The Merry Monk — Restaurant in England

We booked a table and waited 15 mins to be seated as there wasn’t a table clear or people still on the tables that should of left as you only get 1 hour 30 - 2 hour max (states on there website) slot for bookings we were given the option to wait for a table to be free not sure when that was they where just getting deserts and night caps .. or have a table that needs to be back in a hour we had the kids and wasn’t going to wait an additional 30 mins and good we didn’t we wait the table we where meant to have where still there when we left.

With two kids with us we took the table right away. We waited in line for 30 mins for food and people pushed in there is no correct waiting system for food so with 4 of us expected to eat in 20 mins was ridiculous. I get it’s busy but what’s the point in booking a table if they have no space.

The staff said go up and help your self and would get us in straightaway due to times, we noticed people had tickets but never mentioned to us we needed one so came out of line to find one or enquire. So after left the line sorted that we then got food (yay) all in all had about 15 mins to eat a full Sunday dinner have 2 drinks and then leave. Was not happy with experience at all and don’t think I would return. Especially on a Sunday. Booked table for 6pm for 2 adults and 2 children

Here is a breakdown of timings on this visit: Arrived 5:55pm to the door seated 6:15pm 18:25 first drinks arrived. (2 adult beers and 1 child simply fruity already bottled) not to long of a wait in 10 mins usual average time 6:20 partner waiting in line for child food waiting in line. I then go up with for the other child and myself we all Sat down with all 3 meals at 18:38pm exact Food wasn’t seasoned and the veg was the nicest part of eating the meat was good but flaverless.

No check back on table after seeing us eat for the 10 mins and had to go get our own drinks at the bar. Even through there where waiters and waitresses everywhere serving. 6-7 in this small area. This was a shock because I had already asked to speak to the manager 2 times.

After wolfing down the meal the best we could there was no air con or windows open and the building was very hot. Even the table next to us mentioned it’s hot and was sweating … over all experience was a 1/5 stars

Food was good just not enough time to eat meat could use seasoning and the salt on the table was missing the bottom, I asked for some this never came.

After leaving my barley had enough to eat before having to go paid the £51 bar tab for this and took pictures of the amount we managed to eat before we got told by a gentleman that the other group where here. I then waited to speak with a manager for 35 mins 7:42 I left and the manager was no where to be seen when waiting at the bar.

As well as paying for the bill I asked. The car machine was presented to me and the bar man then started serving someone else as I was paying. The guy next to me had push past me and told me to move. Usually it be I’m dealing with something I’ll be with you in a sec but felt I wasn’t important enough at this point.

I have put the timings exact on here as I like to review places. This was checked and written in the notes for my review today.

All I can say is that if it wasn’t illegal I would have walked off without paying. No one acknolaged me as a customer, served me as a customer, or even said good bye or thank you after taking the money.

See pictures below of what we ate in the space of 15-20 mins before being asked to speed up as table...

27/12/23 Please see update at bottom of review

Such a disaster booking here !! NEVER AGAIN we booked back in October for 14 of us and was told that we would have to have 2 tables, one of 10 and one of 4 (though at the time we thought it odd since only carvery was on offer so no table service). We were meeting up with family from Wales, Taunton and Devon - as our Christmas meal out following the pantomime at Tacci Morris. We acknowledged the two tables, but naturally expected to be seated in close proximity. However when we arrived we were told that the two tables were in completely different areas of the restaurant - we couldn't even see each other ! Despite requests to accommodate us and how long ago we had booked staff were quite frankly rude !! No manager was apparently available either ! There was a table in the area where 10 were sat that remained empty for over an hour - and also room to have moved a small table beside the larger table - but no amount of polite requests from us were even considered. In the spirit of Christmas we decided to make the best of it and eat separated.(Carvery was excellent) We then found were not even able to order drinks for both tables together and were asked to pay separately. After eating we had secret Santa gifts and the 4 from the other side of the pub joined us at the large table initially sitting in vacant seats on an adjacent table. Staff were quick to pounce saying that the seats couldn't be taken because other diners would need them shortly. We said that we would give up the seats as soon as they arrived but that wasn't good enough either - we were rudely asked to return the chairs. We complied and the 4 now stood by our table as we attempted some Christmas cheer in this dire situation but NO - we weren't allowed to even stand - and we told that they couldn't stand because it was 'awkward'. I have truly never had such bad service or been spoken to so rudely, there was absolutely no attempt or offer to accommodate ANY request. I suggest some customer service training is urgently required. Shame on you Merry Monk

27 December - UPDATE I was asked to telephone Steve to discuss our experience and had a telephone conversation with him for about half an hour. Firstly thank you Steve for being professional and for taking the time to acknowledge and respond to my review. Steve unreservedly apologised on behalf of Merry Monk and had been shocked to read how bad our experience had been (Steve looks after the kitchen side, having only joined in December). He agreed that fantastic food (and it was fantastic food) would not make up for poor front of house service and would lose business. He advised that a meeting is now scheduled and training is being addressed and refunded the cost of the meal. Thank you - I will now re-visit when I am...

I never write reviews but I couldnt not write a review about this horrendous service.

My father in law booked the merry monk for 2:30pm a few days in advance after being told they couldn't do 12. Turned up at the time of our booking and was told our table was being used, two young waitresses smirking at each other as if this was a funny joke. We got told to wait at the bar until our table was ready. People queuing behind us got told to do the same thing. 15 mins went by and no one came over to us so my father in law went to find someone to ask what was going on. We was told our table was being cleaned up and they will come and get us when it was ready. No one came over so we had to go over again after 10 mins to be told again it was being cleared, the final time after another 5-10 mins it was finally ready. So 20 mins to clear a small table? When we arrived at the table she was still wiping it down so the first time we asked I feel we was lied too and it wasn't being cleared. No apology. After finally being seated No one came over to tell us we could go up to the carvary, we was sat waiting for awhile until we had to go and ask whilst other tables were getting served and spoken to. No cutlery given to us we also had to ask for that after sitting down with our food. The food was lovely but the service and atmosphere was horrendous. Couldnt even have a conversation it was so over crowded. Waitresses chewing gum, no apologies and running round like headless chickens. Way over booked and just seems like they care about money instead of their customers. I have never ever experienced customer service like that, I have been to carvarys like Brent house carvary where they are always packed but we always get served and customers dealt with pleasantly. Being a former waitress myself I couldn't believe how customers were being dealt with, so many complaints coming from tables around us also. Alot of people may think well they was busy but like I said, we have been to places alot busier and have never served like this. Can't believe the waitresses found it funny. We was 5 mins from leaving and finding somewhere else but stayed due to the fact it was already late and my fiance hadn't eaten yet.

There are much better places than here, will not be returning. I strongly DO...