I just read the article @Bozza posted. Seems a nice place to live.
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[Food] Eating out. Is it all that?
- Thread starter POSKETT AT THE VALLEY
- Start date
Justice
Dangerous Idiot
Just had a perfectly cooked Greg’s Sausage roll, no complaints and good value.
razer
Well-known member
It really is.
Godstar
Active member
The wife & I still like to go out for a romantic meal once a week…she goes on a Tuesday and I go on Thursdays!
thedonkeycentrehalf
Moved back to wear the gloves (again)
- Jul 7, 2003
- 9,594
With jokes like that, you are the second account for @Herr Tubthumper and I claim my fiver.
portlock seagull
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2003
- 18,508
This. Ok, a bit of a rant…are we sitting comfortably?
Cause to go to Berkhamstead today. Never been before. Won’t be hurrying back! Bit of a posh place by all accounts. Money for old rope in other words and boy did we experience!
Wanted some light lunch, 2 dogs with us, and was a bit chilly and windy and spots of rain, so didn’t especially want to sit outside but wasn’t totally against.
First place was a pub. Looked ok. Went in, stood by ‘wait here to be seated’ sign. No server in sight. Waited bit longer. Server turns up, walks straight past with no eye contact (so many in hospitality have this ‘skill’, wandering around looking busy without being able to see customers wanting to ask something, order etc etc!) so I call after to ask if allowed dogs and if so which area? She shouted back ‘yes, anywhere over this side’ before carrying on her way. We sat down, and I looked around. Tables full of dirty dishes, empty glasses and others full with yet to be served customers. Didn’t get a good vibe…one of those places might take hours to get food. It was busy. No doubt. So we left. Nobody said anything, probably relieved if hands already full.
2nd place an independent brunch style cafe. No dogs allowed. Fair enough, so sat in corner outside to shelter from wind. Even though not busy they Refused to take our order outside so we went in. Niggled me, where’s the hospitality? Hey ho, get over self. Wife goes in to order, then said they’d run out of eggs so couldn’t do any of the scrambled eggs with salmon on sour dough, scrambled eggs on avacodo etc. Which was what I wanted. Great. But how do you run out of eggs? Pissed off with their niggling service protocol and lack of key ingredients, went elsewhere…
…3rd place a small independent Italian deli, with only 4 tables inside and could see a couple with a dog inside and they were just leaving. In we went. Only 2 other customers. 3 staff. ‘Be with you in a minute Sir’ one remarked. 10 (TEN!) minutes later…nobody had asked us even what wanted to drink never mind food. I was more than irritated by now. Again, the ability to avoid eye contact with customers was admirable. I was starring at them and only about 5m away as they mattered away, blissfully uncaring. Told wife ‘we’re leaving’. Got up, untied dogs, put coats on - still nothing from the 3 staff! Then just as opened the door to exit, the man said ‘Thank you…!’ Was he taking the piss??!! Steaming, I said ‘What for? Nothing?!’ He looked at me confused, and ever condescendingly. So I called him a ‘wanker’. Which I shouldn’t have, but he was now getting it on behalf of the other 2 places too. And shut door behind me.
My wife now knows I’m on a warpath. Finally, we try another tiny independent cafe on way back to car park. It has space for about 15 customers and does coffee a few bakeries and a bowl of soup. I almost issue a set of criteria as we take our seats. There are three staff. And it’s only half full.
It still takes too long to get served but I let it go. Order a coffee, and the soup. Had to ask because nowhere does it state what it is, but again…small details. When arrives it’s luke warm. No salt and pepper on table or offered. Cutlery hasn’t been provided in the 10mins waiting for either so have to further wait for that to arrive. And then, when the accompanying toasted bread arrives with the server meekly says I’m sorry but WE’VE RUN OUT OF BUTTER… so I had to have it dry. This and they’re opposite a Waitrose. Plus it’s £9 btw for a bowl of bland tasting leek and potato. For my wife’s sake, I say nothing. The flat white was nice.
If you’re still with me, I just think OMG, how do these places still exist in todays climate? How are they still in business? Charging a lot, with clueless staff that don’t make you feel welcome or provide any sort of service.
Mediocre is the norm as people say. But it’s worse than that really. That or Berkhamstead is an island of well to do ‘I saw you coming’ types who are happy to pay a lot of money for nothing in return. 4 establishments, all deeply flawed - or am I asking too much?
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I’m looking forward to the 2nd novel already.This. Ok, a bit of a rant…are we sitting comfortably?
Cause to go to Berkhamstead today. Never been before. Won’t be hurrying back! Bit of a posh place by all accounts. Money for old rope in other words and boy did we experience!
Wanted some light lunch, 2 dogs with us, and was a bit chilly and windy and spots of rain, so didn’t especially want to sit outside but wasn’t totally against.
