Miller & Carter Sevenoaks — Restaurant in Sevenoaks

We had family visiting from New Zealand and Australia, and we wanted to treat them to a special steak dinner, so we booked a table at Miller & Carter Sevenoaks, as our local branch was fully booked. This was our first time driving to Sevenoaks, and being new to Kent, we had some trouble finding the restaurant, which caused us to arrive late.

When we finally arrived, we were met by an incredibly rude and dismissive staff member. He informed us that our table had been given away due to our lateness, and when we tried to ask how long the wait for another table might be, he couldn’t offer any indication. Despite our efforts to explain that we had a 3-month-old baby with us and needed to plan around her feeding and changing times, he was completely indifferent. His attitude was arrogant and dismissive, making it clear that he had no interest in accommodating us or showing any basic customer service skills. Instead, he simply told us, “It’s your choice whether to stay or leave.”

We were left embarrassed and frustrated, especially as we had guests from halfway across the world, eager to enjoy a nice meal. To make matters worse, we had to scramble to find an alternative restaurant at 7 p.m. with our baby’s feeding window fast approaching and our guests hungry. The lack of empathy or flexibility from Miller & Carter was astonishing, especially considering that delays are sometimes unavoidable.

This experience has left such a bad taste that I can’t imagine ever returning or recommending the restaurant to others. A little understanding and customer care could have gone a long way, but instead, we were left feeling unvalued and humiliated in front of our family. Miller & Carter need to reconsider their approach if they hope to retain customers - especially those who have traveled so far to enjoy a special evening.

It’s clear from the response from Miller & Carter that someone is not being entirely truthful, likely in an attempt to cover for themselves. No other staff were nearby during the conversation, so the mention of multiple witnesses is questionable at best.

We did receive the text stating that our table would be held for 20 minutes, and we arrived as quickly as possible after having trouble locating the restaurant. However, when we arrived, the staff member in question did not mention anything about having us wait in the bar or offer any solution. Instead, we were told bluntly that our table was gone, and no estimate was provided for how long we would need to wait for another. The dismissive attitude and lack of customer service were the most striking parts of the exchange.

It’s concerning that the restaurant’s response implies we left of our own accord without waiting, which is completely untrue. We left because we felt unwelcomed and had no confidence that we would be seated in a reasonable time. There was no communication offering any reassurance or effort to accommodate us, despite the fact that we had a baby with us and had made our situation clear.

It’s disappointing to see the restaurant trying to shift the blame, rather than acknowledging the genuine issue with how we were treated. We have no reason to misrepresent what happened, and unfortunately, this poor handling of our situation further reinforces our decision...

I have to say that we have been to eat with you before but on this experience we won't be rushing back.

We booked for 3 of us to eat at 6pm celebrating a friend's 80th birthday.

When ordering I said to the waitress that I had a severe nut allergy and that all I wanted was plain rare to medium sirloin steak and chips without any sauces or anything on it, I also mentioned that I didn't want anything else on the plate.

When the food came out the steak had a knob of garlic butter on it and I had onion loaf on the plate. I said to the waitress that this was wrong and not what I had asked for and she said "no, you didn't say that".

My two friends started their food as it had been brought out.

I looked at her for a moment and then she said "I suppose I can get them to do another one" and I said "yes please", off she went.

I would say 15 minutes later a steak came out without the garlic butter but the onion loaf was still there! Plus the steak had been peppered, I realise this may not sound like a big deal but the tingle that I get on my tongue when I'm having an allergic reaction is a little like when pepper hits your tongue. It makes you not want to eat and if it hadn't been for the fact that we wanted a good meal for an 80th birthday, we would have paid and walked out.

I accept that the member of staff may have been new and my complaint isn't that the order was wrong, it was the tone and manner that I was spoken to when she said "no, you didn't say that ''. I had to check with my guests to make sure I had said that and they confirmed that and I also had to sit at the table while my friends ate their food.

On Negative note I wasn't offered a Allergy book at any time (surely you have something)

On a positive note The steak was very good and a lovely touch by the staff was made by putting a candle in the pudding of the 80th birthday...

A huge dissappointment compared to other Miller & Carters...

I have been to the one in Dartford and Bournemouth before which were both outstanding.

Bad points I had the strawberry cider. At Dartford, it came with fruit in the glass which was a nice little touch. At Sevenoaks, there was just ice.

I had the sticky chicken starters. They were very nice but again the presentation was lacking. At Dartford, comes with sticks and just looked better.

Me and my partner both had a side of Garlic mushrooms, were served cold.

My Steak... Ordered the 16oz ribeye and asked for medium well. At both Dartford and Bournemouth, it came still a little bit pink, juicy and melt in the mouth... Sadly at Sevenoaks, it came grey and dry... I really had to chew every single bite.. Half way through and it just felt like hard work to eat it.. Needed a drink to help swallow it because it was just so dry.

Sadly more like a Harvester than a Miller & Carter

Good bits

We came at 6pm.. Car park was empty (however, after eating there I can now see why).

The staff - all very friendly, especially our waitress.

The bill - We had a share portion of garlic bread, which we did not have at Dartford but the bill was still £6 less than we paid at Dartford even though we both ordered exactly the same.

Conclusion

Due to the way the food is presented (zero effort) and the way the steak was cooked (over cooked and very dry), I would not go back to Miller & Carter in Sevenoaks.. The others so far have been so so so much better.... Rather pay more at other Miller & Carters for steak I can eat and enjoy.

Sorry to be so harsh but I have seen just how good Miller & Carter can be in Dartford and Bournemouth... Sevenoaks, needs to up its...