Good Companion — Restaurant in Portsmouth

We had pre-booked a meal for boxing day with the family and arrived when it was quiet (1pm). Once everyone in our family had arrived, the waiter went through everyone's orders and told us that although someone had pre-booked the spicy parsnip soup, they had ran out, so they had to order something different. When the starters came out, they were nice. There was quite a wait for the main course and this was the disappointing part. The waitress barked each order to the table as she brought them out and generally came across quite rude and you could tell she didnt want to be there. We had to tell her twice that we didn't have cutlery, so the ones who had their food in front of them couldn't eat, she told us that she was doing her best as she was the only person on the floor and seemed annoyed that we had asked again. The food itself was awful, with several of us leaving a lot despite being hungry. The veg was all hard, the potatoes were dry and tough and the gravy had big lumps in that looked like blood clots. It definitely seemed like it could have been yesterday's dinner reheated! When she took our plates, she didn't take my partners, both after starter and main meal so he had a pile in front of him. One of us asked her to take it when she brought the puddings and she hesitated before taking the dirty plates away. It just felt like we were getting the blame for the bad staffing and to ask for anything was too much. When cutlery was brought out it was just thrown in the middle of the table, we weren't expecting a Michelin star service, but just a bit of politeness and a smile would have slightly made up for the bad food. Second bad experience so won't...

Pub food as expected. As pub food is pub food. But value for money is up there. It's nice for the price for sure, so cannot argue with it not being top tier as was such a good price. I had the Beyond Burger and they asked me if veggie or vegan - excellent as often I end up with vegan condiments and cheese etc despite preferring the regular. Have a senior menu at a good price for older folk who need smaller portions. Good deals and good selection of dishes for all the family.

Good selection of lager. Peroni, Estrella, Madri, Birra Moretti as well as the standard staples. Excellent as I am a lager person.

Last came here a few years ago and was good but more of a local. Definitely more chain vibes but more drink selection along with it, whilst retaining a good vibe.

Above all else, the staff are absolutely lovely and we felt more than welcome despite the fact that they've been busy. All so friendly.

Do be careful on the Greene King app as, when ordering just drinks, it doesn't create a ticket properly so the bar staff can't see it. Were super fast and helpful when we asked and not their fault. I only used it to order a sneaky round without being noticed by companions.

Dog friendly which is rare, especially amongst chains.

Modern and cute interior. I greatly appreciate there being a box of tampons etc in the loos for when you're cut short without one in your bag. Clean loos, especially despite there being loads of kids here. Must actually check/clean them, which is lacking in so many places.

ETA they also have a good selection of spirits.

Definitely coming back when I come...

We waited 40 minutes for food, meal I ordered was warm not hot. I had the Southern fried chicken sandwich, chips and drink for 5.99. Had enough butter on one slice to do a whole loaf, the limp salad garnish and dressing were ok and the 7 and a half chips weren't bad. Had two or three bites of the sandwich (after removing as much of the butter as I could) and had to stop as I felt the urge to vomit!

The main reason for the low rating however, is due to the hideous customer service skills of the member of staff who took our order/delivered food ect. Had the same experience with her on our visit last year. Sarcastic, blunt, at points just downright rude. So much so we just kind of stared after her in disbelief after one comment! We remained perfectly polite which for some reason made her more rude. (She was snippy with other customers too!) Oh, and my mum burnt her finger on the pudding! Said employee, instead of just passing the food to my mum, thrust it into her hands in a huff causing her to grab the piping hot bowl underneath! (Apple pie and ice cream- pie microwaved of course, not fresh) and my mum still said thank you with a smile!

TL;DR Will not be returning! I've had better, more polite service from a fast food drive through!! Swear a majority of the 5 star reviews are from the staff and...