The Oak in Chains Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Staffordshire Moorlands

As we were waiting to go into the Woodcutter's, we were stood in line waiting to be seated; the couple in front of us were given a menu whilst they waited, and so were the couple behind us, but not us which we found a bit rude to begin with. Once seated we ordered on the app, I ordered the chicken flatbread and when it arrived I was actually a bit embarrassed to receive it. It was a flatbread with a small chicken skewer on top, with some strings of lettuce and tomato sparingly thrown on top. Whilst I had my food for half an hour, the other person I was with still hadn't received their order even though we placed our separate orders 5 minutes apart. Apparently, they didn't receive the ticket order, but he received his drink that was a part of the order. After one member of staff sorted the order, he received his lukewarm food that they said they'd refund him for. He didn't receive cash back, and according to them they didn't receive the order so will we get the refund? Probably not. Also asked for some water and never received it. When we were leaving, a member of staff was hovering over us, just waiting for us to leave so he could clear the table; not a smile or a "Thanks for coming" from him, just stood watching us and waiting making us a bit uncomfortable. Overall I hope this isn't how the service usually goes because it was...

I visited this place as a family of 4 last weekend (2nd weekend of the season). I visit Alton Towers frequently as I live locally and am a pass holder so have eaten in the Woodcutters bar and grill quite a few times over the years and feel I can compare to previous visits. The quality of the food is roughly the same as it's always been, basically pub food standard i.e like a Marston's pub which I have no problem with as it's absolutely fine. It came quickly and the waiting staff were very helpful and polite. We had 2 burgers, a chicken burger and a chicken skewer, 2 Coke's, a J20 and a sprite and here's my big problem, they have put the prices up massively since last year, I mean well above inflation price increases which are ridiculous. We paid over £70 for that which was way too expensive. especially when you consider that you only got 1 chicken skewer and all of the burgers came in a tiny basket with a handful of chips instead of on a plate with chips and a side Salade as I would expect them to. All in all not bad tasting food but small portions and now very very expensive. Also, for first time visitors remember this place doesn't have any toilets or a baby Change, you have to use the ones near the sky...

Used to be the Woodcutters, now it’s the place where common sense goes to die. Popped in for a quick drink, which apparently is now classed as a luxury item. They used to have QR codes for table service (worked fine), but these have mysteriously vanished. I asked at the bar if I could just order two beers. Silly me. I was told to go find Harry at the front who would “give me a tablet.” When I finally got to Harry, I was informed that the only way to order was to join the mile-long queue of families ordering full Sunday roasts, kids’ meals, desserts and probably breakfast for the next day.

So there I am, standing in line for 20 minutes just to get two pints, while half the tables around us are occupied by people cracking open their own Tesco meal deals. The whole setup screams theme park efficiency at its finest. Honestly, you’d get served quicker at the actual rollercoasters, and at least they’re meant to make you feel sick.

If you’re after a pint, you might be better off bringing your own, because apparently everyone else...