The Black Pug — Restaurant in Warwick

Not even worth one star! We booked The Black Pug to celebrate our dogs 5th birthday on Sunday 20th February and were looking forward to our visit, after previously visiting The Royal Pug within the same chain on a number of occasions. When we arrived in what looked like a very dismal set up compared to the photos we'd seen online, the man on the front desk seemed to take a few minutes on his laptop finding our booking before pointing us to a squashed little table, between two other parties who were already there, just past the bar area. My partner had rung the day before to book our table and specifically asked for a low table due to having our dog with us. Low it was, but it wasn't at all suitable for us to squeeze into this table and feel relaxed with our dog. When we questioned this, he then offered us a high table - the one thing we had specifically asked not to have. He then went off into another room for a few minutes and came back to tell us they had actually accidently given our table to another 'Chris Allen' - the same name as my partners - who came in slightly earlier. It seemed very coincidental that another 'Chris Allen' was in the same restaurant, on the same day, within the same hour we we there. If it was true and there were two bookings under the same name, there was no explanation as to why he hadn't asked for more information from the 'other Chris' to check he was seating that party at the correct table. Why didn't he ask for a phone number to distinguish the bookings? Why didn't he ask if that was the 'Chris' who had the dog with them? All he said was 'I hold my hands up it was our mistake' but there was no offer of any resolution. He could have offered us a free drink at the bar whilst we waited for our original table or a better table, but he didn't do anything except continue to offer us the squashed little table we'd walked into, in what looked more like a drinkers bar area, than a family-friendly restaurant. It seemed the actual 'nicer' seating area was elsewhere within the building, where our table had been given away. This was supposed to be a special occasion and we had travelled over to Warwick specifically for this experience at The Black Pug, but they completely ruined the start of it. We were not prepared to take the table they offered as it would not have been the relaxing experience we'd hoped for so we left and found somewhere much nicer who actually had staff that seemed to care about their customers and make a fuss of their dogs. It's safe to say we would never want to return to The Black Pug and unfortunately it's also put us off using any of the other pug restaurants under this same chain too. If you want somewhere relaxing and dog friendly for a special occasion, I'd avoid The Black Pug at all costs. Zero customer care, zero customer service and incompetent staff....

Had dinner 6 of us Saturday 1st April. The pub was super busy and a very large group came in and blocked the whole bar area. Not the pubs fault but they were really noisy. We couldn't hear ourselves think and couldn't talk to one another around the table. Food was mixed. Burgers wete very nice. There wasn't really any consistency of portion sizes as one had far more chips than the other. I had the fish and chips. It was nice but quite greasy which gave me issues later that night. 3 of our party had belly pork. 2 of them struggled to cut it. Would be better served with a steak knife and would have been great of the crackling was crispy and fat rendered. Sadly served with frozen green beans. That is the easiest veg to cook fresh takes no time at all. Shame. Dauphenoise potatoes again not consistent in size 2 of the meals had very small portions. We were told that they had been let down by a staff member phoning in and it showed. We didn't get sauce bought after we asked and we couldn't get another drink so it was a shame. I would try it again as the menu was nice. Maybe I would avoid...

This was my first visit to this pub. Initially I was disappointed by the limited parking available at such a large venue. Parking had to be found on a adjacent side street.

Covid controls were average, though the very large outside canopy did impress. Not sure what if any temporary works consideration has been given, what would happen should the adhoc shelter collapse.

Drinks service was good and beer a good quality.

Food service was a disaster, with meals missed off - having to be chased up once all others had finished there meal. Both staff and manager did not offer any consideration to this when paying the bill or any offer given prior to make good. Even though all were aware and prompted accordingly. With the belief that the food had been served and so what if the customer then had to eat alone!

A mug size portion of chips for £7 was very poor value and burger had no trace of chorizo and nothing special again for its price. Child size portions came to mind, rather than customer satisfaction.

Might be a while...