Signalman — Restaurant in England

This is my complaint to the pub owners tonight: Dear Signalman Pub Owner

I used to love The Signalman. It was always my first pub of choice in summer and in winter. I had my 40th birthday celebration in September 2016 and I loved it and all of my friends too (I have A LOT of friends in Brighton and Hove from all over the place).

Tonight I had to worst experience I have ever had in a pub in Brighton. The pub must have changed management as the people I used to deal with up until September 2016 were never as bad as the guy and the "manager" I talked to tonight.

I came with a g group of friends and 3 children (9 years old, 8 years old and 3 years old). Our children are not disruptive in any way. They were just playing and hanging out in the main room of the pub.

We were first told that our children could not stand up but had to sit down at the table and when they did sit down at a free table (the pub was half empty and it was about 5.30pm), we were told that they could not sit down at that table but had to move to our table.

I tried to reason with the "manager" by expressing our extreme disappointment in being demanded to "tame" our children (who are all very sweet, polite and kind), and she told me: "Can you stop moving your hands when you talk to me?"

I am literally shocked by the way we were treated and spoken to this evening.

I will obviously NEVER come back to the signalman ever again and will discourage everybody I know to do so...

Today I visited with a friend who frequents this pub and was excited to show me the garden and spoke very highly of its atmosphere.

Unfortunately, today we were met by hostility and frustration by what I can only assume was the manager or of similar status as the way the other younger friendly member of staff looked to this woman for validation.

The validation was due to when we entered the establishment we had asked if they had a WIFI we could use to message a friend due to the lack of signal.

The kind mannered and friendly gentleman serving us responded positively stating that they do, and then turned to a woman who then in turn in a sarcastic yet hostile tone proceeded to say “yes, but only for paying customers”. Assuming the remark was a joke, as we were in the process of ordering drinks, we asked again for the password and she then repeated herself in a cold, patronising tone.

We then explained we were ordering but needed to message our friend who was awaiting contact from us, she then from what I can only describe as sulked with a grumpy expression on her face and no apology for her mistake or abruptness. I’ve never been made to feel humiliated, patronised or received such poor customer service in my time spent in Brighton. I think politeness, respect and mannerisms could be learnt from the other staff that surrounded her.

I hope this was a one off and if or when we choose to visit again all staff will be welcoming...

The Signalman is hands down the best pub in Brighton. They have everything, from a spacious garden, delicious food menu and an atmosphere fit for everyone. You can set the kids up with a choice of hundreds of board games, whilst you enjoy a drink in their HUGE sun-spot of a garden in summer, or in winter, you can enjoy the cosy indoors and even play a game of Toads.

Their roasts are absolutely to DIE for on Sundays and there are plates during the week which will cater to everyone. Their padron peppers are the most simple yet addictive side ever! I could honestly have them on tap. If you are looking for a nice place to just have a few drinks, the Sig has you covered on that front too. With a choice of Laine brewery beers on tap along with some banging cocktails, and of course, plenty of softs to keep the kids happy.

If you are looking for a pub that will literally cater to every need on any day of the week, Signalman is the place to be. If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. The bar staff are also the loveliest people you will ever meet and work so very hard to make this pub as lovely as it is. Big love...