Ferryboat Inn Sinah Beach — Restaurant in Havant

Summery; Poor quality food and lacklustre service.

Thought we'd stop by there for an early dinner. Went in and was stood at the 'wait to be seated' area where a woman was standing who I started to think maybe wasn't staff as she took close to an uncomfortable amount of time to even acknowledge our presence let alone seat us.

When ordering from their VERY limited menu (a limited menu can be good if what you do is exceptional, this was not) I was told that they were out of cauliflower cheese, then told they were out of onion rings. When I asked for a J2O as drink I was told they didn't do it but the young lad serving us either didn't retain what drinks they did have or had been very poorly trained (due to his and the general lack of enthusiasm towards customer, I would say it is just their service culture). So I ordered a drink at the bar; Dandelion & Burdock. The bottle was handed to me with the cap unscrewed so I figured the staff did this as they passed it over, but I also noticed the neck was a little sticky. I took a sip and it was completely flat and had that nasty taste of a previously carbonated drink that has been left out a long time. I politely raised it apologising for being a pain with a woman who was either snr staff or a manager who promptly informed me it wasn't meant to be fizzy. So I pointed out on the bottle where it said sparkling. She took it away and brought back a fresh one. But didn't seem that sorry, more like a mild excuse and the sense I had inconvenienced her.

When my sausages arrived which had been described on the menu as being a quality product and even says to ask about options, it was clear that they were the cheapest nastiest sausages you could get. If I had paid a pound for them in a lay by burger van I would have still felt conned.

My partner had hunters chicken. I started working in hospitality 26 years ago, I've been a operations manager, worked with suppliers, and have had to find low end budget products in the past. I know a frozen chicken breast when I see one.

But here's the real kicker: she had onion rings on her plate. I asked why I was told I couldn't order them and was told they only have enough for meals. Here's an idea; maybe don't withhold a product from one customer at a table but provide it to another especially without explaining prior.

If you are thinking of eating there, just don't. Either take a sandwich, or go to the chippy down the road. The only thing their food is good for is to lure a seagull so that you might eat that instead. Because I can absolutely assure you that luring and eating a live seagull would be a more pleasant dinning experience...

Well what can I say without causing upset, unfortunately nothing. If you want service with a smile you are not getting it with the ferryboat inn, even on a bright spring afternoon on a Wednesday. The welcome was far from warm and the older female host had an attitude only Trump could like telling us the tabke we sat on was reserved but they dont use reserved signs but there was clear indication these signs were used on other tables. The service was awkward, the young guy at the bar when we arrived looked overworked, tired and could not get a simple order correct along with a warm tribute.

Toilets were not filled with paper luckily my partner had some napkins as a just in case.

So let's move on to ordering the food. Young female, again looked to be overworked, hesitant to answer questions about the food or she simply did not know but food was ordered, 2 rounds of fish and chips, excited as what could go wrong. Well you would think the fish would be fresh and locally sourced, but definitely isn't the case. BLAND, OILY AND BORING, very disappointed, fries were soggy and not an ounce of crisp to them, peas were hard on one and minted peas on the other were simply crushed peas with a dollop of mint sauce, very disappointing, onion rings are a simple thing to make but were clearly from a bag, very oily and tasted like they were dipped in maple syrup, not a pleasant experience.

Both me and my partner are also blue light card holders, myself a military man and my partner an up standing member of the community, when asked if this was accepted this was refused but prior to checking it was understood this was accepted.

So on to paying for our sub par food which was unfinished and disappointing, trying to and I mean trying to grab a staff members attention so we could pay. Ignored twice by the tall male staff member and once by the young female, far from acceptable and just plain ignorant. Finally the young female who was attentive to three older gentlemen walked past so I had to be quick, CAN I HAVE THE BILL PLEASE, HER "YEAH SURE" in a monotone voice as she passed without stopping.

Finally bill was payed and I'm sure I can speak for myself and my partner we shall not be back. If the staff were actually welcoming and we were asked how the food was we could of given our honest opinion and maybe visited in the future as we know some places have off days and I wouldn't have to write such an awful review.

We had a better reception visiting John's cafe for a latte and hot chocolate.

Hope you treat other customers better...

Dear Land Lady

I am writing this review to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding your recent behavior and consistently sour facial expressions during our evening.

Since coming down to the Ferry Boat Inn, we have strived to maintain a respectful and cordial relationship with you, however, I must bring to your attention that your demeanor and communication style have been increasingly rude and unpleasant, which has negatively impacted on our evening.

On several occasions, we have noticed your sour and unwelcoming facial expressions when we approach you with questions and general chit chat. It is disheartening to have a land lady who consistently displays such negativity, as it creates an uncomfortable environment for all parties involved. As customers, we believe that open and respectful communication is vital in maintaining a healthy environment.

Furthermore, your rude behavior during our recent conversations is unacceptable. It is important to remember that as your customers, we have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. When we approach you with legitimate concerns or requests, we expect to be met with professionalism and attentiveness, rather than condescension or dismissiveness.

I kindly request that you reflect on your recent conduct and make an effort to improve your communication and interpersonal skills when engaging with us as customers. It is in both our best interests to foster a positive and respectful environment in which we can address any issues that may arise effectively.

I believe that by practicing empathy, active listening, and maintaining a friendly approach, we can enhance our relationship and ensuring a more harmonious eating/drinking experience for all parties involved.

I sincerely hope that you take this feedback to heart and work towards remedying the current situation. I am more than willing to discuss any concerns or suggestions you may have and find a way to improve our interactions.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a more positive and respectful land lady.

If you are struggling, you are more than welcome to step down and let a more positive person take this place.

Best...