Hare & Hounds — Restaurant in St Albans

Just to back up our our review below... Here is the booking confirmation we recieved.. I was told on arrival that it would never of been booked, I was made to feel like an idiot, especially for saying "if possible can we be next to the fire" in my booking request. I never recieved a cancellation booking (I ask them to post a screenshot of it being sent if this was the case - they won't, they made a clerical error). Look how rude they are in the response below... It's the same in reality - complete refusal to acknowledge their mistake.

Anyway... The issue isn't the confusion, I understand this can happen occasionally. It was the way it was handled... Not once did we receive an apology or recognition that we had been let down. Honestly, if they'd said sorry I'd have walked away but it handled so rudely - that is why I'm intent on making this review.

TERRIBLE...

Zero Stars... I live two minutes walk from this place, used regularly too for eating and drinks with friends and family. Despite being pricier than others, it's local. Never again. My friend from abroad arrived here and he wanted to treat us for a meal.

He had difficulty getting into the Pub and used a door which was 'Exit Only' he was standing next to a table, when a gentleman came over to him (I know you sir, you ought to know better) and in a sarcastic tone said "go back outside and around the pub and use the proper entrance door".

My friend was too humiliated and embarrassed to do the task due to several customers watching and listening, so he went to another Public House nearby where we had a pleasant evening.

Sir, of the Hare and Hounds, how could you be so cruel? shame on you.

My family and I felt so sorry for our friends awful and...

First time coming here - we read a bunch of funny poor reviews from few years ago before we came. but me and my friend but read that its under new ownership last 1year. we came first thing on a monday so it was relatively quiet, but the staff and the decor and food were amazing. Had a chat with Dan the chef, Ellie the bar maid and Julie the owner, lovely people. We ordered the burgers, pork skewers, cheesy chips and calamari. The burger was easily the best i've had in a long time, and the calamari was done nice and crisp on the outside (not chewy). The Pork skewers came with a nice spiced sauce/salad. The chips were amazing, they were thin skin-on fries and tasted better than anywhere i've had actually - so compliments to Dan's skills and also Julie for sourcing good quality ingredients. We will...