This is my 5th visit to Pinion, following backing the bistro on Kickstarter. The menu has changed several times during this period, and in my opinion has improved each time. I have recommended this place to everyone I know, and always felt great about being a small part of it coming to Prescot. This visit, for my wife's birthday, I invited several friends who had not been before. I booked for 6 people at 1800 on OpenTable. I took a screenshot of the booking and still have the email (which will become important later). On arrival, all the staff were friendly, polite and professional. We told them some people were running a few minutes late and that one person was no longer coming. We were told that the booking was actually from 1815 and that there was no problem with being a party of 5, which was perfect. All members arrived before 1815. We ordered drinks, starters and mains. All of the service was excellent, very attentive. All of the food was exceptional. At around 2000, we were offered desserts, which we ordered. They were promptly served and were of course fantastic.

So why the 1 star review?

Well, this is the point where the service degraded.

As the desserts were served, the manager came over and placed the bill on the table, which was a little strange, as I hadn't asked for it. He then returned with the card machine and asked which of us was going to pay, while we were still eating the desserts. I told him that this was strange, and that I would be glad to pay as soon as we had finished eating. He said that they needed the table, and that the booking was for two hours. I told him I totally understood, but that it was rude to interrupt us while we were eating, and again that I would gladly pay, after we have finished.

He left, at which point my wife felt too uncomfortable to continue eating the dessert and just wanted to leave. I advised my friends and wife to leave and wait for me whilst the manager and I had a discussion.

I spoke to the manager, asking him where he would like to have this argument about how rude he was, and he was happy to have the conversation in front of the whole full restaurant. I told him that that was terrible service and exceptionally rude to ask for payment before we finished eating. He said that we had accepted a contract for a two hour table and that he was fine with his actions. I had to ask him for an apology, which was given sarcastically. I told him that his customer service was terrible, and I had no doubt that if he treated the next table in in the same way, he would be having an identical conversation with them.

I spoke to some of the other staff on the way out, to ask the system of complaints, and was told that I had to speak to the manager. They confirmed to me that the person I had just been speaking to was the manager, so I sympathised with them for having to work with such and unprofessional person and left.

At no time did any member of staff let us know that we were running close to the time that we were allotted, not even when they offered us desserts.

Now, I know Gary Usher is famously active on social media, and is very protective of his staff and restaurants, something that I respect. Hopefully if he sees this, he will understand my frustration, and why a 1 star review is the only way I can respond. These restaurants must be run in his absence, by people he trusts to do a good job. His trust is misplaced in this case.

I hope this issue is resolved - in all other ways, the restaurant is excellent and has been sadly let down by this. Should you visit, simply be aware of the time limits and the severely restricted social competence of the manager and I'm sure you will enjoy the visit.