Barbetta's — Restaurant in Wirral

Popped into Barbetta’s today with a group of four. We were given menus while we waited, then shown to a table once one became available. We ordered four hot drinks and were quietly enjoying them when, out of the blue, a “Reserved” sign was plonked on our table. A member of staff then came over and said, “I’m sorry, this table is reserved so I’m going to get the bill now and I’ll have to ask you to pay.”

We were all a bit taken aback — not only were some of us still finishing our drinks, but the way it was said felt incredibly abrupt and quite rude. When I quietly said to my friend that I thought the service had been a bit off, the server overheard and challenged me, asking “Did you think I was rude then?” in a very defensive and confrontational way.

She then informed us — only at that point — that they were only serving food today, and implied we shouldn’t have been seated for drinks. At no time were we told this when we arrived or ordered. Had that been made clear, we would have had no issue going elsewhere. Instead, we were made to feel unwelcome and like an inconvenience.

It’s a shame, really. What could have been a pleasant visit turned into a very uncomfortable experience. Sadly, we won’t be returning — not because of the policy, but because of the way we were spoken to and treated. A bit of basic communication and courtesy would’ve gone a long way. **Updated 23/04/2025: Barbetta's reached out to me about my review, declaring my version of events to be untrue. I leave it to others to decide whether asking customers to leave before they've finished their drinks is considered rude, and where a server confronting someone over a private remark is appropriate. We would have happily gone elsewhere if drinks-only customers weren't being accommodated, but instead we were made to feel like an inconvenience- after visiting many times before we won't be...

Had a fabulous lunch today in this charming Deli /Bistro. A delicious smell assails you as you walk in the door of baking pastry , bread etc. A great ambiance , warm, friendly and excellent service from attentive staff. I had the beautiful Brisket of beef slow cooked in red wine and encased in golden brown rough puff pastry, my partner had a huge ground pork shortcrust pie which was beautifully seasoned, accompanied with a crisp well dressed salad delicious slaw and a huge bowl of piping hot thin cut chips , each. I purchased to take away their delicious and massive sausage rolls, plus further amazing pies and wonderful cakes. I can highly recommend Barbetta’ s and will return again very...

Barbettas is my go-to place for everything, from quick morning coffee to Private Parties. I recommend it to everyone I know. The key thing for me is that all of the food is freshly prepared on site and you can actually watch them doing it.. say no more! The wine selection is fantastic and the staff are always more than happy to help, make recommendations, or just have a chat. I have attended the Spanish night recently it was amazing value for money, food was obviously delicious and the atmosphere was something else. I could have been in Spain! Over-all haven't got a bad word to say about this lovely establishment and its even lovelier team! If you are thinking of trying Barbettas - GO! You will not be...