The Monks Retreat — Restaurant in Reading

We have visited here previously before lockdown and it was great, especially for watching the footie. However, our recent visit was disappointing. On arrival we were told that they would be running table service and handed a menu due to the need to have a substantial meal with alcohol. We found a table, looked at the menu, of which the menu said to order on the pub pay app, so we assumed like many other pubs atm that the table service referred to ordering on the app, this and also how no servers came to our table to take orders.

We ordered 1 appetizers each and sharing nachos along with an alcoholic drink each with the plan to order a main meal each after. We were then told off by a server for using the app to order but that they would allow it this time, we were also then told that our appetizer each and sharing nachos isnt substantial enough. We let the server know we would be getting a main meal each, ordered these with her but wanted these quite a while after the appetizers had come to keep the food warm. Ironically 5mins after this happened to us, another table was told off for app ordering to which one of the customers made a massive fuss about, especially regarding what classes as a substantial meal.

The appetizers and nachos came. The nachos were massive, no guacamole but a very substantial meal even to share! I would say that these definitely aren't worth the money though, it was nothing special and something you could make at home yourself. Our main meals came before we had even finished the starters which was fustrating. I got the fish and chips and I can honestly say it is a joke to say that's a substantial meal but the nachos and my appetizer weren't, the fish and chips were tiny in comparison and I wouldn't recommend. The fish was chewy, clearly frozen and the batter really wasn't good. I had a very small portion of chips (12 small chips max) beside it also, again making me question the logic they have for a substantial meal.

Throughout the whole time we were there, not one server came to our table to see if we wanted more drinks, food or how the food was. We had every intention of spending the afternoon there, having more drinks and even getting dessert but with it being so hard to even order a drink as no servers were coming over to us, we left after the food and 3 drinks between us, and likely after max 40mins inside. The only way I was able to get my second drink was asking when they put the food on our table. I wouldn't recommend visiting this pub until they have a better process in place in regards to Covid safe ordering and better...

I visited here in June and made a booking for dinner with a special request of a booth table with a tv to watch football. I was asked to change it to a live sport reservation and had to put down a £10 deposit which I was informed could be spent there or refunded to me after. I paid the deposit and turned up (both of which I have proof of). However, upon arrival they said they did not know about my reservation (despite the money going from my account) and the issue was not resolved whilst I was there and I did not get any money off my bill from the deposit. The majority of staff who spoke to us were unhelpful and made the visit uncomfortable as it felt like I was expected to instruct him what needed to happen next rather than him offering guidance. Initially this wasn't an issue as I appreciate working in that environment isn't for everyone, especially in todays climate, but after this experience I feel it should have been a warning sign to expect poor service. After my visit I emailed about my deposit issue and after a few days I recieved an email saying that it would be refunded to me ASAP however it has been over a month now and I have been ignored when asked for updates and nothing has gone into my account. I have checked my account again this morning before writing this but nothing has been returned. I appreciate these are busy and testing times but I think a month is long enough to sort an issue so seemingly simple. And I didnt want to write a bad review because this establishment was good for a cheap and easy evening out to watch a football game however I would never go again because of the disappointing customer service, lack of communication and neglect of dealing with this issue. I feel like many people will just forget about this if it happened to them or they would think it isnt worth chasing and maybe the monks retreat banks on that. I just really disagree with this kinda attitude and would like my £10...

I've been going to this pub for 5/6years (legally) with no issues and in fact met with a friendly welcome from the staff at the door and the bar staff. However tonight as most places I go to that I plan to buy a drink or drink at they ask for my ID; which im more than happy to supply for the 100th time, however, this time is different.

A pub I would usually give a 4 out of 5 star for its friendliness, accessibility and its price (for central Reading) has definitely fallen very very VERY SHORT. I look young for a 24 year old (no argument there) but to be told by someone who looks like a twelve year old and has no idea of what a legal provisional license is for someone my age who doesn't carry their birth certificate or their passport (yes I was asked for these) was definitely something I've never experienced before. Even after showing my credit card (which you need to be over 18 to have) was pushed aside and not acknowledged. Even though I'm 24 Im definitely a pub supporter even if its a major chain. To be told you are a liar a theif and that you are not welcome this has completely destroyed the way I perceive this place. Its a shame as I love nothing more to have a good time and help (pubs) businesses profit which I think personally im pretty good at. Experiencing this has really shook my pub experience for The Monks Retreat and has sullied its name for the foreseeable future. I know im just one person but I hope you consider this review before you enter here. Support you locally run pubs...