The Prince Regent — Restaurant in London

my partner and I have been attending the pub quiz at the Prince Regent for the past two years. However, after our experience last week, we will no longer be returning. We have recently had a baby and have been bringing him along to the pub quiz, with no complaints (he sleeps throughout). Last week, shortly after we arrived at 8pm, we were told rather abruptly that “the kid has to go by 9pm”. When we said we had come numerous times before without anyone telling us that he had to go, and have also seen children in the pub after 9pm plenty of times previously, they said that they had spoken about it today and decided that their license says they aren’t allowed any children after 9pm. When questioned, the manager acknowledged that this was not mentioned anywhere on their website or on their premises, but became quite aggressive and said that it wasn’t his fault. Now I don’t have any issue with our baby not being allowed in the pub, as I understand that if that is what the license says, then it should be obeyed. What I take issue with is the way they treated us. They made me feel like I was really ignorant for not having realised that my baby was no longer allowed, as it’s “a common thing in London pubs” and he came over in front of the entire pub at 9pm and said that we needed to leave now. It really upset me as we have been loyal customers and were made to feel like trash. I also think that if the pub has now decided that children are no longer welcome, that it should be written somewhere on their website or on their premises, as not everyone might realise that. When I suggested this to the manager he gave me an email address and said to write “all my issues” there, making it clear in the process that our conversation was over. I wrote them an email a week ago and have not heard back. All in all, a disappointing...

I really enjoyed the starter, and having a range of non-alcoholic beers was very welcome. Overall, though, the beer choices on tap were uninspiring and a number of the taps were out. The lamb roast was very average - poor, and at £16 a plate they really should do a lot better. The meat was tough and overcooked, and my Yorkshire pudding was burnt. Fish and chips were also a tired 3/10 with no points for effort. To be honest I don't see any reason to come to such a bland and overpriced pub. The 'gastro' prefix is an aspiration that doesn't match reality. There is much better food, at much better value for money, in hundreds of places nearby. Give Sunday roast a miss and go somewhere where the kitchen actually care about what they are plating.

EDIT: I think it is great that the owner response (below) shows a commitment to customer service. However I object to the idea that my experience was a one-off. While I didn't try the beef, a member of our group left it unfinished, and an earlier review describes it as tough and rubbery. The meat is overcooked here, and I am sure that the roasts are dissapointing, and will continue to be dissapointing. To be honest, my heart sank when the serving staff failed to ask how I wanted my lamb. I understand margins are tight and it can be a lot easier to cook cheap cuts to well-done (well it is a roast you might say), but at £16-£17 per plate, the option of some tender meat would be appreciated. Claiming our experience was a 'one-off' is a further...

We had a roast and liked the food. There could have been a bit more flavour and salt but it was nice enough (would recommend a bit more gravy for the chicken). It was good for a Sunday roast. My issue came with the person serving us.

When it came to pay by card, we were given the machine which had a tipping screen that was difficult to get out of. I managed to work my way out but while I was doing it, the person who served us was watching what I was doing (so, already, I'm uncomfortable). The same thing happened to my friend but as she couldn't get out of the tipping screen, she asked how. The person serving us, seemingly bothered, asked "could we do anything to improve?" My friend said no and the person said "okay so what's the...?" (and tailed off). Essentially, they had a problem with us not tipping.

The pub puts a service charge on our bills, which is something customers have no choice over. This happens in most places, so it's expected. That should be going to staff. For us to pay that and then be expected to tip is not okay. To then get upset and confrontational that we didn't tip is crossing a line. This isn't America and also, we're not wealthy. Were not from this area. Regardless, this is the first time I've ever been confronted or guilt-tripped over a tip.

It was a sour ending to what started out as a...