The Southcote Beefeater — Restaurant in Reading

Very disappointing. Nearly 40 mins after being sat at our table before anyone came to us to even offer a drink let alone take an order. Starter arrived and we still hadn't got a drink, we had to ask for the drink orders to.be chased. Starter was lovely so we finally started to enjoy our evening. But when the mains came I had no chips, so had to ask for them. Started to eat, but my meal the steak in the Stroganoff was burnt on edges which gave a really bitter taste to it. The staff were moving so fast they had gone past before you could flag them down. I was going to complain and also ask for more sauce but we couldn't be bothered as we dreaded what the wait for a replacement would be. We were put off ordering desert so asked for the bill and the manager. The manager never appeared but the poor waiter did apologise and took off the cost of the starter and my meal as an apology. There were at least 3 other tables that we overheard complaining. Transpires they were 2 staff members down. I think they should have refused people at the door who had not booked. Better less people than bad service. We won't be going back. Shame cos we have had some special times here, Including my now husband...

This was our 2nd visit to the Beefeater Southcote in recent months but don't think we will be going back. Service wasn't very quick even though the place wasn't busy. It took over 15 minutes to get our first drink ordered !!! The food was a bit of a disappointment when it arrived as the descriptions in the menu didn't quite match what turned up. (When we ordered 'fresh cooked beef crisps' on our first trip we weren't expecting what was definitely a cold, opened-packet variety. 'Triple cooked chips' are supposed to have a crisp outer coating, the chips we received didn't have that). I'm not sure the cooking staff have been fully briefed on what is expected of them ? Waitress was very pleasant. Other staff weren't impressive when we asked for the key to the disabled toilet in advance of one of our party needing to use it. We had to ask various members 3 times before being told to ask the barman. We don't use Beefeater very often but when we have used others around the area (ie the Downshire Arms in Bracknell) we have had a good dining experience. I would drive past the Beefeater Southcote to...

ive known the older staff here a lg time theres bn alot change the last couple of yrs not aĺ for the best. Their meals are rather disappointing quality again and options. The prawn coctail was has dropped in quality and quantity although the steak was done to perfection something not always achieved. The sérvice was perfect the waitress was polite friendly professional and respectful, happy to help with anything and meals were served promptly but without rushing us. Jenny who has been the manageress for very many yrs knew how to run a very smooth happy restaurant with happy staff and has now retired she was always very professional as well as friendly with customers new and old Ive bn going for the last 30 plus yrs and im extremely impressed by this last visit folk were sensibly seated to maintain social distancing and there was a very relaxed atmosphere which enabled folk to forget about the stress of the past covid issues and just enjpy a meal out Well done all at the southcote beefeater their meals nd more veg...