The Vale — Restaurant in Gedling

Mother's day reserved table .. parking was plentiful inside was chaotic with no one to greet check in with or inform us as newbies where to go what to do or how to order. Found out reserved table that another family had been shown too so lots of musical chairs and awkward confusion with neighbouring diners. Oh dear . Ok how do we order no information on tables or menu or silverware so back in the bar queue again to order drinks and food that we had no idea how much they cost or sizes etc just told it's a Sunday carvery only ok that's what I wanted us all to have but my daughter wanted something on the bar menu that we saw online that if was on the table we would have been aware of . Right of to line up in the carvery not sure what is available but it's a carvery buffet that we know how they work so will find options beef was carved in front of us but other meats that day the turkey and the pork where pre sliced and beginning to dry out meat should be carved in front of you most carveries operate this way .... Food was really good apart from dry meat as we picked what we wanted it being a carvery .... Finished plating up carvery erm big issue no forks kind of important... Took food and provided crockery to table ... Cut into meat beef using knife and fork shocking it's a butter knife no serrated edge for cutting so hard to really struggle cutting up meat .... Finished meal and took our drinks outside to finish and free up the table as it's a lovely day sat outside looked back and saw a sign saying free pudding for mum's no where did we see this inside or was told about it couldn't go back in as our receipt was given to the carvery section so know way to prove we had paid for meals .... All in all not a special mother's day ... Bar staff where great don't know where the waitresses where tho service behind the bar was quick and efficient like the film coyote ugly the ladies where so fast the food side abysmal this is a drinking pub not a meal and drinking pub ... I am going to try again on another Sunday as I know how busy these places are on mothering Sunday but I may bring my own cutlery to enjoy what was good hot food . Amanda ackroyd not ackroy as the table reservation said but I'm used to it...

NOT Nottingham's best carvery. We were recommended the carvery at the Vale from a couple of different people so we went to try on Sunday (25/05). Super disappointed. The pub is in dire need of refurbishment and refresh, the overall look and feel is not appealing or welcoming. The carvery we had was awful, the Meat was actually OK but everything else was really bad. The roast potatoes were overcooked, black and soft, the veg all tasted strange, the Yorkshire pudding was tasteless, rubbery and not fresh, the stuffing was a hard skinned, overcooked ball of mush and the gravy was watery and tasteless. On top of this, I seriously question the cleanliness here. The tables were all "sticky" and had not been wiped properly, there were bits of food on the floor and to top it all, I sat and watched the gent that served the meat touching food in the Kitchen and return without washing his hands. No gloves or any other protection. I actually felt angry that they could serve such a sub-par experience and expect their customers to be happy. My best advice is to avoid,...

I have never had such awful food. The cabbage was boiled to death, translucent and swimming in water. This transferred to my plate and my food was drowning - all a soggy mess. The FROZEN Yorkshire pudding turned to gloop. A lot of food at the carvery had run out with a while to wait for more. Greasy (almost deep fried) roast potatoes, and my partners beef looked like the sole of a shoe. We hardly ate any food it was so terrible. Staff gave a full refund and the service was good. To top it all off - a spider with creatures in its web - which hung from the ceiling - was above our table and made me feel sick. I didn’t even drink my drink..we just left!!

Update: after such a terrible meal (which we didn’t eat) I emailed the head office. They have not responded or acknowledged my complaint, adding a lack of customer service to poor hygiene and revolting food. A family meal is a treat and was something we looked forward to, so our day and meal ruined. Their lack of communication around my email - ironically,...