We started going there after several excellent experiences, and have recommended The New Inn to others. It was Sunday lunch with a birthday in mind. We booked. Arriving punctually we could see it was busy, but with previous experience of good service we were content...to be patient. After five minutes I went to the bar and ordered drinks and asked to order lunch. Being told that someone would come to the table to take the order .. we waited ... after twenty five minutes our drinks arrived and we ordered food. Watching a number of people who had arrived after us being served ahead of us we asked politely after an hour of sitting at a baking, sunny window table for an indication of when our food might be expected.
Twenty minutes later, we were told that the other customers had ordered at the bar so they had been served before us! After nearly 90 minutes the food arrived, with the briefest apology for the delay.
Yes the food was excellent, but I was too hot to enjoy it, and the other family members were too frustrated to enjoy it. We also had other plans for afterwards, but..
Settling up, our complaint about the service was made. The manager eventually came and responded, "No one else has complained". I wonder if he thought this was a standard he was proud of and others were content with?
Sadly, I must relate this experience to others who have been encouraged by me to visit this establishment. I regularly eat lunch with a friend and we had started coming, although it is a little out of his way. He had started coming with another friend. I doubt that they will be impressed.
Happy birthday? No, a lesson learned and we learn from our mistake.More