The Celtic Fringe — Restaurant in Reidsville

As much as I am saddened to write a review, of this nature, for Celtic Fringe, I am doing so because I am extremely tired of spending big bucks for diminished service and food. This restaurant isn't the only one following this trend, but it's on up there on the list. Celtic Fringe was AWESOME the first time I went there... The value was there for my money, the service was professional and pleasing- I had lunch on this occasion. I was so impressed I wanted my husband to go so we made the trip (I'm from Dry Fork, Va). It was pretty good, even though they didn't have the beers on tap that they were advertising they had...he found one that he could settle with and we had a nice dinner. Seems, though, like every time we went the prices were going up and the portions were getting smaller. We don't have an issue with smaller portions but why such an increase in cost every time we go? So that, almost 18 bucks for 8 tiny shrimps and a very lack luster wedge salad-- 2 cherry tomatoes split and maybe a tablespoon of bacon. Oh and was charged a $1 for extra dressing. What? how trifling- I can't imagine that head of lettuce on a plate cost the business over a couple of bucks. Our loaded fries appetizer? half the size as the first time we ordered, 2 or 3 bucks higher.... House wine, $8.75 a glass?? robbery-- Oh and they didn't have any of the beers that my husband was interested in on the beer list. He had to settle for something. They have never had the beers they advertised. My husband loves a good craft beer and he loves the restaurants that carry what they say they carry. Our waiter was obnoxious too, we asked for time to look a the menus and he stepped back from the table and stared at us for about 20 seconds and returned. We asked for more time, his reply was "I'll give you two minutes" ... He let my water run out twice, and didn't have the cooks prepare my 8 tiny shrimps the way I requested-- It was hot as hell in there too, stuffy--- perhaps it's extra for air conditioning. Very disappointed, naturally we will not be making the trip there again. We paid $102 for a very unfulfilling dinning experience. There are too many nice places to go for this to happen to us again. Boo! 2 stars...

OK, so this is my 3rd review. Over the last 6 or so years we've come in to Celtic Fringe and had several enjoyable meal with good service and have posted so. I think i was r 5 stars.

Back in January we had an experience that was quite the opposite. Aggregious, no. Horrible, no. But uncomfortable and uncharecteristic. I felt a connection with the owners previously and had a sense that this was a restauraunt we want to see succeed and be in Reidsville for a long time. The way things went it bugged me but I waited a while to post because of that, and I'm not the type to weaponize my posts, espeically against a family owned business in my home town. One post can mean a great deal and even affect the livelihood of a family, so I take my words very seriously.

I am happy to upgrading . One of the owners and Chefs, Shannon, gave me a call and wanted to talk about that night. Shannon recalled that night to some extent and she explained that there was quite a bit going on. She wasn't making excuses but at the same time there is the human side of everything and I appreciate her sharing some details. Sometimes multiple storm fronts converge. There definitely wasn't ill intent or intentional disrespect (never believed that) , overall It was a tough night there, we were the last customers in a long night, and things could have gone a lot better.

I did not get the feeling this was "damage control", I think Shannon was genuinely upset that things didn't go well for a customer. She definitely seems to be the type of person who "puts her heart on the plate" so to speak, and takes her food and services very seriously. She graciously invited us back, we accept.

You can tell more about the character of a person or business not by how often they get things right, but by how they handle things when they don't go well. Shannon's reaching out to me says and means a lot. I'm very glad she did, and with the right motives.

Thank you for your call Shannon, we look forward to...

UPDATE: I dropped the rating down an extra star because the owner (assuming that it isn't the rude waitress herself) has responded to my review with false information. I left the waitress with my order because of her poor attitude and inability to treat me like an appreciated customer. You refer to signage that is nearly 8 inches from your ceiling and is the only sign that states "wait to be seated". I sat before I even saw that sign. I did not feel the need to stand back up since the space isn't big enough to miss an entire person. In fact, she told me that she had to clean off a table before she would accept my order. She returned and basically ordered me to switch tables before she could take my order. Now you've made it obvious that the waitress used my choice of seats as an excuse to ignore me when she could have simply informed me of the rule that you have posted nowhere. She had to clean off the only small table before I could even be directed to it. You can keep any further response. You have made it very clear how you prioritize customer satisfaction and lack honesty among your staff.

ORIGINAL POST: This restaurant was used to cater lunch to our office a few weeks ago. The grilled salmon and cheese fries were excellent! I stopped in this week to have a second taste and was disheartened by the service that I received. You have great food, but that means much less when the staff is lacking professionalism. You visitor's deserve a friendly greeting (a smile would be nice too), timely attention and accurate information from the staff. None of which was delivered during my visit yesterday.

Apparently I "broke a rule" by sitting at the table beside the bar. This type of "unlawful activity" may leave you unnoticed for twenty minutes and receiving attitude for the remainder...