The Barley Mow — Restaurant in England

So twice in the last week myself and partner have went here, we have always loved this pub, but last week we went and ordered starters and a main, while waiting had a drink also, so the starters arrived and then no more than 2 minutes later the mains arrived!!! We hadn’t even finished the starters, so mains were left to sit to get cold while finishing, never have I seen or heard of this before…. So today walked down with our granddaughter and got a drink and then I ordered food just for her, a simple kids meal, the place wasn’t overly busy so sat out in the back garden and waited…. Nearly an hour has past and my partner went in to ask if the food was coming, he then proceeded to come back out and said you need to go in as order hadn’t went through… so off I go to speak to the staff, to be then told that the kids meal had already been sent out.. but we never got it so obviously sent to wrong table and the receiving person didn’t own up, I then asked how they where going to rectify the matter only for the young waitress to address the chef and as I was able to hear everything that was said “they are probably looking for another free meal” and if they want an order will have to pay for it!!! So by this stage I’m actually seething upon hearing what has been said…. I then proceeded to wait in line and asked for a refund, to have another incompetent staff member roll his eyes at me when I told him the situation….

In hind sight, lovely pub but seriously whoever actually manages this place you really need to have a look at your staffs customer service and also the attitudes of your kitchen staff it’s not the paying publics fault if you are...

Ordered three meals only one a cold roast dinner turned up with no gravy and no offer of gravy. The old trick of a huge cheap greasy Yorkshire pudding taking up most of the plate. The 2 other orders never materialised. After waiting for ages finally got the waitress over to take the other 2 meals off the bill as they had been forgotten. After leaving received a phone call from my friend (who was half way back to Middlesex)that they hadn't given her her bank card back. They take your bank card before you order anything as they dont trust you, seems they cant be trusted to return it. I then had to find a shop, the only one being a campsite shop and buy envelopes and a stamp to post the bank card back. What was supposed to be a relaxing day turned into a real hassle, and we had to pay for the privilege. On complaining they didn't care less. UPDATE.....Got a private message from who I presume is the manager which I cant reply to so will have to put on here. The gravy might come separately which would have been fine but it didn't come at all. We weren't asked whether we would be paying cash or card just told that a card had to be taken for security. If you need to reply to me about any issues please make it public as snide private messages are not very professional. I'll pop round and talk to you about...

We have visited the Barley Mow many times over the years as it’s fairly local to us. However I would not class myself as a local and we are not on first name terms with any of the staff. What we have found is that the staff are fantastic, occasionally you may be starved by a younger member of the team but guess what, they are learning and they are still always polite. The food, ok, maybe the batter on the fish has been slightly well done on occasions, but it in no way has ever spoiled a meal. I don’t get one of the comments about the food being bland, the home made pies are fantastic, and we have never had a bad meal. It is a very busy pub some evenings and that has an impact on waiting times from the kitchen, but we have always been informed either at the point of ordering or the waiting time is displayed on the bar. Mains arriving at the same time as starters can happen if you sit outside but that’s made clear as well. There is always a good selection of beers and they rotate beers regularly so something new is available every few weeks. I have to speak as I find and the Barley Mow is a great pub in a good location, it serves great food, the beer is cold, and the staff are great. Not sure what else you need from a pub...