Forum Topic

Terrible service at the Roebuck

Just been for lunch at the Roebuck. Not overly impressed with the over priced menu options but time and convenience were of the essence.Initially greeted by a somewhat obsequious manager who ignored me and only addressed my male companion which was rather off putting, but he did then take our (simple) order. 30 mins later we realised that people who had arrived after us were being served so we asked another waiter when we might expect food. He stated, rudely, that he wasn't in the kitchen and walked away. We challenged him again to find out which resulted in another person coming out and saying that we wouldn't be charged for our order. Explaining that the point was that most of the  lunch break was now over he admitted that our order had not been sent to the kitchen and it would be a further 15 mins.We left and bought a supermarket sandwich instead. Not likely to go back any time soon after that experience, not least because it was mostly empty. Hate to think what it would be like if they were busy.

Charlotte Kasner ● 280d18 Comments

We didn't request the name of the person who was rude to us and of course we made our unhappiness clear to the staff at the time.We didn't have time to wait for food to be cooked as that would have been a 45 minute wait in total when there were only a couple other people in the pub and when we had limited time. It should have been obvious that we had not been served and staff should have had the nous to be proactive. Failing that, the least we could have expected was an apology and an attempt to investigate the problem from the rude waiter.Granted, the second person offered to waive the bill but that wasn't the point.

Charlotte Kasner ● 274d

Totally agree. The state of the loos speaks volumes about any establishment. If management can’t ensure that this potential germ ridden section is kept spotless, what sort of kitchens are they running. The state of the loos is something management should be looking at regularly - not just once a day.

Steve Taylor ● 277d

As the name suggests, maybe the manager only responds to the buck rather than the doe? Either way, it doesn't sound good, which is a shame. Their Sunday roasts used to be amazing

Richard Evans ● 277d

Not referring to the Roebuck in either post, just saying.

Janice Evans ● 278d

Also with the new loos I never know which is ladies or gents they show images which is confusing.

Janice Evans ● 278d

Many don't put much importance on the presentation of the loos yetit's the loos that can put you off more than anything else I think.

Janice Evans ● 278d

They must have to refurb the loos pretty often as I also remember them being awful at one time and then being refurbed!

Philippa Bond ● 278d

"Not overly impressed with the over priced menu options but time and convenience were of the essence."Hardly a scathing review, people can make their own minds up on the tale.I went with my wife not so long ago and she was discussed by the state of the ladies, and the gents has a similar ambiance. Not a big deal one drink and elsewhere.

Mark Frost ● 278d

Disappointed to hear this as were regulars lunching there for years and never had problems (although the reflective loo seats were memorably uncomfortable).  Always loved the way they swept and kept the pavement clean outside their premises every morning.  Something many other traders on CHR should and could have followed.  Charlotte obviously feels miffed about her one recent experience but does that really warrant a bad reference?

Philippa Bond ● 278d

Don't be silly Keith,they don't recognise her just her companion who ordered from the overpriced menu.

Julian Pavey ● 278d

Couldn't you complain to them first before slaughtering the on here?

Keith Iddon ● 279d

You are right not to go back.

Nicholas Beard ● 279d

Sounds like a ghastly place.

Steve Taylor ● 279d

I all ways found them friendly in theThe Roebuck.Did u get the name of the person who was rude  to you.

John Kennedy ● 279d

I think they try hard in there and they are v. busy at the weekends.  We'll go back again; but I'm amazed this occurred on a Monday.    The new decor is good.    Sounds to me like a communications issue!    No excuse for rudeness.

Peter Crowther ● 279d

I think yr missing the point of Charlotte’s post Julian

Georgina Flint ● 280d

Nothing wrong with the Roebuck. Eat and drink quite regularly over the years. Staff always polite and chatty. That is why its popular Its a kitchen that is open for all to see and everything is cooked from fresh. Its not your standard pub grub.  PUB GRUB is normally pre cooked in part,frozen and microwaved in some cases and more. And you dont see the kitchen or it being prepared and cooked. The roebuck you do

Julian Pavey ● 280d

I I can't ask you how the food was as it was never given to you. Initial reaction looking at the menu is that it standard pub fair which any kitchen should be able to produce fairly quickly but that it is overpriced by at least one or two pounds per dish.

N V Brooks ● 280d