The Grapes at Bamford — Restaurant in Rochdale

Love this place but it's best to not turn up ad hoc to eat. We've had a good few celebrations here this last couple of years which of course we booked for as we are a large group. I keep telling my friend how much she'd love it but last Thursday was the second time we've unsuccessfully met there for dinner as there was nothing available even for just two of us. (There was also a third occasion we tried to eat here but on that occasion there was no chef!) Itcwas nicely busy and we found nice seats at a table in the bar area. However, food isn't served in the bar area apparently even though I've previously sat there to have lunch. This was 7pm so maybe only lunch is served there. I don't have a problem because they were full as I could easily have phoned and booked. It's also brilliant to see such a lovely place doing so well in our locality. Success is good! It was just unfortunate that we were given short shrift that bordered on complete rudeness by a member of the bar staff (who has on previous occasions given excellent and courteous service) who was surprisingly dismissive. It made me annoyed and I considered just writing a negative review but that isn't right or fair! DO come here the food is lovely, the atmosphere is cosy and usually friendly. Just a friendly reminder to the staff that customers that you may not be able to accommodate that night should want to come back not made to feel like an annoyance. Will be back soon anyway but will...

We went in at lunch time on a Wednesday. It wasn’t busy. We asked for a menu and the waitress instead of saying “yeah no problem” she said “I’ll have to check just wait.” She returned to say that was fine. We thought this was strange but brushed it off. When she came to take our order we asked if we could order a selection of starters as that’s what we fancied we only wanted 4 between the two of us. The waitress again said hold on. She then returned to say no we can’t do that. Confused we asked her why she said it would be too much for the kitchen. We then said we would eat else where. What if they had four people who came in and ordered four starters? What a ridiculous excuse. It’s so sad to see what is a lovely pub be brought down by behaviour like this. There’s also a sign near the bar that says be nice or leave…….its just so abrupt and unnecessary. Please can the management team take a look at themselves and think more about customer service. Before arriving we had been told some horror stories about the lady who runs the pub but we choose to ignore this and give it a try. What a shame we absolutely will not...

I have not been here since the 90's as a meet and greet pub,i was out with three of my friends on Saturday after playing tenpin bowling in the area,we always eat have a few beers etc after bowling we do this once a month,and try other places to eat and drink.Looked on google lets give it a try we said,made the call booked a table,arrived to friendly staff who took us to our table,made comfortable drinks etc food ordered.Short time later starters arrived and followed by the mains.I have to honestly say the presentation of all the food and taste was mind blowing we all agreed on this,seriously the black pudding starter and fillet steak main,try it.Moving on to drinks fantastic choices tasty too,oh and the cocktails delish also.We will be going back here in the future.100% tops to the staff.Great...