The Malt Shovel — Restaurant in Lancaster

Just returned from having food here. Were from Yorkshire and surprised at how many places in the area open part time or not until late. I called ahead and asked if there was a need to book. I was told no need to book and food service was on all day. A few minutes later I received a call back informing me that if we went between 4-5 there would only be one person on in the pub "she'll be on her own". Either side of that would be ok. We arrived around 515 to make sure that we would be outside of the one member of staff time. On arrival I asked if we could have a table for 5 the landlady (Michelle I believe) said you told me 2, I told her I hadn't said that and if I didn't need to book why would the number of the party matter, it was as if I had caused a problem or large inconvenience for them by giving them trade??. I checked if it was ok still and was told it was we ordered some drinks and sat at a table near the window and browsed the food menu there wasn't much to choose from but whilst browsing Michelle walked passed and indicated the fish and chips were good and the fish were big gesturing with her hands about a foot long. We waited for some time taking in the atmosphere / ambience and whilst doing so saw a couple come in and for a table for 2 they were turned away stating they were full by this point we were the only ones seated no one else was eating, they were only around 4 tables with one at the rear being used as a make shift office / storage for stationary, luckily we'd sat at the from of the pub as it was quite dark towards the rear having said that it did show the pub being quite dirty lots of cobwebs and clearly in need of a really good clean and whilst there is a dog friendly approach I think there is also the same welcome to blue bottles and flies as they were abundant too, probably less wildlife in the beer garden!. We were provided some cutlery wrapped in a serviette and condiments one had only a knife, my father in law asked for a fork member of staff said she wondered why there was an extra fork. We were also given 2 peppers and no salt. Our food came fish and chips x 5 and the first thing that I noticed is that the fish wasn't very big at all, probably a small to medium being from Hull I could have eaten it 3 ti, in the interest of balance though I must say the quality was really good with skin on chips (twice fried I think) peas and tartare sauce also spot on. Throughout our visit there were some locals discussing sports loudly definitely caters for locals more than tourists which I understand. Finally when it came to clearing the dishes I believe the server Laura mentioned the size of the fish so felt I had to correct her that it was by no means a large fish which she seemed surprised at like I say the quality of the food salvaged the experience somewhat. When it came to paying £87 for 5 x fish and chips and 4 drinks it did seem expensive for the experience and food.

Laura asked me if I used trip advisor and could leave a review for them, well be careful what you wish for!. For comparison think Fawlty towers meets last of the...

Sadly this place has the potential to be a great pub, but it has missed its mark.

Visiting the area from Liverpool where we have our fair share of good and bad pubs and places to eat, none as bad as this one I am happy to say.

Arrived at 4.20 to be told they where serving until 5, ordered promptly but waited until around 6.15 to get our food, even then the order was wrong.

Got a cheese sandwich with crisps, and fish and 14 chips, the poor girl behind the bar had to make it as there didn't seem to be anyone in the kitchen, the family before us waited even longer and half of their order was missing.

Staff where really nice but over worked and overwhelmed.

Very tired and unkempt decor the whole place needed a clean and a lot of care and attention taken.

Thank you to the owner for your kind reply, I understand the pressure the young lady was under, and I also also appreciate you writing back, I hope you had a nice break away, next time we are in the area we will book in and pop in and say hi, have a...

Subject: Fantastic Pub Grub & Great Atmosphere! We recently had a wonderful family meal at The Malt Shovel in Warton, and we can't recommend it enough! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting with a lovely coal fire burning away. We ordered a variety of dishes: the Shovel Burger, the chilli con carne, and the kids sausage and mash. Everything was absolutely delicious! The burger was juicy and packed with flavour, the chips were proper chips, the chilli was perfectly spiced, and the kids devoured their sausage and mash. Generous portions and clearly high-quality ingredients made it a truly satisfying meal. The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. The pub itself has a lovely, traditional feel, and we felt right at home. Honestly, our only complaint was that we couldn't stay longer! We were so comfortable and enjoying ourselves so much, we didn't...