Sand Martin — Restaurant in Wales

Absolutely terrible experience.. We live across the road, we have been locals here for many years ( since it opened ) we have celebrated most Christmas days here and the food has always been outstanding. We booked well in advance for this year like every year, 9 people 3pm, however I was asked to change the time to 2 15pm which I gladly did. Christmas day we arrive. All staff miserable, not willing to help, just want to go home. We get seated, we waited over 45 minutes for our starters. As we was eating our very very small starters we was interrupted by a customer stating all the meat on the carvery had gone and we should go get our mains as soon as possible! We went to check and there was atleast 15 people queuing up for what looked like no meat just veggies pale potatoes and 1 tiny stuffing ball. We immediately asked whats going on we have paid over £400 to spend our very special day here and we can't have a Christmas dinner? The guy with glasses who worked there agreed with us and was saying he wasn't to pleased either with how it's unfolded and how they didn't have enough meat... Our Christmas day was ruined we ended up leaving and having a kebab. Not ideal on Christmas day! I assume the new management arent fully aware of what they are doing, the new chefs are horrendous, the food has gone down hill, everyone was saying it tasted bland burnt and inedible. Such a shame. Our Christmas...

We arrived at 15:30pm with not much choice of tables as the majority were dirty and still full of finished dishes. The other half of the restaurant was cordoned off. We couldn’t have a carvery as they had sold out. When we did find a clean table, we ordered via the QR code. The app did not explain they the light version of the southern fried chicken burger would be covered in onions. I cannot eat onions due to a stomach condition and so checked the ingredients list which didn’t say anything about including them and they were not included in the non lighter version either so thought that would be ok. My husband ordered the ultimate spicy beef burger and the fries came hard and cold. My daughter had a hunters chicken off the bigger appetites menu and the chicken and bacon were hard, so she had to pull it apart the try and cut it. We ordered drinks at 15:45pm and they didn’t arrive until 16:07pm after asking for them. By this point I cancelled my order as we were unhappy and had lost patience. The toilets were disgusting and smelt terrible of urine. I did have an apology from a guy at the bar who refunded my meal. I looked for his name on the receipt to give him some credit but it said I was served by Olivia. We will not be returning!! I think a better manager should be considered or at least a refresh on...

My second visit was even better than the first. Food was again very tasty, well presented, and piping hot. Service was attentive, polite, and friendly, and when I mentioned my phone had totally run out of charge, they offered to recharge it for me. The Sand Martin is obviously family friendly, and there were several groups of three or more generations enjoying their meals The menu offers a range of traditional fare as well as some specialities with a wide choice of beverages also available. Prices are reasonable, which also helps to encourage repeat business and family groups. The pub is in a prime location, adjacent to Cardiff City football ground. Ample off-street parking is available nearby. Although parking may be more difficult on match days. Diners might also want to reserve a table when City play at home. The only thing slightly lacking is that decor and some of the seating are looking a bit tired and showing some signs of wear. The brewery need to give these hard-working staff a boost with a refurbishment of the establishment (a pay rise would probably also be appreciated) c'mon Marstons, you...