The Fisherman — Restaurant in Stevenage

Dear Area Managers (seeing’s as I’ve had no email response)

I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding the party I hosted on Saturday, August 19th. I had been in contact with Scott and Ben regarding the booking for my 40th birthday celebration, an event I was eagerly anticipating. However, my experience with your team has left me quite upset.

In our email correspondence with Ben and Scott, there was a lack of consistent communication. Initially, we were informed that we couldn't have music at the party. Then, shortly before the event, we were suddenly told that music was allowed. In response, I hurriedly purchased an expensive speaker for my guests' enjoyment. Additionally, the deposit was stated as £350 in the email, even though my initial estimate was for 50 guests @ £5 per head. I had verbally clarified that I would only be inviting close friends and family, totaling around 40 guests, and that not many would eat.

Despite the lack of clear communication via email, we decided to proceed with the booking, anticipating a wonderful evening under the retractable roof on a summer night. However, in the days leading up to the event, we were informed that the roof was malfunctioning, with no estimate on when it would be fixed.

Upon arriving at the venue with my partner Lucy to set up, we received no assistance from Scott or the staff. The conservatory floor was in a deplorable state, covered in spilled chips and debris. I found myself frantically trying to clean up before my guests arrived, all within the limited 45-minute setup time.

Throughout this entire process, no additional charges were mentioned. The buffet, while satisfactory, certainly did not align with the £500 worth that was later presented. I had budgeted for a £250 cost for the party, and I would never have agreed to £500. To my astonishment, at around 9:45 to 10:00 PM, Lucy informed me that we had an outstanding bill to settle. The pub was nearly empty of other guests, and Ben has confirmed after a phone discussion this morning that Scott had to close the bar. This abrupt ending to my party was not only embarrassing but also...

Turned up and wasn’t very busy. Table booked for 8.30 for 8 people, 2 of which were visiting from Australia so was hoping for a lovely evening as they hadn’t visited for over 30 years. At first service very good. Food (mains ) arrived quickly and as expected very good. Staff came over cleared and waitress asked if we wanted desserts to which I said we would. Came over shortly after saying did we want coffee as they were turning off the machine so ordered 3 liquor coffees, one of which I had to chase. It was then plonked on end of table, not given to person that had ordered. In between the coffee being ordered one of guests was told we could only have cold desserts as chefs gone home. Thought ok that’s fine. 10 mins after this my dad was told on way back to table that they could no longer serve us any desserts. I asked one of the waitresses to confirm and she said they can’t do them due to this and unbeknown to me as she was walking away flung her arms up at one of the other staff and made a comment to the gist of what do you expect me to do about it. I said goodbye on way out and she couldn’t even look at us. Our table was booked until 10.45 and we had finished and left long before this. Why book us in when you have no intention of serving the full menu. We could easily have come earlier had we known. I have always loved coming to the fisherman as so good. Staff and food always lovely so not really sure what happened here but needless to say we will not be returning anytime soon. We usually leave a good tip, not on...

I came here on my birthday for a Sunday Roast with some friends. I had booked a reservation for 4 people. A couple of days before, one of our friends came over from Portugal, and I invited him to join us, so we called to add one person. We were more than happy to squeeze in the same table. They said no because of "security reasons", basically "computer says no". "Speak to the manager on the day", they said.

On arrival, we talked to the manager. Again, we were more than happy to squeeze together in the same table, but he wasn't very helpful. "Should've called ahead", he said. Which we had done. Guess he expected my friend to turn back and go home?! Anyway, we insisted and eventually I spotted an empty table, which he confirmed was free. He still argued that we wouldn't fit, but we did, comfortably, with spare room for one more person, even.

It was a Sunday, and they had pork, chicken, lamb and beef roast. It was not good. The taste was bland on all of them, and the Yorkshire pudding was dry and crunchy. My friend ordered the beef roast and they gave her pork.

After the initial confusion, the manager was nice and even recommended some starters. But overall the staff was not very helpful.

I will not be coming again...