The Cross Keys Inn — Restaurant in England

Came here as we were looking for a place to eat on our way home from the lakes. We went in and asked for a table for 2, the girl who served us was pretty abrupt and it came across as if were an inconvenience, she said she needed the table back within the hour which was absolutely fine. It wasn't explained whether it was table service or we had to order at the bar so we went up and she was pretty rude about that. We both got the smokey burger which came with Fries. This was average at best. The burger was very well done and there wasnt any garnish on the burger it was literally just cheese, burger and the sauce. The fries were just your average frozen fries. The beer selection was decent behind the bar. The overall atmosphere was strange as it was fully of locals who were sat at the bar, it came across as one of those pubs that don't really like newbies. The conversations between the locals and the bar staff were completely inappropriate and they were speaking really loudly where everyone could hear. By this point we were the only customers left in the restaurant and one of the locals actually said "we're probably spoiling those girls' meal" and the girl behind the bar responded with "Oh I don't care". We were bothered by the content of their conversations, they were pretty funny (they wouldn't be to most people) it was more the attitude of the staff. And it was the fact that one of the locals came over and apologised. Pretty shocking really. Below...

TLDR: Food was ok, but this was a terrible dining experience. Slow, unresponsive, and lacking communication.

We arrived at 5, for an early bite for my brother's birthday. On arrival we had a confusing welcome with none of the staff acknowledging us. It was obvious they were busy... After being seated, we waited 15 or 20 minutes for a drink order. The drinks arrived about 10 minutes after. Our food order was not taken until 45 minutes after we were first seated (and asking twice for it to be taken).

Another 40 or so minutes passed, at which point I approached the staff to let them know we had a time constraint, and that if the kitchen hadn't started cooking the food we'd be ok to cancel the order, settle the bill and leave. The staff informed me it was currently being cooked, so we decided to wait. 15 minutes later still no food.... Long story short, we had to leave due to the time, they had no takeaway boxes - so we ended up with cling film wrapped plates. The food was ok.

The story goes on and is much longer and convoluted than this, but to be honest I can't be bothered to spend anymore time reviewing this restaurant.

I'm gutted that we couldn't have a nice meal for my brother's birthday. I also feel sorry for the serving staff, the management really...

Decided to stop in for a drink and lunch for my son after picking up some produce from the farm shop nearby. I'm normally skeptical of kid's menus but I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a sad looking burger and chips on a plate but when the food arrived there was a burger with cheese on a serving board, chunky, well cooked chips in a little metal frying basket, salsa, and a salad with red and yellow peppers, red onions, and rocket. It looked like a proper pub meal just smaller and I was really happy it came with a salad. The woman at the bar who served me was really nice and another woman came out and blew up a yellow rubber glove and made it into a balloon for my son! They also have a nice outdoor area. Very good...