First place was a pub. Looked ok. Went in, stood by ‘wait here to be seated’ sign. No server in sight. Waited bit longer. Server turns up, walks straight past with no eye contact (so many in hospitality have this ‘skill’, wandering around looking busy without being able to see customers wanting to ask something, order etc etc!) so I call after to ask if allowed dogs and if so which area? She shouted back ‘yes, anywhere over this side’ before carrying on her way. We sat down, and I looked around. Tables full of dirty dishes, empty glasses and others full with yet to be served customers. Didn’t get a good vibe…one of those places might take hours to get food. It was busy. No doubt. So we left. Nobody said anything, probably relieved if hands already full.
2nd place an independent brunch style cafe. No dogs allowed. Fair enough, so sat in corner outside to shelter from wind. Even though not busy they Refused to take our order outside so we went in. Niggled me, where’s the hospitality? Hey ho, get over self. Wife goes in to order, then said they’d run out of eggs so couldn’t do any of the scrambled eggs with salmon on sour dough, scrambled eggs on avacodo etc. Which was what I wanted. Great. But how do you run out of eggs? Pissed off with their niggling service protocol and lack of key ingredients, went elsewhere…
…3rd place a small independent Italian deli, with only 4 tables inside and could see a couple with a dog inside and they were just leaving. In we went. Only 2 other customers. 3 staff. ‘Be with you in a minute Sir’ one remarked. 10 (TEN!) minutes later…nobody had asked us even what wanted to drink never mind food. I was more than irritated by now. Again, the ability to avoid eye contact with customers was admirable. I was starring at them and only about 5m away as they mattered away, blissfully uncaring. Told wife ‘we’re leaving’. Got up, untied dogs, put coats on - still nothing from the 3 staff! Then just as opened the door to exit, the man said ‘Thank you…!’ Was he taking the piss??!! Steaming, I said ‘What for? Nothing?!’ He looked at me confused, and ever condescendingly. So I called him a ‘wanker’. Which I shouldn’t have, but he was now getting it on behalf of the other 2 places too. And shut door behind me.
My wife now knows I’m on a warpath. Finally, we try another tiny independent cafe on way back to car park. It has space for about 15 customers and does coffee a few bakeries and a bowl of soup. I almost issue a set of criteria as we take our seats. There are three staff. And it’s only half full.
It still takes too long to get served but I let it go. Order a coffee, and the soup. Had to ask because nowhere does it state what it is, but again…small details. When arrives it’s luke warm. No salt and pepper on table or offered. Cutlery hasn’t been provided in the 10mins waiting for either so have to further wait for that to arrive. And then, when the accompanying toasted bread arrives with the server meekly says I’m sorry but WE’VE RUN OUT OF BUTTER… so I had to have it dry. This and they’re opposite a Waitrose. Plus it’s £9 btw for a bowl of bland tasting leek and potato. For my wife’s sake, I say nothing. The flat white was nice.
If you’re still with me, I just think OMG, how do these places still exist in todays climate? How are they still in business? Charging a lot, with clueless staff that don’t make you feel welcome or provide any sort of service.
Mediocre is the norm as people say. But it’s worse than that really. That or Berkhamstead is an island of well to do ‘I saw you coming’ types who are happy to pay a lot of money for nothing in return. 4 establishments, all deeply flawed - or am I asking too much?
- Sep 3, 2010
- 6,265
@portlock seagull I'll bet you 50p the pub was The Old Mill. All customers wear invisibility Cloaks in there. I had that dubious pleasure on Boxing Day and you can just imagine how bad it was then.
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portlock seagull
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2003
- 18,508
No, it was in the main high street but agree about the invisibility cloaks!
Sounds like the entire town has a reputation for.
- Oct 12, 2022
- 2,998
This. Ok, a bit of a rant…are we sitting comfortably?
Cause to go to Berkhamstead today. Never been before. Won’t be hurrying back! Bit of a posh place by all accounts. Money for old rope in other words and boy did we experience!
Wanted some light lunch, 2 dogs with us, and was a bit chilly and windy and spots of rain, so didn’t especially want to sit outside but wasn’t totally against.
First place was a pub. Looked ok. Went in, stood by ‘wait here to be seated’ sign. No server in sight. Waited bit longer. Server turns up, walks straight past with no eye contact (so many in hospitality have this ‘skill’, wandering around looking busy without being able to see customers wanting to ask something, order etc etc!) so I call after to ask if allowed dogs and if so which area? She shouted back ‘yes, anywhere over this side’ before carrying on her way. We sat down, and I looked around. Tables full of dirty dishes, empty glasses and others full with yet to be served customers. Didn’t get a good vibe…one of those places might take hours to get food. It was busy. No doubt. So we left. Nobody said anything, probably relieved if hands already full.
