Dolphin — Restaurant in Mole Valley

My family and I had made a reservation here for a Sunday Roast last weekend, and my father had choked on some food. He was rushed to the bathroom, and my partner and I tried to help him clear his passageway. Desperately attempting to dislodge the obstruction, our distress was met with an underwhelming response from the supposed deputy manager, who, despite claiming to be a first aider, cited liability concerns to evade assistance. It's disheartening to see that during an emergency, considerations of liability override saving one's life; by the way, insurance should cover such worst-case scenarios. Shocked and gobsmacked, we resorted to Google for guidance, all while the deputy manager called the ambulance.

When the paramedics arrived, instead of offering any form of support or compassion, the deputy manager nonchalantly handed me an incident form to fill in, as if paperwork were the priority over one's well-being. The audacity of such insensitivity during a crisis is beyond comprehension. Later on, my father was sent to the hospital, and thankfully, he is now on the road to recovery.

Although we were lucky in this incident, I would hate for this to happen to someone else who doesn't share the same level of luck. I believe it is a legal requirement that a minimum of one first aider should be trained and present during operating hours in any workplace environment, including restaurants and pubs. My question is, was this deputy manager the said 'trained first aider'? Additionally, the restaurant should have insurance to protect their employees under similar situations, so what is this said 'liability concern' about!?

Despite this dismal encounter, I must acknowledge the vigilance of one of the waitresses, who displayed commendable attentiveness throughout the ordeal. Her prompt actions in alerting the senior staff deserve recognition - thank you for that. In addition, we did receive a courtesy call from who I believe was the manager the next day, which was nice but useless if...

Sadly very disappointing. On the plus side the beer was decent and the chicken, ham and leek pie tasty (however see below!), but this doesn't make up for poor service, unreasonably expensive food and the unwelcoming atmosphere emanating from the barman. I can understand standards may slip if a pub is busy, but there were only 7 customers in the whole pub at the time. Examples include: 1) Keeping me waiting to order food at the otherwise empty bar while the barman browsed the internet on his phone. Out of interest I waited to see how long it would take for him to notice me, but eventually gave in after several minutes and had to ask to be served. 2) I'd have loved another drink after our food arrived but no-one came to check whether our food was OK or if we'd like another drink (a missed chance to generate extra sales!). You shouldn't have to go to the bar while your food goes cold, especially when a pub isn't busy. 3) £20 just for a pie and small lump of mashed potato is unreasonable, especially when it came with NO veg at all. If a pub has to do this to control costs then I'd expect staff to point out the lack of veg and ask whether you'd like to order a side dish, even if this meant paying more (another missed chance for more sales). All these are basics of customer service, AND good business. We like to support our local pubs but this is not the first disappointing time at The Dolphin so I'm afraid we aren't planning...

I hate writing bad reviews but I have to report back on our horrendous dining experience tonight at the Dolphin. The menu looked interesting but as a party of 4 tonight , there was not 1 dish that was good. Starters were minuscule - squid was oily , undercooked and served with industrial mayonnaise ( described as wasabi mayonnaise?), fried chicken starter drenched with soy sauce and a few strips of cucumber - bad. The beetroot and goat cheese was ok , but basic and small. Main courses were even worse. Thai vegetable curry with an oil drenched poppadum was inedible , not fresh , greige slop .No taste of Thailand here. Aubergine parmigiana was thin, greasy ,tasteless , no flavour . Asparagus were the saving Grace . Pork chop was dry tasteless. Mussels were salty and swimming in an oily sauce . Bar staff were friendly Drinks were ok We were so disappointed with the food having been recommended this pub by my sister , a local resident . Kitchen needs serious attention if food like this being is served . Was it because it was Monday night ? We should have said something I suppose but the uneaten food on the plates will have said it all . We will definitely never come back to eat...