Cross Keys Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Great Britain

My friend and I went for lunch last Sunday, first time since under new management. We had been told that it was not as good as it used to be but I thought I would judge for myself. How I wished I had listened. It was 12.45 and the restaurant was empty. Not a good sign. The meal came within 5 minutes of ordering which suggested to me it was not freshly cooked. Indeed how right I was. Instead of the veg coming in tureens as it was previously, it was now all slapped on the plate. Literally!!!!

The meat was so thick and tough we could barely cut it. The rest of the meal was cold and really inedible. We were not able to enjoy our meal at all.

We spoke to the manager, who appeared dirty and unkempt and who had the most appalling customer service skills. No apology was given, in fact he became aggressive and defensive stating it wasn't his fault we hadn't enjoyed the meal and no one had ever complained before. Surely the lack of custom speaks for itself.

When I said the meat was thick and tough he thought it was something to be proud of, getting a thick piece of meat and toughness was personal choice. He stated he had tried it and found no fault with it.

The staff appeared embarrassed by his reaction to our complaint and the way he dealt with it. What sort of a message is this sending to them about customer service. We paid for the meal and left although in hindsight we should have only paid what we thought the meal was worth. Whilst this manager is running this establishment, I for one will not be frequenting it and I know there are a few others who...

Weve eaten and drank here many a time since the new owners took it on. The food is fantastic the staff are Pleasant and helpful, the place feels refreshed with a great atmosphere. 1000% better than what it use to be.

The couple of low life's that have left negative reviews are bum chums of the previous owners and can not be taken serious on any account whatsoever. Some very very sad people out there and you should be ashamed of Yourselves! When I see them I'll be having words myself. Read the reviews with 4 star and above as they are the truthful ones, ignore the rest.

You want good pub food? Then this is the place to be. We'll be coming back again and again, and if I ever do have a problem I know it will be resolved satisfactorily, as I know the new owners try very very hard to accommodate for everyone. Still early days yet but things can only get better and better ,going from strength to strength. The footfall coming through the doors and the repeating customers says everything that this is a great place.

Thankyou and see you again soon, keep up the amazing work. Many of us appreciate what you are doing, your breath of fresh air 😁.

Ps anyone wants to challenge me on what I've put about the rubbish reviews left on here, come and find me. Am on key gardens. Most people on the site know me and know where I am! I won't hide behind words on website. I won't tolerate slander to the wrong people. you'll be eating your review you left through a straw !!!...

Came to the pub after staying on cowden holiday park for Easter break. On our last night I we had a meal here , 6 of us in total , not many gluten free options but looking at the menu the chicken kebab could be made gluten free so I ordered that . My husband has the same but his wasn’t gf. I was told be the waiter I couldn’t have any bread and I would only have the chicken salad and chips not the tortilla bread used to make the actual kebab , I wasn’t offered anything extra to substitute the missing bread. When it did finally disappointment was an understatement the chicken was plain and dry the salad was non existent and the chips were the only nice thing. My husband’s was same hardly any chicken and no flavour even tho was asked for sweet or garlic . Very bland meal. Only reason I gave food a 3 star was my dad’s steak and chips looked good and the pizza my kids had was massive. They need more gluten free options for coeliacs...