Harvey's Bar & Kitchen Holmfirth — Restaurant in Kirklees

It's taken us a long time to get around to writing a review, primarily because we both have mixed feelings about our experience.

From the outside this looked like a really good restaurant. Solid building, great lighting and on trend (but not over the top) decor. We, therefore, decided to see if we could get a table for 2 as walk-ins. This was just prior to the time when restaurants would likely be ramping up for peak time.

The welcome, well lack there of, from reception was not a good start. No eye contact, were made to feel we were imposing and left standing while they asked if there were tables available. The affirmative response was made in a manner as if doing us a favour. We were then shown to our table on the first floor, which was less than 1/3 full. Many of the covers were someway through their meals, so many had left before we had finished. As a number of the vacated tables remained unoccupied we could not understand the issue and attitude at reception.

After that things got better,

The service; staff friendly and the food was good. We did not have to wait too long between service and courses. One thing that was very annoying was the first floor bounce. Where we sat you could feel, not through vibration, but floor bounce people walking around. You could even see the drinks moving.

Access for the mobility impaired and those confined to a wheelchair looked on the ground floor (note this was only a cursory observation). Don't know about lifts or disabled toilets, so best ask beforehand.

Overall the initial impression flattened the rest of the experience. This meant we left earlier than we normally would have.

Maybe they were having an off day, but I can only comment on what we...

First off , I had booked a table with my friends as it was my birthday and we were staying in Holmfirth for the night. Was seated at our table, ordered cocktails and beers with no issues. Then we proceeded to order our food, again didn't seam to be any issues at this point. Once our food arrived we wanted to order more alcoholic drinks, only to be rudely declined. We had only had one drink, so wasn't drunk or causing any issues, I asked why we were being refused and I was told "for you own wellbeing". I am a 58 year old woman out for a nice birthday meal with friends, I cannot begin to tell you how degraded I felt. At this point it was obvious our custom wasn't wanted so we advised we wouldn't be eating our food and would be leaving as we were made to feel so unwelcome. We proceeded to leave and the manager followed us shouting we needed to pay, I explained I would pay for the drinks but we wasn't paying for our meal as we hadn't eaten it and was so disgusted with the service we received. After some arguments the manager finally accepted we would just pay for the drinks, he gave the most horrific customer service shouting in the restaurant infront of everyone we wasn't welcome back. Not to worry we won't be back, shocking service, 0 customer service skills! Would not recomend this establishment at all unless you want to feel shocked and degraded!! AVOID...

Lacking Customer service.

Place was really nice. Seated & attended to quickly. Three of our party ordered steak medium to well done. Made a point of asking for meat to be cooked this way but it arrived almost mooing with blood all over the plate when we cut into it. The waitress didn't really know what to do! We asked for it to be re cooked, she took away the meat but said she would have to leave the chips etc for us to continue to eat! Waited over 20 mins for it to be served again Meanwhile ordered more drinks which were served incorrectly. Waitress said this was because we'd ordered the beer in a straight glass & it's normally served in a bowl glass ??!

Steak finally arrived & we did get new chips. Steak was superb once served correctly.

Place was really nice but I do think the staff are too young to know how to please their customers. We saw staff walking about with food not knowing who to serve it to. Also witnessed our waitress talking about us to another staff member.

Bill was around £170 for 4 main meals & 2 rounds of drinks but the steak was good in the end.

Would return if in the area but would be prepared when...