The Riverbank — Restaurant in England

Whilst I’m sure the food is nice, I didn’t get as far as trying it. My first and only experience was when I popped in to ask about Christmas lunches. Having just had this Christmas, I was naturally thinking ahead to our plans next year & looking into one of their take away dinners, as a way of making our Christmas day run a bit smoother. I’m not quite sure what made the chef (owner?) quite so cross. I could hear him loudly telling the waitress (to pass on to me): “I ain’t even thinking about Christmas. Don’t know if we’re even doing it again but I ain’t talking about it”. Loudly saying this, when I was stood right there yet not making eye contact with me. It made me feel so small and stupid for asking about it. I came away feeling like I never want to eat there, don’t want to recommend it and that the customer service is somewhat lacking. Make people feel like valued customers, it’s so easy. If you’re cross with your potential customers for even enquiring before they’ve experienced your food, something isn’t right. I was just asking a question about a service the cafe offers.

I’ve since read through some Google reviews, the worst rated all complain about the owner being aggressive/ rude…

Edited after owner’s response: You’re right, how dare I pop in when I was passing (I’m not often in the area!) and when you had customers. Wishing you & your woeful customer service a...

My wife's birthday fell on a Sunday and our local pub was fully booked. Someone mentioned that this place (which I've driven past a thousand times but never been in) did a take-away Sunday Roast so in order to avoid the faff of cooking and cleaning at home we decided to go for it - and we are SO GLAD we did! The meat choices were beef, pork or chicken and as there were 10 of us we had at least one of each and a very decent amount all round. Each and every meal came with absolutely LOADS of trimmings - carrots, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower cheese, mashed swede, Yorkshire Puddings, stuffing, roast potatoes and lots of wonderful gravy. I'd also like to note that the veg was all very well cooked - broccoli and cabbage had a crunch and weren't limp or over-boiled like they can so often be when cooked en masse. Everything was delicious, piping hot, and plentiful. Shane (proprietor) and his team couldn't have been more helpful and we will be spreading the word and definitely coming back for more. Many thanks, keep up the good work and HIGHLY...

Closed at 4.15pm on a Thursday. Shame as advertised as open till 5pm. Missing out on dance school trade from across the road that runs 4.15pm till 5pm. The owner should check his closed sign on the door. Was definitely closed sign up when I came past. I am not sure why the owner is getting so aggressive. Yes I did amend my review from 2 star to 3 star as I thought it may be an honest mistake having the closed sign up. When I peered through the door window there was a couple sat by the window and a gentleman behind the counter. I honestly thought they were closed as the sign said so. I assumed they had shut to new customers and just letting the couple inside finnish up. With hindsight yes I could have tried the door and asked but being British we don't like to bother people or at least I don't. Glad I didn't go in as I don't think I would have had a warm welcome . I'm happy to remove this review in full as it sounds like an honest signage error. Just didn't expect such rudeness...