2nd place an independent brunch style cafe. No dogs allowed. Fair enough, so sat in corner outside to shelter from wind. Even though not busy they Refused to take our order outside so we went in. Niggled me, where’s the hospitality? Hey ho, get over self. Wife goes in to order, then said they’d run out of eggs so couldn’t do any of the scrambled eggs with salmon on sour dough, scrambled eggs on avacodo etc. Which was what I wanted. Great. But how do you run out of eggs? Pissed off with their niggling service protocol and lack of key ingredients, went elsewhere…
…3rd place a small independent Italian deli, with only 4 tables inside and could see a couple with a dog inside and they were just leaving. In we went. Only 2 other customers. 3 staff. ‘Be with you in a minute Sir’ one remarked. 10 (TEN!) minutes later…nobody had asked us even what wanted to drink never mind food. I was more than irritated by now. Again, the ability to avoid eye contact with customers was admirable. I was starring at them and only about 5m away as they mattered away, blissfully uncaring. Told wife ‘we’re leaving’. Got up, untied dogs, put coats on - still nothing from the 3 staff! Then just as opened the door to exit, the man said ‘Thank you…!’ Was he taking the piss??!! Steaming, I said ‘What for? Nothing?!’ He looked at me confused, and ever condescendingly. So I called him a ‘wanker’. Which I shouldn’t have, but he was now getting it on behalf of the other 2 places too. And shut door behind me.
My wife now knows I’m on a warpath. Finally, we try another tiny independent cafe on way back to car park. It has space for about 15 customers and does coffee a few bakeries and a bowl of soup. I almost issue a set of criteria as we take our seats. There are three staff. And it’s only half full.
It still takes too long to get served but I let it go. Order a coffee, and the soup. Had to ask because nowhere does it state what it is, but again…small details. When arrives it’s luke warm. No salt and pepper on table or offered. Cutlery hasn’t been provided in the 10mins waiting for either so have to further wait for that to arrive. And then, when the accompanying toasted bread arrives with the server meekly says I’m sorry but WE’VE RUN OUT OF BUTTER… so I had to have it dry. This and they’re opposite a Waitrose. Plus it’s £9 btw for a bowl of bland tasting leek and potato. For my wife’s sake, I say nothing. The flat white was nice.
If you’re still with me, I just think OMG, how do these places still exist in todays climate? How are they still in business? Charging a lot, with clueless staff that don’t make you feel welcome or provide any sort of service.
Mediocre is the norm as people say. But it’s worse than that really. That or Berkhamstead is an island of well to do ‘I saw you coming’ types who are happy to pay a lot of money for nothing in return. 4 establishments, all deeply flawed - or am I asking too much?
No, you’re not asking too much. These are the basics. Your experiences resonate with my own experience of eating out post-Covid.
We’ve given up. I’ve bought a decent thermos, and we prepare good food at home and take it with us if we’re going to be out all day.
The missus and I both grew weary of paying ludicrous prices for either shite food, or appalling service (often in uncomfortable surroundings)
I’m sure those in the hospitality trade will bleat about overheads and being able to retain staff etc, but I’m simply not going to continue forking out for crap experiences. Places should be getting the basics right, and almost none of them do.
Greg Bobkin
Silver Seagull
- May 22, 2012
- 16,946
These are a top, top rant.This. Ok, a bit of a rant…are we sitting comfortably?
Cause to go to Berkhamstead today. Never been before. Won’t be hurrying back! Bit of a posh place by all accounts. Money for old rope in other words and boy did we experience!
Wanted some light lunch, 2 dogs with us, and was a bit chilly and windy and spots of rain, so didn’t especially want to sit outside but wasn’t totally against.
First place was a pub. Looked ok. Went in, stood by ‘wait here to be seated’ sign. No server in sight. Waited bit longer. Server turns up, walks straight past with no eye contact (so many in hospitality have this ‘skill’, wandering around looking busy without being able to see customers wanting to ask something, order etc etc!) so I call after to ask if allowed dogs and if so which area? She shouted back ‘yes, anywhere over this side’ before carrying on her way. We sat down, and I looked around. Tables full of dirty dishes, empty glasses and others full with yet to be served customers. Didn’t get a good vibe…one of those places might take hours to get food. It was busy. No doubt. So we left. Nobody said anything, probably relieved if hands already full.
