Sefton Arms — Restaurant in Liverpool

We visited here recently and unfortunately had a really poor experience. We were told the food would take over an hour, which was fine – we were happy to wait. However, when the food finally arrived, it came out all at different times, with long gaps in between. We had children with us, and one of their meals never even arrived. By the time we realised, most of the table had already finished eating or had to share their food.

When we brought this up with the staff member who served us (I believe her name was Gemma – short black bob? In her 40s maybe), we were met with unnecessary attitude. We politely asked if anything could be done to acknowledge the inconvenience, and her response was, “You’re not getting a bottle of wine,” which felt dismissive and uncalled for. We hadn’t even asked for that – just something small as a gesture of goodwill would have been appreciated.

To make things worse, she then brought over extra food we didn’t ask for and told us we were “all kicking off” at her. I hadn’t even spoken to a single member of staff – it was my friend who had raised the issue at the bar.

We completely understand that the pub was busy – that’s not the issue. The problem is the attitude we were met with and the lack of basic customer service. People come out to enjoy a meal and spend their money, and being treated like an inconvenience isn’t acceptable. I really think the staff, particularly the one we dealt with today, could benefit from some customer service training.

Really disappointing visit overall.

EDIT In response to yours...

I would like to clarify that at no point during our visit did I swear or use aggressive language toward your staff. I did not say anything to the barmaid; it was actually her dismissive and sarcastic comment that upset my friend. I understand tensions may have been high, but it’s important not to misrepresent the situation.

We never requested bottles of wine — we simply asked if something could be done as a gesture of goodwill after a poor experience, especially considering one of the children’s meals never arrived and we had to share food between children while others had already finished.

I completely agree that staff deserve to be treated with respect, and I also believe the same courtesy should be extended to customers. Unfortunately, that was not the case during our visit.

I felt your response deflected from the issues we raised and instead accused me of behaviour that simply didn’t happen. I hope in future you’ll consider how situations are handled and communicated to avoid similar...

Sefton Arms – West Derby’s Social Anchor

Whilst this isn’t technically the closest pub to me, we treat it very much as our local – and with good reason. Sitting right in the heart of West Derby Village, the Sefton Arms isn’t just a pub, it’s the central meeting point, a place where a quick pint can easily turn into an afternoon catching up with friends or even a community event.

One of its standout features is the beer garden. And this isn’t your token two‑bench setup – it’s genuinely huge. You could easily fit a five‑a‑side football game in there without coming close to the tables. In the summer, when the sun’s out and the village is alive, this space transforms into its own little festival zone. There’s even a smaller outdoor bar that opens during peak times, meaning you’re never stuck queuing inside for a refill – a smart touch that keeps the atmosphere flowing.

The food here is exactly what you want from a traditional pub: classic dishes, generous portions, and prices that make it easy to come back again and again. It’s not trying to be a Michelin‑star kitchen – it’s proper, hearty pub fayre done well. I’ve probably worked my way through most of the menu over the years, but I tend to gravitate towards the gammon, rump steak, or the mixed grill. All three are reliably tasty, arrive piping hot, and leave you with that satisfied “yep, I’ve eaten well” feeling.

Being a Greene King pub, you know you’ll find all the familiar favourites on tap alongside a rotation of guest beers. They keep things varied enough that there’s always something new to try, but still maintain the comfort of those dependable regulars. Throw in quiz nights, the occasional live music, and a layout that’s big enough to handle both a busy Friday night and a quiet mid‑week pint, and you’ve got a place that works for almost any occasion.

From my front door it’s about a 20‑minute walk through the park to get here, which only adds to the experience – a scenic stroll in, a good meal and a few pints, and a leisurely walk back. The location makes it a natural gathering spot for the surrounding housing areas too, meaning you get a lively, mixed crowd who all seem to treat the Sefton Arms as “their” pub.

It’s the kind of place that grows on you. Not because it’s flashy or trying too hard, but because it delivers exactly what you want from a village pub – consistency, comfort, and a sense of belonging. If you’re anywhere near West Derby, it’s worth making it your local for...

Booked a table for 9 people on Saturday 10th May, I've already sent an email regarding this but since no response I am posting publicly. Arrived around 11.50 am table booked for 12 o'clock no staff members around then clocked two members of staff sat at a table with laptop to which we were ignored eventually a staff member got up and went to the back to get another team member who told us where our tables were. Ordering drinks not a problem... here is where the problems started went to the bar to order food told 45 min wait no problem at all working as a KM for a different company I completely understand how hard it is to work in the heat, yet after one hour and fifteen minutes I went to the bar to ask where our meals were the team member said I will go and ask, she came back out with the reply of your ticket is next when asked next to be plated up or next to be cooked she just said next, so after that I sat back down for the same team member to come over and ask oh who is having chicken flat bread which I replied was myself and my dad to be told there was none so obviously no preparation or communication with front of house to tell them what stock was available soon swapped to a different meal, next part your floor staff came over with 2 halloumi Fries and 2 chicken strips and said the rest of the food would be 15 mind I replied these are sides not starters she walked away furious I was. Now like stated I know it's hard to work in the heat but come on be honest don't lie or at least communicate with the tables instead of us having to wait over an hour. Advice going forward be honest and...