The Fingerpost — Restaurant in Walsall

It's funny how things turn out. I picked up the phone and with more than a touch of trepidation based on the fact that it was a mere three days away I asked of the availability of tables for mothers day. Fully booked mate, said the far-to-pleased-with-himself fellow on the other end of the phone which is how I came to be phoning instead The Fingerpost and making the same enquiry. Some context I think is required here. I'm in Bristol - the old folks live in Pelsall - and I needed proximity for those old legs. When the local failed, The Fingerpost squeezed us in and even allowed us to forego their required deposit based on our inability to pop in based as we are in the SW. We'd have to drive now but one of us not drinking was a small price to pay for not having to roast our chicken today. And then, as we enter, my father sees a starter which in his 80 something mind is somehow converted into a main course so as we're seated he's already convinced he's leaving here hungry. I'll cut to the chase. The staff here work hard. They are the epitomy of courtesy and good manners. We were asked at least twice if we needed recharges on our drinks (always a great sign in a busy restaurant since it means someone is paying attention to the important things). The food (pre-ordered) was served promptly and was really good value. Personally I had calamari, cod then chocolate mousse - the restricted mothers day menu playing slightly towards the modern but still catering for the traditionalists (parents both choosing soup, chicken and crumble). For a pub lunch it was difficult to fault but I think had there been one (a fault that is) the staff would have puts the clocks back for us so keen they were to please. A great meal and I fully recommend you give the place a go if you're in the area. And yes. My father had to eat his words, though ironically not all of his lunch, as he failed most miserably to consume the largest roast he declared he'd ever set...

It was sadly not quite what we had hoped for. I had struggled to book a table. I initially emailed but never had a reply. Then I sent a messenger message via their Facebook page but didn't have a reply. I then phoned to find they were shut on a Monday night. I persevered as I had put a post on social media for recommendations for a good steak and this was highly recommended. Our initial greeting at the bar on arrival was welcoming and friendly especially given it was a beautiful evening and it was clearly busy. We were immediately served and shown to a reserved table. We had a beautiful view overlooking the canal on a sunny night. When we came to order it felt hurried and I felt the waitress was stressed. They had no steak left at 630 on a Saturday evening which was obviously exactly what we had come for. We opted for pork belly which had also gone . Went with our 3rd choice, lamb shank and pulled pork burger. The food was plentiful and flavoursome. However, it was only 10.15 by the time we had finished chatting and we were awaiting bookings for uber. We wanted to order a last drink but we had allegedly already missed this by 10.15 pm ? The person behind the bar said they had rang a bell twice which neither of us had genuinely heard. It felt like a very hurried exit and to just get us gone. The website says they are open until 11pm. I have never known a pub to close this early for last orders ? I understand that working in hospitality is hard on busy nights like ours was and that you look forward to your night finishing and going home to relax. However, sadly that can impact on your customers experience and we are unsure if we would be in a rush...

Just returned from what I would not call a restaurant. We have visited several times in the past, whilst food has always been ok; there has always been something lacking. We have put this down to inexperienced staff/new management.

However, although time has passed service has got worse not better. Upon ordering tonight we were met with one member of staff who was working the bar; in addition to serving food. This was probably in the member of staff's favour; given that there was a party of 5 that had ordered, our party of 5 trying to order - and a party of 2 trying to order drinks . Whilst placing our order, we were told the owner had not placed any orders for fresh meat i.e. steaks. Therefore we could not order the food requested. If you wanted cheap food that was frozen then you had more chance of getting your choice over choosing a more expensive fresh cut of meat.

Our food was not cooked as requested - it was brought to the waiter/ barman's attention. His response...was to ignore it! What a waste of at least £80 - McDonald's would have faired better. We will not be returning again. Such a shame as this pub once used to be...