The Pig & Whistle — Restaurant in Preston

I went today for a business lunch meeting. It was awful.

The service was dreadful. Well, I say 'service'. There was no staff member on the reception and when I was seen and asked about my booking, no name was asked for, they just mentioned that I had asked in my online booking for a table next to a plug. I got the impression from the member of staff that this request meant rebuilding the whole restaurant, the attitude was disgraceful. My business partner is vegan and in the menu, they have a vegan Margarita Pizza, and even advertise a stuffed crust version (still under the vegan umbrella) yet when I ordered this, I was told the 'stuffed crust' version wasn't vegan. So why have it listed on the menu? I ordered a Calzone for myself, and a normal pizza arrived, when I told the waitress she completely ignored me and walked away, I couldn't be bothered complaining as I assumed the attention I got from her would have been the same from the other staff. On entering, I noticed a sign on the door advertising 'staff wanted', I can see why, not only was there a distinct lack of staff, but worse, a distinct and glaringly obviously lack of customer service too.

The actual restaurant itself looks like it hasn't seen a make-over since it was built, the carpet was atrocious, the seating was filthy, stained and coverings coming away from the frame.

I was extremely disappointed and definitely won't...

Visited for the first time in years today. I was pleasantly surprised by the food. I had fish and chips and the fish was very fresh and hand battered, perfectly cooked, rather than your usual expectation of cheap and cheerful offerings that you’d get at other places.

I had a soft serve ice cream from the machine for dessert which was tasty. Good choice of sauce and toppings.

The overall service was excellent, very friendly and attentive staff. There was a lack of vinegar - but a staff member soon brought a bottle over to the table with a very polite manner.

I chose to eat outside, so can’t really comment on the atmosphere, but inside the restaurant it was pretty busy for a Thursday lunchtime.

Some areas of the pub need some TLC in terms of fixtures and fittings, but a staff member informed me that a refurb could be on the cards in the near future. I really think this is needed to bring the appearance up to modern spec and expectations. I would definitely return, the food is good value for money, especially with a discount offer I had available through...

Thought long and hard about posting this review but I feel it’s necessary to make other people with coeliac disease aware.

I attended the Pig and Whistle with my family on the 10th April. I decided it was easier to order on the app. I went up for my carvery and asked the carver (tall lad with a beard) if there was gluten free Yorkshire puddings. He replied no. I asked about gluten free gravy and was told I should have ordered at the bar to make them aware I needed gluten free things. He disappeared and returned a few moments later with a small jug of gravy. I thanked him and he did not respond. He provided no information on what I could or couldn’t eat from the carvery. He was obviously irritated. Surely the staff are trained for this?

Of all the carvery’s I’ve been to I must say this experience was the worst. Most places are so helpful and explain what can and can’t be eaten.

If you are coeliac then order at the bar and perhaps the staff may be more helpful. I’ve decided not to return to the Pig and Whistle. I will stick to the more helpful and...