Originally written in July 2011 for a
magazine, but revisited this venue over the weekend and the barman with the
interesting neck tattoos was just as bad at service. Luckily his manager stepped in and
rectified the issue when one of the guests was served food they specifically
requested to not have (peas) due to allergies. The experience, other than this,
was much better this time around, except for the tattooed barman who clearly
could not be bothered, and the chicken bucket was fantastic. -- Barracuda: a very bad restaurant by any
standards Barracuda a chain pub located in the old
town in an interesting building with a gorgeous ceiling, plenty of seating,
specials and a variety of clientele. It's a big popular place for drinks,
cocktails, watching sport and what I thought was food. I was wrong. I used to
go to Barracuda on many occasions previously, and up until now I had not had a
bad experience (had being the operative word). We went there on the off chance one
Thursday evening and were very unhappy with both the food and service. There was just one person working behind
the bar taking orders. We made our decision and I went to order, and the first
thing we had chosen was 'out of stock'. So we made a second choice, and were
then told that they didn't have that, either. This should have told me to walk
away, but I preserved. I ordered a chicken Caesar salad, and what
arrived was nothing less than disgusting. My 'Caesar salad' salad consisted of
6 very small pieces of wilted Romaine lettuce, a cut up piece of garlic bread
made to look like croutons, a deep fried (yes, DEEP FRIED) breaded chicken
breast and it was swimming in a vinaigrette dressing. Yes, a vinaigrette
dressing, no Caesar. I attempted to eat some of it, and had to excuse myself
and be ill halfway through my fourth mouthful. Not once were we asked how our
meals were or if we needed anything. After being ill, I quickly covered my
plate with my napkin, and we left. This happens to be the worst experience I
have ever had in a 'restaurant': the 'chef' must be delusional if he thinks
that this was even remotely satisfactory. To be avoided at all costs! read more