The Bell Inn — Restaurant in England

We went there today as we had heard good things so thought we would try it, when we arrived the lady on the bar was friendly served our drinks, didn’t show us where to go to find the table. We were brought menus, the waitresses front of house were around dealing with other tables, one blonde girl called Sophie kept walking past the table giving us dirty looks slamming menus down behind us slamming doors on the cutlery station really miserable looking not very good customer service she walked past us several times didn’t ask us if we were ready to order so I went to the bar to order even though everyone else had table service to order. The food came out with parts of our plates missing as they didn’t explain we had it separate they put everyone’s chips in one big bowl would have preferred it ready plated wasn’t offered condiments or given cutlery. One had a mixed grill wasn’t asked how we wanted the steak it was like rubber, one had the pie of the day which was nice but the bottom of the pie was under cooked, no once did anyone as how our food was or do a table check, I found the waitresses both Sophie an the lady with a strappy black top on very rude and not very friendly neither had very good people skills an both were miserable especially Sophie who kept giving my daughter dirty looks as she walked past the table not very good for a first visit she needs to work on her customer service...

One vegetarian choice-goats cheese!! Really. It’s 2023! The other choices were vegan and unimaginative, chilli and curry! Imagine a meat eater being given 3 choices. Used to visit all of the time due to the vegetarian menu, definitely won’t be back, really really disappointed

UPDATED in reply to the owners reply

Sorry should have mentioned only one main course vegetarian, and the chilli and curry I mentioned, the others are starters, and a platter which is basically the Brie starter! so fine if you would be happy with a meal consisting of starters. In terms of suggestions, how about taking on board the negative views of a customer and altering it instead of replying defensively?

Other ideas-Lots of pasta dishes, burgers (of the vegetarian types) creamy bakes, roasts without goats cheese as surprise not all vegetarians like goats cheeses, lots of meat alternatives available now too not the usual curry and chilli option, cheap and bulk preparing is easier I know.

All you have done with your reply is highlight what I said...

Having read reviews of the Bell Inn, I decided to pay a visit and was not disappointed. The menu was very well laid out catering for all types of customers: gastro pub grub, comfort food, vegetarian, vegan and more. The food was delicious, served in a timely manner by staff who were caring and attentive and even brought the allergens book out to the garden on a nice sunny evening to ensure what I chose would be suitable.

It's in a great location, lovely garden and patio area and has a covered barn area too. I didn't sit inside, but I did visit the toilets and they were clean. Always a good sign as it means the kitchen will be even cleaner.

I will definitely be back. Well done to the staff and owners of the Bell Inn. You've got 2 returning customers now, not necessarily on a regular basis as it is not my local, but it's not too far...