I really wanted to like this pub as it has a beautiful interior and a great choice of spirits, as well as a game machine!
After being a couple of times now, I have vowed to never go again. The service from the middle aged female barmaid was appalling on both occasions. The first time she had a rant at my partner as he wanted to put his pin number in the card reader. It was almost like she was annoyed he didn't want to pay by contactless. Anyway, we stayed, continued to be polite and thanked her as we left.
We decided to go back last night, as I really wanted to use the game machine. She was there and I told my partner I would pay by contactless to stop her getting annoyed. (We both never do as we don't like or trust it- call us old-fashioned!) Anyway as I couldn't see over the tiny bar I asked did she have any fruit cider. The barmaid responded 'Only cloudy apple strongbow'. I asked 'Do you have any strawberry cider?' 'No, only cloudy apple.' 'So, you have no Rekordilig?' 'Yes, we have that?' For a barmaid I find this so rude. It's like she wants to be as unhelpful as possible. I again continued to be polite. When it came to payment she took my card behind the bar where I couldn't see and made the payment herself. She just handed it back with no receipt. When I asked for one, because frankly I didn't trust her, she told me I'd have to wait and began serving someone else. Then finally threw it down on the bar in front of me. Later on she came and cleaned around my table where my partner and I were drinking picking up a bottle to do. (There was nothing to clean, just bottle marks.) I am astounded by her customer service or lack of!
She is very friendly with regulars and I can see from other comments that this is a 'local' pub. The sad thing is the actual pub itself is lovely and cosy but it won't last if this carries on. Friday night and the place was virtually empty. They only had one bar member working- that says it all. Plus the game machine kept freezing- no reason to ever go back!
If you're visiting the area go over the road to the Woodman or even better walk up the hill to HIghgate village where there are a number of friendly pubs. read more