Firstly want to say that I really like Bar Kelham and have spent a lot of time there being a local for 5 years.
Food is decent enough for the price and staff members are lovely.
That being said, one thing that really bothers me (and I’ve seen other reviews mention this) is asking/informing customers to buy more drinks if they plan on staying. And the reason is for the TV license.
We bought two drinks, appreciate only cokes but that’s not relevant and shouldn’t matter, and 10/15 mins after finishing the drinks we were asked to buy another drink or, basically, leave.. so we left. This was a Sunday and wasn’t busy.
I now, unfortunately, am not interested in going back. Not that I won’t, I would just be enticed to go to other places in Kelham that show football such as Neepsend Social Club or elsewhere for food.
It’s a shame. And I know that already their response to this review will be that we spent time without drinks, again which I understand, I just didn’t appreciate the staff member explaining this to us like it was our fault how expensive the TV license is.
A lot of bars thrive in Kelham and are more successful than this one without TV licenses. It wasn’t busy and we might have bought another drink at half-time (5 mins til half-time when told). It just didn’t make sense and puts customers off.
I hope you take this as an improvement point and not necessarily criticism or me having a dig. Your response to this may determine if you lose a loyal customer or...
Read moreI'm sorry to say that my (indirect) experience with Bar Kelham has been less than satisfactory. While the concept of a neighbourhood bar is appealing, the reality has proven to be a major nuisance for the residents in the surrounding area.
One of the biggest issues is the noise level. The customers at Bar Kelham seem to have a habit of yelling loudly, creating a constant disturbance for those of us who live nearby. It's especially frustrating during the evening hours when we're trying to relax in the comfort of our homes. But the noise is not exclusive to evening and can start from the morning hours.
Additionally, the bar seems to attract a crowd that engages in anti-social behaviour. This has become a concerning problem. The sense of community that a local bar should foster seems to be overshadowed by the disruptive behaviour of some.
Another problem we face is the cigarette smoke. The fact that the bar is located in a residential area means that the smoke from customers' cigarettes often finds its way into our homes. It's unpleasant and creates an unhealthy environment, especially for non-smokers.
Advice for management: addressing the noise levels should be a top priority. Encourage your staff to remind customers to be mindful of their volume and not shout as it is a...
Read moreI had a truly disappointing experience, and I cannot stress enough how much I would advise against visiting. From the moment I walked in, it felt like I had made a huge mistake. The ambiance was dull and lacked any charm or warmth.
We had to ask multiple times for simple things like water and napkins, and staff seemed annoyed by our requests.
The menu boasted a variety of dishes, but the reality was far from appetizing. My partner ordered a burger, but it arrived cold and overcooked. The bun was stale, and the toppings looked like they had been sitting out for hours. My friend's chips was equally disappointing - greasy, soggy, and lacking any flavor.
The prices were absurdly high for the quality of food and service we received. I could have had a much better meal at a fast-food place.
What infuriated me even more was the complete lack of appreciation for vegan options. When we inquired about any plant-based dishes, the staff looked puzzled as if they had never heard of the concept. They offered a sad-looking salad that consisted of wilted lettuce and some dry tomatoes. It's 2023, and any reputable establishment should be aware of and cater to dietary preferences...
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