The Alleyn's Head — Restaurant in London

So.

We went here for a Sunday ‘roast’ and received what was reminiscent of prison food or those TV dinners - scraped on a plate. It all seemed heated up from frozen. The gravy was congealed, the vegetables were sad and meat looked like it had been retrieved from an apocalypse.

The chef came out of the kitchen and was more interested in chatting to her friends than actually doing her job. Probably why the food took longer than it should have for warmed up frozen slop!

I’ve been back a few times and the service is so slow.

The other day I waited for about ten minutes to be served whilst the bar maid stood eating chocolate on her phone!

Well. Today was no exception and probably the reason why I’ll not return. Really the straw that broke the camel’s back!

I went in after the dog walk and ordered a fish finger sandwich. I waited to be served whilst there appeared to be two members of staff sat at a table adjacent to the bar. One on a laptop, the other on her phone!

Anyway, before serving other people that arrived after me, I was eventually served. Not a great start.

30 minutes later, I wondered where my fish finger sandwich was. An apologetic member of staff came over and said the food was coming in ‘five minutes’. She seemed nice.

So, 50 minutes after ordering I asked for a refund.

The older bar person said the food was done. I said I’d waited 50 minutes. In the middle of what was an empty pub, she said we’re really busy today! You can’t make it up.

Outside had some people in the huts, but it was no where near ‘full’. Nor did I see tables filled with platters of food!

Anyway, I asked ‘busy, it looks empty!’

I think what made this worse was that the chef-ette sat down at the table (bar-side adjacent) with her grubby top on, with a hot chocolate and on her phone!

I won’t be returning. I gave it fair chance.

Message to the management: is this a viable business model? Surely cheap drinks and grub means you need to sell lots quickly?

I went to the Rosendale. The fish finger is the same price and better quality in a fraction...

I’ve been to Alleyn’s Head a few times and I’d say it’s good for drinks for sure . I like the outside seating , I think it’s very nice. However , I came with a few friends the first time and we sat outside and whenever we go to pubs , we order online because that’s what we’re used to. That day it didn’t seem specifically busy but they were understaffed ( which at first we didn’t know). Anyway , we ordered our drinks online and the woman who served it made an annoying , somewhat petty remark , something along the lines of “oh these are the people who are using the app”. We were a bit confused because as I said, this is a normal thing for us as a lot of places prefer you to use the app. We then ordered some more drinks in which she basically came back and told us off for using the app and to go to the bar instead because they were understaffed . Firstly , how are we supposed to know that you’re understaffed ? We would have appreciated it if you just said it the first time kindly without the first remark because obviously we’re happy to order at the bar if that’s easier, we just didn’t know . Then I came another time for food and food was really standard , I liked the nachos and wings but not a huge fan of the calamari or fish and chips . It’s definitely a good place to come for...

I booked a private area on a busy Sunday Lunch time in the run up to Christmas paying £16 a head for a two course meal for 18 teenage (16-18yrs) girls from the local rugby club... What could go wrong???

Well. nothing actually. The main restaurant was hugely busy, as was the bar area, but the pre-ordered food, all came out correctly, as ordered and at the same time. Sensible gaps between the courses and staff came to ensure everything was delivered before disappearing. OK so they didn't have time to stand and chat, but to be fair, I'm surprised they had time to breathe and the food was outstanding for the money. Ember inns are not the gastro pub, fine dining establishments springing up all over the country, but the do offer hearty, well cooked and consistent food at very reasonable prices. 18 teenagers fed, and 18 totally empty plates. Don't need to say more really. Thank you top the staff, we will be back if...