Smoke & Rye — Restaurant in Stafford

Turned up for a meal 15 minuets early (I get that might be a little TOO early, but I generally prefer to arrive somewhere earlier than later especially if it's a first time), obviously we must've been the first table booked as they were still "opening up" lighting candles on table etc. But I'd expect a business to be up and running at least half an hour before their first table? Seemed a little late/unorganized... It was a bit awkward... We stood outside, being stared at by staff as they went about their business. I kind of expected one of them to invite us in just to sit in some warmth, as it was freezing outside. I moved our group over to the front door to get some shelter as we were getting really cold, it was around 5 past 5 when they actually let us in through the door. (Which for a place that opens at 5pm, isn't exactly BAD, but perhaps don't allow tables to be booked for your exact opening time to prevent awkward waits?) Had it been much longer we may have been tempted to walk as my mother who was with us has issues with her feet/arthritis and fibromyalgia and was getting very uncomfortable. The food is interesting, and there's a lot of flavors going on, some work surprisingly well. However the nachos were ruined when I discovered baked beans were underneath, they did not compliment the dish at all, we all agreed that it would have been much better without the beans...and sadly when main meals when it arrived was cold/luke warm. The burger was for the most part enjoyable but nearly impossible to actually eat properly with all the flavors together as intended. The bun isn't big enough for the amount of food that went into it, so all my food was just falling out all over the place. The cocktails sadly also weren't great. The service at the table was friendly and fine for the most part, very polite, can't give any faults to the staff there, once we were actually inside. But due to the awkward waiting at the door and the food being served cold, my overall experience, I can't say I really want to visit again. It could've been a lot better had the food actually been hot, and we weren't left outside standing like melons freezing over lol They also seem to give a complimentary bag of popcorn when paying for the bill, but upon opening there's less than a handfuls worth in the bag to split between 3 people, so I was honestly more confused by the gesture than anything else. Perhaps we caught them on an off day, and I know a few of my friends would probably enjoy the food there, but I just really don't feel the pull to come back after a...

Having pre booked food and therefore knowing the price of the meals and the expected spend per head - I was expecting a polished/professional restaurant style service and atmosphere. In fairness we may not have created a good initial impression as we had an un-opened bottle of Prosecco (from our pre drinks nearby as time got away from us) Despite this we asked if we could drink this bottle with maybe a corkage fee but we were promptly dismissed. We then ordered drinks and our food order checked but yet still we were served with completely the wrong drinks order and despite asking three times still struggled to order - it was like we were being punished for the initial cheek of taking another bottle onto their premises which now seemed their sole focus. The food was good quality in fairness but halfway through the meal (as it was a red hot day and a member of our group storing the bottle in the window upstairs) the cork popped on our infamous bottle and we were absolutely taken to task by the staff who challenged us immediately about disobeying their rules. They also moaned to each other (not knowing we were within ear shot) about us deliberately opening the bottle.

We were a group of 12 professional individuals all 35+ and celebrating a birthday paying upwards of £50 per head (at least) and yet we were treated like 19 year old delinquents.

The staff were rude, unprofessional and it’s no wonder that the restaurant was 3/4 empty.

If they had said in the first instance - no you can’t drink that bottle - we’ll pop it in the fridge and you can collect when you go, there would have been no animosity but as it happens with the despicable attitude of the staff actually - none of the four couples will eat there again and the people we met from stone tonight have all been informed of the...

First time coming here tonight. We was under the impression that the restaurant was opposite mojos when we’ve previously drove past it, but rang the restaurant and found out it’s to the Right of mojos (if your facing mojos). The sign post outside Smoke & Rye can easily be missed it your not paying attention whilst driving. Smoke & Rye is split into a bar and restaurant upon entering. The bar has that wood fire smell inside and looks very cosy and rustic. Upon entering the restaurant which is a reasonable size, we was sat down on a table for two. The table itself is uneven so careful putting your drink down and careful you don’t knock it. The selection of food is good “, burgers & beers/cocktails - £15. Menu offers small to large plates of various meat & meat free dishes. I ordered a Bombay sapphire gin cocktail which I can’t remember the name of but it was LUSH and ever so moorish! For mains I ordered the Baby back ribs with apple salad & truffle fries. As you can see from the pic it’s massive, meat fell off the bone and I could quite easily have eaten it again. Selection of sauces are good, hot sauce isn’t to my standard of hot but each to their own. The burgers are massive as well and of decent proportion which I also recommend. Overheard customer on the table next to us and he had a egg allergy, the waitress had checked with the kitchen staff & supplier to see what products had egg in it which was nice of them but I’m sure if they stated on the menu what the products contain might make it easier. Also a nice gesture that for every £1 that is taken off the bill they plant a tree which is very good. Highly recommend and definitely will be...