Halfway Bridge

I was working nearby and stayed last night. The rooms in the converted barn out back were quiet, relaxing and romantic, and the pub itself is a beautiful little old place with great food, a good drinks selection and an open fireplace. You could easily spend all day there. The staff were lovely and kind. Charlene, the manager, showed me around, explained everything and even told me some of the place’s history. She went out of her way to help, and really made me feel at home and valued. I’d definitely return with my wife for a weekend. I know she’d love it too.

We’ve visited many times and always loved this place, but it’s really gone downhill. We felt utterly cheated out of £120 for three people. It was a totally disappointing experience, especially with hospitality struggling these days. Avoid. The service was uncaring and the atmosphere terrible. Staff didn’t seem bothered about serving customers. On a very cold November day the radiators were off and the fireplace wasn’t lit, while the manager worked in a scarf and coat but wore open toe flip flops. The food was awful. The £10.50 French onion soup tasted of balsamic vinegar and stewed onions. The £28 suet beef pie had dry, chewy overcooked suet, very little overcooked beef and grey cabbage. The £21 cheeseburger came without cheese because it was apparently out of stock on a Thursday lunchtime, and other cheeses on the menu weren’t offered as an option. The burger meat seemed like unidentifiable reconstituted or very cheap soggy processed meat. It was my birthday, so I felt uncomfortable complaining.

The festive lunch was a very small portion, so small I first thought it was meant for a child. There was hardly any turkey, and the stuffing overpowered it. I felt cheated when the standard roast lunch came out. It wasn’t worth the money, and I definitely won’t return. I’m sure the rest of the menu was nice.

The Sunday lunch was very good, and the wait service was pleasant. I thought it was a tad expensive, though I’m not used to eating out on Sundays, so it might be normal.