Danson Stables — Restaurant in London

I regret to write to review but I do think it is important that the owner is made aware as it was jaw droppingly bad.

On Wednesday of this week, myself, my 6 month old baby, my best friend and her 1 year old and her 95 year old nan went to the stables (opting here over wetherspoons as we hoped it would be less busy). My best friend has recently moved to Folkstone and it means she cannot spend this year with her Nan for Xmas day so this was a special occasion in which she had travelled back for. We were seated promptly and bought drinks at the bar arriving at 1245. We proceeded to order our food at the bar (in the presence of our children and Nan) where no mention of any long waiting times were made…we then proceeded to wait over an hour for our food…my friends nans food (hunters chicken) had to be chiseled out of the bowl it had been served in and was so dry that my friends nans could not actually physically cut it with her knife. My friends chips were cold, while the child’s meal was piping hot. We asked the waitress to please acknowledge the state of the chicken where we were advised to change the order as ‘that was how it was cooked’ -so we asked to change it for the festive sleigh burger which my friend had ordered and had been nice with the exception of the cold chips….we then proceeded to wait a further 45 minutes …meaning my friends 95 year old nan had to eat alone and had waited nearly 2 hours….we were presented at the time of my friends nans 2 hour delayed meal with a bowl of pigs in blankets which ‘had been forgotten’ from my friends meal….and then we had to ask for the children’s dessert which came with the meal (but which had not been flagged to our attention at the til despite us paying for it). The waitress offered zero apology (we remarked on this sarcastically at the time), and were offered initially a refund for the two adult meals. I had paid for my meal separately (a soup) and have to say I thought this was outrageous given the entire meal was ruined and they wanted to claw back the 6£ meal of the child. We were not asked how our food was at any point, received zero apology or notice of a long wait time (particularly upsetting with such small children and an older lady being part of the party!). I believe a wake was occurring at the time which perhaps was the reason for the poor service and food delays…that or such long waits and poor food resulted in a death?! The rest of the pub was quiet and certainly not fully booked so I fail to understand why things were so bad.

In the past the stables has been excellent, good service and delicious food -which is why we chose here over wetherspoons despite it being much more expensive.

We did receive an entire refund for the food which we appreciate, but ultimately the experience was terrible and we will not be returning for any special occasions. I also think it really needs to be investigated by the owner as it was so avoidable!

A real shame.

Had there of been more transparency, apology and communication this would have been...

Myself and my partner had a fantastic Sunday roast at Danson Stables this afternoon. This was the first time that I had met Andrew the Manager. He is a really confident and very likeable guy who certainly knows his stuff. We arrived at Danson Stables for our Sunday lunch 2pm reservation today. Andrew was very busy but he still made time to talk with us and showed us to our table. The restaurant was absolutely buzzing and the atmosphere was very good. After a few minutes Jenny who I would describe as the Team Leader came over to our table to take our drinks order. Her manner and personality were spot on which made for excellent customer service. I noticed that Jenny was very attentive to all the guests in her section as were the other waitresses who again engaged with all the guests and made sure that they were enjoying there meals and making them feel special. The World Class Customer Service and the outstanding engagent shown by Jenny, Niah, Charlotte, Rosie and Carly should be acknowledged and definitely complemented. This level of attention to detail comes from good training and team work that I know from speaking to them all came from there own professionalism in wanting to learn and improve and to provide a good customer experience this coupled with having a great leader and trainer in Andrew which was clearly evident from the off. The girls were very polite and smiley which was welcomed by all the guests. People who know Danson Stables accept that it is a firm favourite for dogs and there owners. Due to the weather dogs and there owners were coming into the restaurant to eat. Andrew prior to them coming into the restaurant spoke to the guests individually and asked whether they had pet allergies or objected to them sitting near by. Of course noboby objected but it again shows the calibre and care that Andrew puts into his role as Manager in looking after all his guests. Now onto the food... Well WOW WOW WOW. The triple Sunday lunch that consisted of 3 meats was in my opinion outstanding. The meat was expertly cooked and was thickly sliced. This was supported by roast and mashed potatoes and vegetables together with stuffing and gravy. Again cooked to perfection. The food was presented equisitely and was piping hot and in my opinion was certainly value for money. Even the Chefs are spot on. I think I get it now and can understand why the restaurant was heaving with guests making it a great place to be. I think I can put it down to the freshly prepared and outstanding food together with the World Class . Danson Stables is back even better than I can remember it and I put this down to Andrew and his mega talented staff. I look forward to seeing you all again very very soon. Brilliant work Team...

Such a lovely location with such potential and such a massive disappointment. I would only recommend the Stables as place as somewhere to have drink on a sunny day when you can sit outside and only if there isn't a queue and you have something with you to wipe down your own seat, otherwise definitely one to be avoided. If you are interested in detail or are a manager reading reviews to make improvements do read on.

I booked a 6.30 pm table for my son’s 10th birthday on a Wednesday. When we arrived it was clear they had been busy – all tables were either dirty or uncleared or both. We were sat at a clear but sticky table with a full ashtray by a smiley and clearly overwhelmed member of staff. There was a long queue so we tried to order via the QR code plastered all over the menus. This didn’t work so we joined the queue which was staffed by one person and it 30 minutes to be served (7:00pm). It then took 50 minutes for the food to arrive (7.50). While they apologised for the key components of the dish being missing (no samphire, no mackerel) we pointed out we had ordered family fish and chips and not the seafood sharing plate. What was there were chilli prawns and some burnt fish cakes – not something many 10-year-olds would eat. Another kind, but defensive and overwhelmed member of staff got us a kid’s fish and chips for my now ravenous son (8.10pm). Realising what was left of the seafood plate really wasn’t edible I asked for another portion of fish and chips and was told it would be with me in 8 minutes. At 8:35, 25 minutes later, hungry and gutted that we’d decided to celebrate at a place completely unable to deliver apparently anything), I asked for a refund. We were given this without issue (although not without prompting) and the apologetic member of staff asked for my email address in order to send us a complimentary meal. I gave it more to see if this would be followed up on than in the hope of getting it. Goes without saying I didn’t hear a thing.

Both my partner and I have worked in hospitality a different point and understand how challenging it is. The issue is a management one. The place seemed to have suffered from understaffing prior to our arrival (although it really wasn’t that busy at all when we arrived) and the absence of systems to clear, order and serve customers made it impossible for them to catch up – creating a poor experience for customers and, evidently, a highly stressful one for staff. Communications with the kitchen was also lacking. Since visiting I have mentioned this experience to several people all who have sworn never to go back so this isn’t an...