Derby Lodge Table Table

We go here quite often as it’s close to home & friends often stay @hotel when visiting. We have had many good meals & service over the years but last few times have not been so good. Recently booked a table for 3 over phone, when we arrived booking had not been put on system so no table available. Lady front of house didn’t apologise, didn’t appear confident in dealing with lack of booking & went to look for another staff member. We then sat in main bar where you can order off same menus at the bar. Area was chilly (was a cold night outside) table near door by bar. Kept my scarf on. Starters were good & hot. Mains took ages to arrive, Son enjoyed his curry tho said there was more sauce than meat, the cluck & Ale burger was huge, & was really good, my steak was as tuff as, & overcooked (asked for medium) It is the 1st meal I have ever returned to any kitchen when eating out. I had it replaced by a fresh cooked meal though steak still wasn’t the best. When I approached lady at front of house re the meal she went to speak to the manager, who was apologetic & took my meal away, tho this left the bar unstaffed, Gentleman who took my booking over phone did come to table & apologise for mix up table not being booked when food served. Disappointed, Place needs to be better staffed, I know the staff who wait on are always kept busy & have always been polite & friendly. Heating on a cold night, & either a re paint or a long pole feather duster, & big bowl of flash as starting to look grubby & dusty. It is a lovely place & like I said we have had good meals & nights there in the past, but to keep customers coming back, it needs to step up a little.