2nd place an independent brunch style cafe. No dogs allowed. Fair enough, so sat in corner outside to shelter from wind. Even though not busy they Refused to take our order outside so we went in. Niggled me, where’s the hospitality? Hey ho, get over self. Wife goes in to order, then said they’d run out of eggs so couldn’t do any of the scrambled eggs with salmon on sour dough, scrambled eggs on avacodo etc. Which was what I wanted. Great. But how do you run out of eggs? Pissed off with their niggling service protocol and lack of key ingredients, went elsewhere…
…3rd place a small independent Italian deli, with only 4 tables inside and could see a couple with a dog inside and they were just leaving. In we went. Only 2 other customers. 3 staff. ‘Be with you in a minute Sir’ one remarked. 10 (TEN!) minutes later…nobody had asked us even what wanted to drink never mind food. I was more than irritated by now. Again, the ability to avoid eye contact with customers was admirable. I was starring at them and only about 5m away as they mattered away, blissfully uncaring. Told wife ‘we’re leaving’. Got up, untied dogs, put coats on - still nothing from the 3 staff! Then just as opened the door to exit, the man said ‘Thank you…!’ Was he taking the piss??!! Steaming, I said ‘What for? Nothing?!’ He looked at me confused, and ever condescendingly. So I called him a ‘wanker’. Which I shouldn’t have, but he was now getting it on behalf of the other 2 places too. And shut door behind me.
My wife now knows I’m on a warpath. Finally, we try another tiny independent cafe on way back to car park. It has space for about 15 customers and does coffee a few bakeries and a bowl of soup. I almost issue a set of criteria as we take our seats. There are three staff. And it’s only half full.
It still takes too long to get served but I let it go. Order a coffee, and the soup. Had to ask because nowhere does it state what it is, but again…small details. When arrives it’s luke warm. No salt and pepper on table or offered. Cutlery hasn’t been provided in the 10mins waiting for either so have to further wait for that to arrive. And then, when the accompanying toasted bread arrives with the server meekly says I’m sorry but WE’VE RUN OUT OF BUTTER… so I had to have it dry. This and they’re opposite a Waitrose. Plus it’s £9 btw for a bowl of bland tasting leek and potato. For my wife’s sake, I say nothing. The flat white was nice.
If you’re still with me, I just think OMG, how do these places still exist in todays climate? How are they still in business? Charging a lot, with clueless staff that don’t make you feel welcome or provide any sort of service.
Mediocre is the norm as people say. But it’s worse than that really. That or Berkhamstead is an island of well to do ‘I saw you coming’ types who are happy to pay a lot of money for nothing in return. 4 establishments, all deeply flawed - or am I asking too much?
I seriously feel your pain. Service doesn't mean anything like it used to. Yes, I'm sure there legitimate stresses, stains and limitations, but the vast majority of places do seen to be just SHITEHOUSE.
Used to be so much better when all those hard-working European staff worked in hospitality………what happened to them all ?
portlock seagull
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2003
- 18,508
All 3 in the Italian Deli were Italian. They’re usually the most hospitable race on earth, I was shocked!
portlock seagull
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2003
- 18,508
I think we might follow suit. My mum used to do this when we were kids a) because money was tight b) because they were a bit tight too c) there just wasn’t the same frivolous culture we got used to in the noughties and since.
I hate to admit, but the old girl is right!
The flip side is when a restaurant is good, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We went out last night to a well established place we go to monthly and had a great time. Find somewhere good and hang onto it.
portlock seagull
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2003
- 18,508
It’s a good point. My local pub is superb. It’s not Michelin star, nor priced as such. But the landlady and her staff are peerless. Attentive, friendly, just all round lovely and consistently so year after year. It’s why we’re such regulars now but weren’t many years ago before they took over.
However, we were in an unknown town and all 4 (FOUR!) places were bad. Never tried so many places and walked out of before. Total lack of basics. Absolute basics.
Yes, love it. But pick the right plaice.
portlock seagull
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2003
- 18,508
my neck of the woods, and the funny thing is Caldissi’s is also there and superb. Plus Tom Kerridge’s 2 Michelin star places also in close proximity in neighbouring town (Marlow) with Seasonality in Maidenhead also incredible and rated by Grace Dent amongst others. We have a lot, a LOT of excellent restaurants on our doorstep. No need to go into London.
- Oct 12, 2022
- 2,998
I was brought up in a similar way, and throughout my adult life I’d considered that madness, going to a restaurant (or even a good cafe) was a real pleasure.
It’s only post-Covid (to me) that the restaurant experience has become nakedly transactional. A good restaurant doesn’t leave you feeling that it was purely a financial transaction. Dining out in the 2020s has felt entirely transactional.
portlock seagull
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2003
- 18,508
You’re right, it has become this. Frequently disappointed. Easily £50 for two without alcohol. Value for money is just so much poorer. Shareholders and chained establishments largely offering only cheap carbs served by kids, with 15% service added without anywhere near that being provided. Today has served as a wake up call. A Rubicon moment. Just not going to be mugged off anymore, and that includes the Amex-Sod’em-exo!