The Old White Swan — Restaurant in England

After waiting to be served for 15+minutes at a rather quiet time of the day, newly queued punters were being served before me one after another at the other side of the bar. I politely caught the attention of the bar staff who acknowledged me multiple times but didn’t come over for the whole duration I was stood there. As more newly queued punters were being served, I finally I came over and asked if I was queuing in the right place pointing to the side of the bar I was stood. Now when I had joined the queue this was the side of the bar being served as there was only the man infront of me and my self at the bar, hence I should of been next but others started to queue around the side and that was it. I was told I was stood in the right place but the other punters had come before me. I calmly told her this wasn’t true (as I wasn’t even angry at this point), explaining I had literally watched at least 6 of them come in from the garden as they’d had to come past me to queue. She scowled and repeated in a bizarrely hostile condescending tone that they’d come before me. I almost couldn’t believe her response an glare, I was confused by her whole demeanour. I let it go as I’m not one to make a scene or be rude but she was so foul from there on. Speaking over me when asking my order and then walking off from me as I asked for snacks. On top of that, despite asking twice for a gin and lemonade, explaining that my wife hates tonic, she served up a G&T. At this point it felt deliberate and we just paid and left.

It’s worth noting, I’ve worked in a bar/pub before so I’m always respectful and understanding when it comes to staff, as it’s not an easy job and mistaken who’s to be served next happens, although to the extent it happened here is questionable, but what happened after this was...

We come to York twice a year and in the past this is the only place we will eat. The staff are always so helpful and pleasant and the food has always been amazing for taste, quality and portion size . We arrived on Sunday and were so looking forward to a Sunday lunch here. Myself and my husband ordered the half a roast chicken dinner. When it came we couldn't believe our eyes, we thought it was a child's portion. There were 4 small Chantney carrots, a very small floret of broccoli, a couple of dessert spoons of cabbage ,a Yorkshire pudding and 3 tiny roast pots that was so hard we couldn't cut them had and to leave them, as for the chicken no way was it HALF A ROAST CHICKEN as advertised . It was an extremely small chicken leg that was so dry the meat that was on it was completely stuck to the bone. We were so disappointed with the quality and quantity of the meal . We questioned the meal and the young girl that served us just said that was an average portion and didn't even comment on the quality of it or offer a replacement or refund.Would hate to see a Childs portion. The couple at the next table to us had steaks and they were shocked too with their meal, the steaks were cooked incorrectly , it was cold and one had 8 chips the other 7. We are so sorry to say that after all the years we have been going here for a meal we will not be going again but will still go for a drink as we love the pub, staff...

Had a lovely lunch here while on a short visit to York. One of the city's oldest pubs and a former coaching inn, it's right in the historic centre, close to the Shambles. I entered through a charming glass-roofed courtyard. Inside it is just what I had expected it to be: oak beamed ceilings, cosy nooks and a crackling log fire which was so welcoming on a freezing cold day! Clean and accessible downstairs toilets. Some interesting reading on the wall about the pub's eventful history and its ghosts. The place was packed but I managed to get a small table near the bar. The young waitress was courteous and welcoming, and service was quick and efficient. The drinks menu offered a wide choice of wines, cask ales, craft beers, gin and cocktails. They do a good selection of sandwiches, burgers, traditional pub meals and homemade pies. I chose the game suet pudding (venison, pheasant and partridge in redcurrant and port wine sauce), served with mashed potato, roasted carrots, mixed greens and a jug of gravy. Definitely a cut above average, lovely flavour, piping hot, filling. Not the cheapest lunch but in my opinion well worth it! Great convivial atmosphere too. Would certainly recommend this pub and would...