The Old Spot — Restaurant in Stroud

A good old town centre pub, don't be misled by the exterior, it's has a neat old-style interior. Not a large array of beers on tap but Otter Brewery at least so I was happy. A good range of dishes available without being over complicated. The fish pie was a success, the chunky chips were deemed "excellent" and the two starters were very good although the bhajis were overcooked and slightly dry. The only blot on the horizon was the soup which though thick and hot was infused with far too much wild garlic. The puds (Sticky toffee and crème brulée) were also of a high standard, so much so that 3 on the table of 5 next to us changed their orders! So 4/5 for food (the soup) and 4/5 for service because it took 45 minutes for the mains to arrive. Now while I appreciate the pub was well attended and this could cause a queue we were not once kept informed as to how long the food might be and therefore became more agitated as the time passed by. In the end I was forced to enquire when the meal was due. Apart from that the staff were friendly and helpful. With coffees it was £100 for the 4 of us. Parking seemed plentiful across from the PH and a nice walk up to and around the golf course with views across to the Severn. Sorry...

We chose this place based on its rating, so pretty annoyed with what I shall now describe. I walked in alone leaving my wife and three kids (one 4 months old) in the car, to ask if there was any tables available. Asked a waitress if there was any tables without 'reserved' signs on, she points me to the other end of the pub where there was a small fairly enclosed and separate area with another family sitting on the other side of the room, also with baby. The time is shortly past midday, lunch is served 12 - 3 we sit down confidently, discuss food orders and as I turn to make my way to the bar I'm stopped by a member of the bar staff who announces to us; "I'm sorry, but the chef has decided not to take any orders from 'walk ins', sorry". At midday, there is no way a pub is unable to cater for the third (maybe forth) table of people to arrive for lunch, regardless of pre-bookings. There was only about 10 tables in there anyway. I'm afraid I totally agree with the last review. If they don't know you, don't...

Came for a family lunch (10 of us & 2 dogs) unfortunately a bit chilly for those at the end by the door to the beer garden, but we understand its a small pub. Lovely tasty food, but sadly lacking in portion size. The mediterranean bowl (2 of us avoiding gluten) was more like a starter and at £13 not value for money, similar with the pork steak. This was comparing them to the plate fulls that were had with the burgers and fish and chips for £1 & £2 more. The extra chips for £3.50 were a sad small portion too. We did mention it to staff and were brought some extra steamed veg, but it didn't really make up for lack of spicy vegetables in the bowl. Such a shame, as it tasted good. We get together several times a year for lunch and are always looking for good places and this is a bonus as being a short walk away from my fathers house. We may give it a go again and stick to fish and burgers next time, but slightly bigger portions...