The Dairyman's Daughter — Restaurant in England

On taking a friend for Sunday lunch, I'd expected both of us, seeing as someone had recommended we have a meal there before my friend headed back home to where we both live in a small town north of Inverness. Originally, I'd intended taking him to the Chequers at Rookley, where I'd been several times over the years my niece has lived on the island. However, after being shown to the table I'd booked, we both sat down, expecting that someone would come to take our order, seeing that we are both disabled OAPs with mobility plus other medical issues. It was after some 15 minutes that I spotted a notice that informed diners that they'd to go to the bar to place their order. Using crutches when there are a large number of people gathered around a bar where the food orders are also dealt with brings out the worst in some people who seem to think that disabled OAPs are there to hinder them getting their drinks. Had I not known that on booking a table I would have to pay a table charge had me and my friend then decided to find somewhere else to have our meal, so placed our order and carried our drinks through the crowd of people back to our table, though being jostled during the way back saw me having some of the soft drink on my shirt and trousers. When our meals arrived, there was a delay until the Vegetables arrived in a serving dish, but as I'd decided to have Lamb, I'd to ask the young male waiter if there was any mint sauce. A few minutes later, he came back and plonked it on the table, as if I'd caused him extraordinary work. As we both had some of the Vegetables it was noticed that slices of cucumber were also in the Small bowl, along with Sugar Snap Peas, Baton Carrots, Cauliflower Florets with a white sauce already on them, plus Peas. The baton carrots had been over boiled, as they broke trying to lift them onto the plates, and on trying the Sugar Snap Peas it was found that the ends hadn't been trimmed, and even then they were quite stringy and felt as if nylon thread had been put into their DNA. We had intended having one of the Desserts, but decided that we'd be better off getting some ice cream from a shop on the way back to my niece's, seeing as she had gone to her families home on the mainland, so as to Dog Sit whilst they were away on holiday. It was a very disappointing meal, and as I had for a number of years been a Mystery Guest/Customer, for the NOP organisation, where I carried out covert hotel and restaurant visits, plus various large concerns such as Supermarkets, Car Dealerships like Chrysler and Ford , and well known electrical outlets that deal with household items, PCs. Televisions etc, plus Banks etc, all my reports were given a very high mark, as I was also, on occasions, and unknown to me, being also watched by another agent from a different area, who would later verify my reports as being accurate and truthfull. Will I ever go for another meal at this establishment is something that is doubtful, so I can only hope that some of the points raised are dealt with, and that future diners have a better experience than both my friend and i...

Had the breakfast on half price for eat out to help out. Would absolutely not pay full price for it as it was exceedingly average. No hash browns, tomato was undercooked and the sausages, whilst good quality, were flavoured with what I assumed was leeks. Whilst this would be nice for a toad in the hole or sausages and mash I felt it was an unnecessarily bold choice for breakfast sausages. Nobody in our party enjoyed them greatly and I feel that simple Gloucester old spot sausages would be a better choice. The bacon, however was fantastic. The service was fine but nothing special about our experience and I honestly felt like the welcoming staff member was slightly less than polite, when we asked for a table for 8 (all from one household) he seemed as though we had offended him personally and that it would be a burden to facilitate such a large party. We were perfectly fine to be split into 2 parties of four but I feel as though he could have been more accomodating than just repeating "Eight!?" Before making the arduous journey to his superior's side to ask if that was ok. When he returned, he was very blunt with his explanation of how we'd have to be on two separate tables in a very "like it or lump it" fashion. When he explained the breakfast "menu" he was too fast, vague and left no time for any questions. I'd say that it would be perfectly fine if they were very busy but there was two other tables sat inside and maybe two outside. Having worked in hospitality myself, I understand how important it is to make every table feel welcome and special but he just did not seem to care about our experience, only about getting...

TWO SIDES: The Double D has been a regular for our family for years. One of our regular treats is a little stomp from the top of the Downs, decending into Arreton Barns, visiting the ducks and then enjoying a plate of cheesy chips and a drink in the garden. Delicious, consistent and goid value. Although the service is quick once ordered the queue to order food at the bar is often frustratingly long. We love our cheesy chip walk thank you. We've also eaten here for dinner and I have to say its a huge disappointment, portion sizes mask some pretty basic cooking errors for many I think. Its standard pub fayre with a few interesting specials but nothing complicated. Unfortunately both the burger from the kids menu and a gourmet burger were dry and tough. These are not cooked fresh, the only way they could've been is if chef knew we we coming last week and put them on slow. Dry stale Buns, probably frozen and then warmed under the heat lamps do not help the situation. There really is no excuse. The Island is mired with places like this, places that promise so much, have great atmosphere, great staff, yet consistently fall short on delivering where it matters. This isn't rocket science, £16.50 for a burger, anyone should be capable of delivering a fresh patty and bun from a Hot griddle. Shorten the menu and have some focus on quality not quantity, not everyone can be fooled by a big side of chips and a salad garnish. As a side note the blooming onion was...