The Mount by Glynn Purnell — Restaurant in Stratford-on-Avon

Lovely, until the end of removing the service charge. Our first time at The Mount this evening. When first walking in I did not feel comfortable at all, and thought we walked into the wrong place as it did not feel like a restaurant at all. But was directed to the restaurant which is was outstanding! We were pleasantly greeted by staff (one of which was out waitress)

We were seated to our table effortlessly, we had an extended wait to be asked what drinks we would like, for which is unknown as we were the only ones in the restaurant at the time. However our waitress went to the other bar to get our drinks as the pump weren’t working even after I said I will substitute it for another for another drink to save the inconvenience.

We ordered our food, and the food was outstanding. In fact, in all the nice places we’ve eaten in this was the best meal we’ve eaten, full of flavour and the quality of the produce is on point. Every mouthful was delicious.

When asking for the bill, I specifically asked for the service charge to be removed. This is something I do in every restaurant. The waitress immediately stood up straight and said “was there a problem with your service” I replied “no the service was great”

Our waitress who had already been antagonised by the other because she went up and said “no tip” to her. Came back and threw our bill booklet on the table and done an about turn and walked off.

I’ve gone straight up and confronted her, and told her I did not appreciate that behaviour, she said she didn’t mean to. I told her it was intentional as she went back laughing with the other waitresses about it.

This is not good customer service at all. Don’t just assume that a customer has asked for the service charge to be removed that you’re not getting tipped as I always pay my tips in cash so that, that waitress just receives the gratitude for her service. For this, she received no tip for her service. A service charge is discretionary, whether we have a good service or bad service. We should not feel intimidated at all into paying this charge. I have expressed that I was paying in cash for the tip but to act in this manner is disgusting behaviour.

On speaking with the manager, he said the waitress was very upset about it all and said he can guarantee this did not happen as she is not like that. Unfortunately for him, he was not the one on the receiving end of the service, we were. Although he has offered to give us somewhat a discount on drinks when we next return, this has still left me with the thought of not returning due to the ending of what was a lovely meal and service.

Don’t judge every book by its cover, as what you see is not always what you get. Read between the lines and understand that sometimes there is always something good that comes out of what you believe to see as a disappointment. Unfortunately on this occasion, due to jumping the gun and showing a lack of respect the waitress has lost out.

For this I don’t think I will be returning, first time here and possibly the last time. Gratitude where is deserved and that is to the chefs.

In response to your reply, in no way was I abusive towards your staff. Your staff need to be trained on customer service, regardless of age. Previous reviews state the same.

if this is your way to cover what had happened and make out I was acting in that manner then you’re wrong. I demonstrated on your bar exactly what your waitress had done to me. I did not shout, raise my voice or be abusive towards your staff. Not one member of your staff had asked me to tone my voice down or to stop being abusive or change my manner

do you know why that is? because it didn’t happen! None of this was said to me on the phone when I had phoned afterwards and spoke to Connor (the manager) So if that was the case, why ask me to return and offer a discount?? Just covering yourself against my response, and if this is your response then I’m quite happy not to return. First time that’s ever happened, and it’s a shame it happened on my first visit...

We had an amazing experience here today for lunch. ( 12 pm April 2nd) Demitri greeted us with a warm welcome and we were soon escorted into the restaurant ( the first there as we were cold and got there 10 mins early). We had warm bread and dipping oil as a little snack as we pondered a beautiful menu. I went for the Atlantic prawns and hubby had the Halloumi. Both were amazing, with individual pops of flavours coming through. Sipping our Sancerre , we had a perfect wait before the mains arrived which didn’t disappoint! I had the skate, hubby the chicken, and once again, the flavours were sublime. Hubby said the chicken was moist, and the pasta accompanying it was so different and a great combo. The skate was melt in the mouth perfection and I was astonished how it was de-boned. Skate usually is scrapped off bone to eat but the chef already did that! Amazing attention there. The capers and sauce were a lovely match too. I HAVE to mention the smoke mash! I could’ve eaten a bucket load! It was SOOOO good! I asked how this was achieved because I want to try this myself! AMAZING! It HAD to be done! Puddings! Choc tart for me and Brûlée for hubby. What can I say other than our sweet tooth’s were catered for very well! That choccy piece of heaven was unctuous and comforting. This was our first visit for my hubby’s birthday, but it won’t be our last! We asked for a photo with Glynn, but he wasn’t there unfortunately and I kicked myself afterwards because why did I not still have a little pic with the chefs!! Glynn Purnell… your team did you proud today. The front of house ( also the lady with the dark hair who chatted was very attentive as was our young waitress. I will add here…..

When we arrived there was a party of four( 2 men 2 women) who did not appear happy from the moment they entered the bar area. I smiled but was given a sour look back! I’m sure they were having a sucking lemons kinda day sadly and to this end, we saw them complain to Dimitri ( sorry if I’m not spelling that correctly !), several times about this, or that. I witnessed this whole thing and I can honestly say the staff really did act professionally throughout even though the customers were rude in fact. So, if anyone happens to read a review that this table may submit - I urge you not to allow their negative feedback cloud your own decision as to try The Mount. Twas worth every penny and the 80 mile round trip We loved it. Tracy & Paul...

Feels strange writing this review, as most places I go to eat, really do impress me.

Unfortunately The Mount by Glynn Purnell did not :( .

The service was fantastic, the waiters and waitress' were all amazing, extremely polite and friendly. Along with having impeccable timing when checking our table and clearing any items etc.

The atmosphere wasn't the best, we arrived to a busy pub (which is fine), but the eating area was so quiet! You could hear a pin drop! Is this because we arrived bang on half 5? Weird, I'd of thought there'd always be some kind of music to create a welcoming atmosphere...

The food was the let down Unfortunately. I booked this restaurant for my dad's 60th birthday (a party of 5), thinking it was going to be something special.

We ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir, absolutely beautiful red wine. Starters were pork nugget, crispy chicken thighs fillets x3. All of this was perfect, and we thought it had set the bar for the standard/quality of food we'd receive for our mains. It was well presented and cooked to perfection.

For mains x4 of us had the cutlet of pork, x1 fish and chips. This is where we were all disappointed, the covers came out and were well presented for the simplicity of the dish, but it was (and forgive me for being so blunt), a chewy slab of pork on some mash potatoes. I couldn't quite believe it, I was expecting some exquisite dish with impressive presentation, complimented by rich flavours and textures, much like the starters! We didn't get any of that.

(hence no pictures for this review)

The icing on the cake was the £240 bill at the end of the evening, which I very much expected to pay upon booking this meal. Unfortunately the meal didn't live up to £240 standards and I know we'd of been able to go to the Four Alls/Queens Head/The Boot/The Moathouse and spent a similar amount and enjoyed the food so so so much more.

All In all, I advise others to visit this pub and by no means am I warning people away from this establishment. What I would suggest for The Mount, is a review of the quality/standard of food being served as this did not at all, align with the pricing of the dishes we received, or the name associated with this venue. We expected big things from a big name.

I look forward to hearing from The...