The Orange Tree Hereford — Restaurant in Great Britain

Went to the re-opening of the Orange Tree after the last lock down. Had a table booked for me and my boyfriend on the 19th April 2021 at 6pm. We got there on time, but It was very busy. I gave my name and time of reservation and was told to wait in the waiting/seating area by the back door until a table was free. I thought as I'd booked a table would have already been reserved for us, but I understood it was busy and these things happen. After waiting for a 5/10 minutes a waitress came over and took our order. We waited some more and when we asked if there was a seat for us yet, we were told no. We went up to the back seating area and looked and saw a free table that was reserved for someone else at 8pm. We knew we'd be gone by then so we sat on that table. Quickly after the waitress came up to us and told us we need to be gone by 8. When asked why we didn't have a reserved table when we had booked, she replied that our table was the one by the back door, the one that had been called a "waiting area". We didn't feel that welcome and decided to leave after a drink or 2.

A day or so after it was announced on the Facebook page that they would no longer be taking booking and it was walk ins only.

We returned with a 3rd person on 22nd April and it was open mic night. It was pretty busy again, but this time we were told to find a seat out the back or out the front if there was space. Walking up to the back seating area it was very crowded and the only space was the small barrel and bar stools in the middle. We sat there but felt uncomfortable as it was very busy and no one was following covid guidelines. In front of us was a table that at one point had 12 people sitting around it. Hugging each other and sitting in very close proximity to one another. All the other tables were also full and people would move table to table to talk to others. A table behind us became available so we moved to it as we felt uncomfortable being in the centre and wanted to be out the way of everyone at the front. Just as we sat down the waitress came up to us and said sorry we can't sit there as it was saved for some people coming in soon, even tho it was stated that they weren't taking bookings and it was just walk ins ONLY. We got up to look out the front to see if there was any seating available. As we got out the front, we saw that all tables were taken and so we just stood next to the telephone box outside the front, trying to get away from the crowded areas. It was only when the waitress thought we were going to walk off with the glasses that she came running out and told us we can't take them and we need to sit down. We explain that we weren't going to take them but we're trying to get away from the crowded area. She explained that it is part of the covid guidelines to sit down when drinking. I was shocked to hear this as she was quite happy to let a table of 12 sit together, hugging, blowing vape smoke in each others faces and sharing a mic after someone had been up singing and not sanatised it down after. She said a table was free and we went back to sit at that table. It came apparent that she knew alot if not all of the people in the pub at that time, and it was her friends that the table was reserved for. Happy to go out her way for her friends but treating us with disrespect and potentially putting our health at risk for them. We all felt very uncomfortable and unwelcome. Never did I feel like thay when it was the FIrefly. I will not be coming here again unless things change and bar staff show the same respectful to the general public like they do...

Really impressed with this pub. The old Firefly was characterful and decent but a different vibe. I barely recognised the place after its re-furb. Or should I say de-furb. It's been brilliantly returned to a traditional pub. The owners have chosen to avoid popular stripped down, hipster shabby style tropes, instead opting for carpet, upholstered benches, warm glow wall lamps, fire, and lots of comfy nooks. A public house not a bar. Somewhere you feel you could settle in for a good few hours. In going back to tradition it feels ahead of it's time. Post post modern or whatever you're meant to call it. On top of that the landlords are really friendly. Not a place for getting lashed and lairy (plenty of those in Hereford). Comfort, friendliness and great beer are...

Simply the best and only undisputed ale-house in the whole of Hereford! Their quality and quantity of ales is unrivaled within both Hereford city centre, and the wider Herefordshire. The owners (Nick and Lisa), and all the remaining staff operate attentively, and efficiently - enhancing the already established reputation of this fine public house. The Orange Tree seems to inadvertently create a strong community-feel through the way in which they operate - a consensus you will unfortunately struggle to find elsewhere. Hats off to those at the Orange Tree; and a big thank you for all that you do for your...