Worst restaurant I've ever been in.
Before I start the review, can I just say that this is the first time I've ever reviewed a restaurant and I have no axe to grind - but if I can save just one unsuspecting diner then it's worth the effort.
Like no doubt many before I was tempted in by the look of the place from the road and the prominent 'children's menu' sign as we drove past We were on holiday so didn't know the area, I had two tired and hungry kids, we were running somewhat late, in need of dinner so we pulled in.
Little did I know I was about to waste about £40 for one adults 'meal' and 2 kids 'meals'
The menu was limited and certainly not cheap the kids opted for ravioli and chicken nuggets from the kids menu My youngest wanted baked beans but we were told that the restaurant 'did not do beans' I'd assumed a supply problem but with hindsight it may have related to culinary skills
I went for the chicken with sweet chilli sauce with new potatoes and peas (seemed like a safe option)
As we surveyed the somewhat OTT 'bric-a-brac' rock n roll themed decor the sound of microwave ovens (yes, plural) beeped disconcertingly in the kitchen A group who had sat down after us surveyed the menu and decided against staying their wisdom was matched only by my need to feed the kids before bedtime so we stuck it out.
Drinks were brought over and I was strangely unsurprised to see mine served in a glass from which CSI Yarmouth would've easily been able to identify the pink-lipsticked lady who'd used it before me.
The food? The ravioli was bland, microwaved fayre which came without the promised chips The chicken bullets, sorry, nuggets, were dry and overcooked as were the accompanying chips. My chicken was, I can only assume, another product of the microwave The chilli sauce couldn't hide the pale, rubbery skin which I scraped off to reveal chicken in varying degrees of 'cooked' I ate a few mouthfuls and left the rest. The 'new' potatoes and peas were nuked beyond recognition and were also left.
The waitress asked if everything was OK with the meals I replied 'well, to be honest, it's not great' which I assume she never heard as off she went
The kids ate most of their 'food' and asked if they could have a dessert A request I declined as I couldn't wait to get out of the place. I asked for the bill, I gulped when I saw what it added up to, I paid, waited for our change and made a hasty exit with the kids in tow, angry with myself for not following the other group's lead and leaving before ordering.
The experience created some 'firsts' and some 'lasts'
The first time I've felt compelled to write a review.
The first time I've not left a tip at a restaurant.
The first time I've found a place where each time we subsequently passed I checked to see if anyone was parking up so I could stop and warn them.
The last time I'll go into a restaurant without taking 2 minutes to check on my phone for a review.
The last time I'll ignore my instinct and sit it out in a place that just doesn't feel right.
and unsurprisingly the last time I'd EVER go to the Wheelstop. read more