Royal & Ancient — Restaurant in Kirklees

Three of us called in here after a meeting on Wednesday evening for a meal and a drink.

When we got here there wasn't a soul in the place but we might have expected this being mid-week. We asked about food and was told that they stop serving at 7.45pm, this seemed a bit early but we were able to order food anyway even though we had walked in at this time.

There was only a single beer on cask which is unusual for this pub as I seem to remember there being plenty of choice when I last visited some years ago. We were given some excuse for there being only one beer and this set the precedent for the night. Even the one beer they did have, Hobgoblin, didn't taste right but this only became apparent after we'd sat down. We really should've taken it back to the bar but I suppose we were too busy engaged in conversation.

The food we ordered took a lifetime to get to the table and we wish we could say it was worth the wait but it was a complete disaster. I had ordered the mixed grill whilst my two friends had ordered the gammon and a jalfrezi pie, the latter of which we'd been told was a total hit with the customers and had received no complaints.

When the food finally reached us, the chips were practically burnt, the pie and rice was dry as a bone and the meat on my plate, especially the steak, was chewy and almost dry. We immediately pointed out to our waiter the state of the food, especially the chips but instead of an apology, we were given some excuse about the potatoes used for the chips not being the regular ones used. This is irrelevant as the chips were burnt to a crisp no matter what potatoes might have been used but nonetheless, he said he'd get some fresh ones cooked. We'd all long finished our meals when the replacement chips finally emerged from the kitchen but even then they weren't much better than the ones sent out in the first place. Again, instead of an apology or offer of recompense, we were fed with yet more excuses and had we not pre-paid for our meals, we wouldn't have paid or at least not the full amount. I hasten to add that we only ate our meals because we were hungry!

This was by far one of the worst meals we've had and the lack of any sort of apology or recompense just made it worse. We appreciate that the oven may have had to be warmed up specially for us (another excuse given) and therefore had to wait longer than normal but to serve us what we had was inexcusable.

We won't be coming back here again...

Sorry, I felt I just need to say something about my visit to this pub. My wife and I have never been before and thought it was a change to try it. From the facebook pages, I thought why not. I rang up and booked a table for an evening meal. On arrival, there were a few children playing just by the door. That did not bother me. I went to the bar and the barman said something which I did not hear correctly but I guessed he was asking me to wear a mask although my wife said to me later that he said to shut my mouth if I am not wearing a mask. I had my mask in my hand and put it on. Now, if that is the case, is this how you treat a new customer? A polite word will suffice. We ordered our meals, both the young waitress and waiter were polite. The meal was just ordinary, for us. After the meal, we got our bill and I took it over to the bar to settle. The barman asked if that was my bill. I said why would it not be and why would I try to pay someone's bill. There were only a few tables with customers left. In fact there was only one table with customers who were still eating. I felt the barman was rude and condensending and if he did said what my wife told me when we came in, then I think this barman needs speaking to. I hope he is not the owner or the landlord. In the current health situation, you dont need such attitude. It did spoilt our evening and we will not be returning nor recommend our friends...

Food was bland. Staff were rude, they over charged us based on made up rules. Currently taking it further. Manger on today does not deserve a job. In response to the comments. My attitude was challenging the payment in which they had no policy for and leaving when the managers attitude arises for me challenging the price, further to this it was challenged politely, but the manager felt she could speak down to me, baring in mind, this is after we paid.

Me: I dont think we have been charged right.

Staff member: oo I think you have. (In a condescending tone).

Me: We have not been charged the lunch set meal price.

Staff member: yes because it has to be used on one person.

Me: Is it possible to see the policy on that, im a solicitor you see.

Staff member: No there is no policy, we just assume people know.

Me: So that doesnt apply?

Staff member: Let me get the manager.

The manager walks over with a terrible attitude and states whats the problem and I explain again.

Manager: Well I dont know what you want. We can go back and forth arguing but nothing is going to change its £1.95.

Me and my mum said okay we will be taking it further...