tea. There wasn't even a choice of alternative non dairy milk. My daughter was offered the lunch menu and a massive book to look through showing what each dish contained. I asked if something could be recommend. She went to check with the chief twice. Eventually my son and I had the afternoon tea (apparently unlimited tea and coffee - ha ha try getting a refill - so slow I wondered if the waiter had gone to South America for the coffee). My daughter had a tomato pasta dish. We actually heard the first waitress saying 'sorry mate they have allergies'. We did not feel welcome to the point where I actually said it's my birthday today and I've had major surgery so the first time I've managed to go out but there wasn't even a flicker of acknowledgement. The food was thankfully fresh and very nice. It was spoiled by the total absence of customer service or any sort of attention to detail. I just felt extremely unwelcome. I didn't want to leave a tip but my son probably left one because he doesn't like confrontation. Over the years Ive eaten at Pesto a lot, it's always been nice until today's experience. It was so disappointing. A dreadful surly first greeting and then a very indifferent waiter, who clearly needs some more training. Don't state you are allergy friendly if you find it annoying to cater for allergies. I won't be recommending Pesto to anyone, I am disgusted with the extremely poor service. I don't think I've ever experienced such disinterested, surly staff. I feel very upset by the experience. So unnecessaryily...

Three stars is an average of six for the food and service and one for their Gift Voucher service. We absolutely love going to Pesto at Cabbage Hall. Great service and food, and very reasonably priced. In fact we like it so much that we asked our daughter for Gift Vouchers for Christmas. Subsequently we received an email with three £10 vouchers, which we used the other week. It turned out that two of the vouchers had exactly the same serial number, so we only got £20 off the bill. As a result I asked our daughter if they had bought us £20 or £30 worth of vouchers - turned out that she had bought us £60 worth! Consequently I contacted Pesto head office and asked about the "missing" £40. Yesterday I received four £10 vouchers. After our previous experience I double checked the serial numbers and found that two of the £10 vouchers had identical serial numbers meaning that there was only £30 of vouchers. Adamant that no duplicates had been issued - even though I had them - the lady nonetheless issued another £10 voucher. All I would say is make sure you only get Pesto gift vouchers from people you aren`t afraid to ask just how many they bought you so you can check none have gone missing. I also cannot understand how Pesto keep saying that they have not issued duplicate vouchers! On two separate occasions we have received a bunch of vouchers which have included two with the same serial number but sent at different times. If those are not duplicates I am not...

We never do reviews but honestly this had to be done! We went to Pesto Cabbage hall on the 5th May booking 8pm. When we arrived four different staff members saw us waiting at the door and instead of saying we will be with you in a moment they just ignored us, we finally got a table and it took 25 minutes to recieve our drinks, we were situated near the bar and the staff were evidently over stretched but no excuses to be bad mouthing guests and other staff members. Particurly a young girl with very long hair tied up was very rude about a staff member. It felt like a really awkward environment to be in. The food arrived 50 minutes later, but people on every table were waiting ages, a family table were waiting ages for their puddings for one not to be brought out until everyone had finished and they were ready to go home.

When our food arrived we had to send two plates back because they were cold and the bread was stale. It was just a really horrible customer experience.

We only came because we have had such a good experience every time we go to the one on elesmere port Pesto at the yacht!

But this was shockingly different. In a cost of living crisis it’s more rare for people to go out for dinner and that is certainly the case for us.

Over all a huge disappointment and will never go back! Don’t let it put you off all of Pestos because as I said the one in elsemere port is...