The Berrylands — Restaurant in London

I've been sitting here for 20 minutes. The staff walk past me several times and serve the people around me. It's as if they deliberately don't see me. 20 minutes and no eye contact established. I'm not sitting hidden either, but in the sun next to an occupied table, and I can be seen directly from the entrance. I mean, both staff members keep walking past me to serve other guests. They are not understaffed either, for the few guests.

I used to have good experiences here. But today was substandard. ...

Just now (after 20 minutes or longer) I was at least greeted, a brief smile, I smiled back and started to say something, but she immediately turned around and had no order taken?! Immediately afterwards, my table mates were asked if everything was OK? What is going on here?

I mean, even if customers are expected to go to the bar themselves, you could let them know or at least make eye contact. And there is no „wait to be seated rule“ either. (Apart from that, other customers ordered directly at the table after the employee went there on her own).

And no, I don't blame myself or have anything repulsive about me. I'm wearing black trousers, a high-necked black top and a cardigan. I have a ponytail, am clean, without make-up and my very well-behaved dog is curled up under the table. I look super standard boring but nice. I look friendly and smile, seeking eye contact. Took to waving when the look went my way, but it was just looked away. You can tell I want to order something. Since they didn't hear me speak, they can't guess my origin. Unless they heard me talking to my dog, which I don't think I did.

By the way, in the meantime I am at home. I left after 25 minutes or longer. Everyone around me got food and drinks and I got hungry and thirsty. I started writing the text after waiting there for 20 minutes and then finished it later at home. So I stayed in...

This place (for me) was a surprising 5 star rating. Let me explain. I've been past here many times and always thought it looked a bit dated on the outside, slightly tatty. Paint dried and flaking on exterior walls - you know the sort of thing. So as a result I never came in, let alone had a, meal - despite living 5 minutes away.

My wife and in laws were over this weekend and they wanted to try somewhere close by so I met them at the Berrylands.

The staff sorted me out a table for 5 people right away. The service was fast , friendly and efficient. The food was the usual Sunday fayre but was exceptionally good. Tasty. Fresh. Well presented. Staff taking an interest to ensure we were all happy.

The only negative was the next table allowing their dog to eat meal left overs from the plate. I thought that was gross - but I can't blame the staff or venue for that! Perhaps a sign could go up stating "No feeding dogs from plates used by people please". Just a suggestion and of course I'm sure the plates are perfectly clean when they get used by the next customer.

Excellent meal, fab staff. Definitely a recommendation.

Edit (Fri 20 May 2022): Had another meal here with my family, and received the same high level of service as before wir the same high quality food. The manager came over no less than three times to ensure everyone was happy. Last time was no fluke clearly and my 5 star recommendation still...

I have started coming to this pub every week for the last three weeks as they have a pub quiz on Thursday, the community there are relaxed, inclusive and happy. The food is great and nothing super expensive, the portions are great, though the sharers may only cover 2 people for a meal, 3-4 if you are just getting something to snack on. Drinks are average prices £2 for a Pepsi, £4-6 for beer and cider etc. The quiz is awesome and run by Steve who is a brilliant quiz master.

There is plenty of parking on the local roads in the evening, I'm not sure about during the day, but I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to figure out parking on a road away, and there is a K2 bus that is regular and Berrylands train station is about 30-60 seconds walk.

I think a lot of pubs tend to over promise and under deliver, either on atmosphere, food or drink. Im not saying this pub is mind blowing and you'll tell all your friends about it, but to have a pub that is genuinely really comfortable for literally anyone is really nice, it leaves a smile on your face when you leave, and it's in a very nice, quaint and quiet neighbourhood that is very safe and is literally seconds from the train station. Relaxed and safe enough for kids and families, and dog friendly. Good food, good drink, good company, what else...