Riverside Inn Saltford — Restaurant in England

Our first time to this pub - a lovely location but the staff when we arrived were very abrupt and unwelcoming - walked up to the bar from the entrance and before any hello, the lady snapped "are you plastic or glass, you have to have plastic if you're off the patio", to which I responded erm I've no idea yet sorry (I didn't even know the situation, the outdoor spaces or anything at this point) - it was the abrupt way it was said as if I should have been aware of this before entering the pub. (I can fully understand the glass/plastic rule which is implemented in many places, that wasnt the issue here).

Whilst happening the young lad working there shouted across something to a man who walked in along the lines of "you can't do that unless you're a customer" in a somewhat agitated and nervous/laughing manner, the man responded that he was, but the young bar man was all sketchy and muttering the the other bar staff loudly "i bet he's not! He's going for a walk! I'm going to go check, ill say something", in a really loud uncomfortable way in front of all of us at the bar, marching across to the door as if he was a bouncer for a club. Marching back 30 seconds later "yeah he was, he sat down at a table oh", like an intense keeper of the space. The chap didn't look to be doing anything wrong, and if there are rules on who can come through the space, maybe a gentler and more friendly approach to instilling them is needed - i felt really overwhelmed by the atmosphere this had created before I'd even ordered, to head out to the garden area (which had a good sizeable childrens area) to be met with a huge banner by the playground (the most visible thing in the view) stating another intense rule also.

We were arriving with the aim of a couple of drinks and dinner for the family - unfortunately we had one drink and decided to head off elsewhere. When you're spending £22 on 2 pints and 2 appetisers these days, there's got to be some joy in returning to the bar to order a second round, not to be barked at and frowned at as if you're expected to have done something wrong for being there.

I feel there is clearly an issue with people taking the mick in this place, which has sadly resulted in intense rules to be stated - this was somewhat clear by looking around at some of the interesting clientèle in the space on a sunny Saturday afternoon - a bunch of casual swearing by the playground, not much eye contact or smiling between groups, more than one group I was concerned for their ability to not melt somewhat in the sun - but the way this was being implemented put us off from returning.

I don't like to give bad feedback and perhaps if the customer service improved then things would be much better - there seem to be a good number of reviews enjoying the food so it's a shame we didn't feel comfortable to...

A warm sunny afternoon off exploring led us to Saltford on the A4 between Bristol and Bath. We turned down Norman Road which leads onto Saltford’s old high street. From there we took The Shallows which follows the River Avon downstream back towards Bristol. We were just continuing to explore the area and at this stage we hadn’t, as yet, encountered this Inn.||||Parking at the Riverside Inn would not have been a problem as, a bit further-on, there is the Inn’s private carpark with an entrance off-of The Shallows. We had parked on the limited on-road parking located just where the river is closest to the The Shallows road. There is also a free off-road carparking area a few metres further-on from where we parked.||||We walked along the grass verge, past some lovely-looking residential riverside properties and past the Saltford Brass Mill. It was at that point that we saw the Inn. Just past the Brass Mill there is a narrow public footpath from The Shallows that leads to the riverbank and then onto the Inn itself. A pleasant walk (but watch out for the nettles).||||The Inn is quite extensive offering a considerable number of tables (we saw numbering of over 360). There is a shaded patio area near the rear entrance to the ground floor bar, that overlooks the river and weir. Further-on the public footpath passes a kids patio, and large up-market venue room and outdoor space, ideal for weddings, wakes and birthday celebrations.||||We back-tracked and ventured inside the ground floor bar; my immediate reaction was, that it was a bit gloomy. I ordered a dry white wine for myself; no wine list available, but the barman offered a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. That is a no: as I have yet to find a Tarapacá offered in any pub; and when drinking Chilean Sauvignon Blanc that is the only one I like. The offer of an Italian Pinot Grigio was far better, and I had a 175ml glass costing circa £7.||||My Partner wanted an Americano Coffee with hot milk. The request was accepted, but the vending machine didn’t have a button for ‘Americano’. I asked if there was a button for an ‘Expresso’, the barman confirmed it did, so asked him to press that button and then add hot water (a button for which was available on the vending machine). He obviously didn’t know what an Americano Coffee was! Adding hot milk was another ‘no button’ problem: so he kindly went upstairs (presumably to the kitchen) to get some. The coffee was ready at last, but it was practically tasteless and only warm at best. Oh dear, oh dear.||||We sat outside in the last of the sunshine of the afternoon, and enjoyed some of the views along the river, and the hills of Kelston beyond. By the time we made the 20 minute drive home it was completely...

Was booked into here by my company. I arrived to find a spacious car park with plenty of parking. Car park is free but you need to register your vehicle at the bar. There's plenty of signage warning you of this. Headed to the bar to check in and was met by a lovely lady who checked me in promptly. She then made sure my vehicle was registered on the parking. She greeted me with a smile and was extremely polite. Once check in was completed she then personally walked me to my room to make sure I was happy with the room and showed me all of the amenities. As we was talking I mentioned I had a food allergy and was dairy intolerant. In the blink of an eye she brought me a bottle of oat milk without me asking so I could have a cup of tea which was a really nice touch. I've never ever been offered a dairy free alternative in my room and I stay away most weeks of the year.

The room was absolutely lovely, the swan towels was a very nice touch, lovely decor and nice and modern throughout. They had thought of everything you possibly may need such as hot water bottles in the room, the bathroom had a shower and a full size bath so was nice to have the option of both not just one.

I had food in the bar which was scrumptious, the menu was small but had been very well thought out. There was an a few option for every food allergy available, gluten free, dairy free etc. I had the Jerk chicken which was fresh, beautifully presented and seasoned to perfection. Breakfast I was offered the option of having a Full English in the bar or a Breakfast bap delivered to my room. I'm not a big eater in a morning so the bap was perfect for me.

The location next to the river was picturesque.

Only negative points I could have is the external door to rooms 1 and 2 could do with the door closer adjusting as it bangs a bit when someone opens the door and being the end of September it did get a tad chilly in the room so having the option of the radiator on or off would be nice. I don't think the heating was switched on just yet which I could understand as we was just approaching winter.

But all in all, probably one of the best hotels I've stayed at in the country. The service I received was second to none and it was on a Savoy level good. I've never had as good service anywhere else as I have here.

Keep doing what you're doing! You are rocking the pants off it. Thankyou for an amazing stay and I will 1000% be seeing you again.

I truly hand on heart loved my stay here from the attentiveness of the staff, the ease of having a food allergy to the little rubber duck in the bathroom.

Thanks again for a perfect stay. This place is...