The Greyhound Finchampstead — Restaurant in England

Was excited to spend my birthday at the Greyhound as the food is very good. However everything else was off and we had a horrible confrontation with another group of diners. Apparently my mother had called them up to remind them it was my birthday - they did nothing to mark it but it’s a busy Sunday so that was not a big deal. However, we asked for a bottle of water three times and no one brought one - they could have sold us another bottle of wine if they had bothered to ask if we wanted more drinks given we were celebrating. We had to aggressively flag someone down to get top ups of the bottomless roast sides and when my partner asked if the plant based cheesecake contained soy he was told that the maitre de “didn’t get involved with what goes on in the kitchen” - great to know if you have a food allergy. Meanwhile the table behind us was incredibly noisy and literally throwing roast potatoes across the table at one another. This ratcheted up a level when we were waiting to pay the bill so we decided we couldn’t wait and went up to pay at the bar. As my 75 year old mother walked past, she said to them that they should keep the noise down for other guests. Next thing we know the three men at the table are circling round her at the bar confronting her for her comment and shouting that she’s a narcissist. Thankfully my partner was there who shielded her and tried to diffuse the situation - the staff did absolutely nothing. We were left badly shaken and in tears. Thanks to the nice paying customer at the bar who tried to help us. While I realise the staff are not paid enough to get in the middle of a fight between a 75 year old woman and an adult male in a UFC hoodie and his mates, they could have asked them to go and sit down and keep the noise down for all the other...

Made an enquiry on 12/09/23 for Christmas Day booking at 1pm for x3, the response was only 12.00 & 2.30pm free. Booking so early was disappointed that 1pm tables had all gone. We've been out for Christmas Day for many years and always secured our desired time. Must have been off the ball in 2023. We arrive at 12.00 full of Christmas cheer and excited for our Christmas lunch. We where greeted and escorted into a complety empty dining room, hummmm okay we must be the first!. 20 minutes later we asked the server where is everybody she said they will be busier later. One hour later a table for x2 arrived by this point we had become so uncomfortable with the experience we had received being the only table in a completely empty restaurant with the staff staring constantly we felt like a zoo exhibition. The starter arrived and once cleared removed within seconds of the cutlery being placed and the main arrived meer minutes after. The whole experience was horrible I've had more atmosphere at a wake than at the greyhound. More tables did arrive around 1.20pm and by the time we made a hasty exit at 1.40am the resturant was a 1/3 full. Leaving me baffled as to WHY we where given such a time at the response email. The greyhound deliberately placed us in an completely empty restaurant for 80% of our meal which was £110 each + drinks and £50 inforced tip the server made it clear they did not want to be there. Who ever runs this place clearly stares as the profits and does not want returning custom. We had been regular patrons until 2023 wake-mas. Now its avoided like the plague and not recommended to anyone I come in...

We thoroughly enjoyed our impromptu visit to this lovely place. The decor make the Greyhound very welcoming and stylish creating a relaxing and cosy ambience. Three bar area is just perfect to enjoy drinks, snacks and a chat with friends. The restaurant is very well laid out and has character. Most importantly the food was absolutely excellent. It's refreshing to see a menu which is both seasonal and clearly has been given some thought. Interesting, well balanced dishes make it really difficult to choose what to order. I suppose that's a good sign for a great restaurant, you just can't wait to go back and try other dishes. Everything we ordered was exceptionally well presented and packed with wonderful flavours. The quality of the service was outstanding. Our waiter, Alistair looked after us really well. He was highly professional. His knowledge of the menu meant he was able to describe with authority and in detail each dish. Attention to detail was clear throughout, from the food to the service. The Jerusalem artichoke, truffle and almond ricotta starter was an excellent combination of flavours. The other starter was just as tasty consisting of smoked goose breast, rilette and chutney. For main course the shepherds pie served with a lamb cutlet was absolutely sumptuous. An open tart of pumpkin, chicory, ceps puree and finished with grated Old Winchester cheese delivered in both flavour and texture. We will definitely be back soon to make sure we try some of the other dishes as well as the very appealing...