The Lock Stock & Barrel, Newbury — Restaurant in England

We have visited the Lock Stock a few times, it is a lovely pub, very cosy and with friendly staff. However something was a little wrong this time - the menu was a lot more limited than previous visits, hardly any starters, no Sunday lunch, with many items on the menu not available (we have visited at the same weekend other years, so I can't see why the lantern parade would have impacted this year more than others). the food we had was lovely however. The biggest disappointment was when we went to order dessert - a few minutes later, after I had paid for our order, someone came over to let us know that the kitchen closed at 5pm! How did none of the bar staff know this, why were there menus still on the table, and how was it possible to book a table for food if you weren't actually serving (I have since spotted that the food service time is on their website, which makes it even stranger that the staff weren't aware of this when they took my order). It was very fortunate that we turned up earlier than our booked time, otherwise we might not have been able to get anything at all. We were also left sitting in near darkness in the conservatory area, the only lights being a string of fairy lights - not sure why we were allocated that table to dine when there were others available. It was lovely when we arrived and we foolishly expected some more lights would come on once it got dark. With so many good pubs in the Newbury area, I have to admit that these little issues combined would make think twice about picking this one next time, as something seems to have declined in...

Nice pub in a great location with decent food although the menu was slightly limited. However, our whole experience was compromised by Naomi, their over-zealous manager. Although booking a table for eight a week ago outside with a phone confirmation, when we arrived we were told we had to sit inside as our party was too big and they couldn't accommodate us outside. After much negotiation they showed us to two rear tables outside stating that we could have four people on each. We asked if we could move one of the chairs as we had three adults and five young people who wanted to sit together. Naomi refused to allow them to sit on one table as she assured us that the tables had been measured out for COVID-19 reasons, even though the next table of diners were sitting at least 10 feet away. When ordering drinks she refused to serve me an alcoholic drink despite being 19 and having a photo of my passport and parental agreement. This is actually against the law to refuse an over 18 year old an alcoholic drink if they are eating with their parents. When questioned, Naomi gave us a story about it being company policy. Her brusque manner spoiled the lunch and the whole experience was very uncomfortable. Whilst of course we respect the COVID-19 guidelines, she took this to extreme. Very unnecessary. On payment of the bill, we added 10% as a tip and were not even thanked. We will not...

The actual pub itself is nice and has a great location, would of given 5 stars however.

I ordered a cheese salad, when asked if I had any dietary requirements I stated "I'm a vegetarian" to which the man behind the bar said "so no then"

Then when my salad came it had anchovies hidden in the salad which made me feel ill.

Now I'm a vegetarian out of choice and its not the end of the world, but the fact I was asked specifically about my dietary requirements which was then ignored not to mention if I had been one due to allergies what could of happened.

Now I'm not one to cause a scene and I'm quite sure it was an innocent mistake but when I brought this to the attention at the bar it was largely ignored with perhaps a "sorry mate" thrown out at a distance from who I'm guessing was the manager.

I wanted to enjoy this place, I really did but from the above I hope you can see why I was compelled...