The Hand & Spear

It’s a shame because Hand & Spear used to be lovely for food, and I’ve been coming for years for work lunches and dinners, networking, events, and special occasions with friends. Booking has always been easy, and the atmosphere has usually been great. It’s also ideally placed beside the train station, with a handy accessible car park. I chose it for my birthday meal at the weekend, but the food and menu availability have really gone downhill. The sharing plates sounded good, yet the flatbread came out soggy and looked like old pizza. The pâté had one little piece of bread and a few decorative leaves, not much use for sharing. Several mains weren’t available. First we tried burgers, then steak, and neither was in stock. Most of the group ended up with fish and chips, which were very greasy. My salad had tired, old leaves and an unattractive garnish. A very poor meal, and a big disappointment for a birthday. These days it feels like a pub for drinks rather than dinner, which is a real shame.

This felt pretentious, not premium. I won’t be back. We picked this place for a meaningful catch-up. I hadn’t seen my uncle in years, and it had taken a lot for him to come out, so we hoped for a welcoming, professional experience. At £7.65 for a pint of Guinness, the venue clearly charges premium prices, and I’d expect the service to match. We were seated at a banquette right by the bar. When we asked a barmaid for more drinks, she was dismissive and said she had to take the order at the bar, although there were QR codes on the tables for food and drink orders. The inconsistency was confusing, and she came across as abrupt and unwilling. I have mobility issues, but because of the way she handled it, I got up and went to order at the bar myself. The last interaction was just as disappointing. I paid the barmaid in cash, and when she brought my change back, she tried to drop it on the bar instead of putting it in my hand. I had to hold my hand underneath hers to receive it. It might seem minor, but it said a lot. I’ve worked in hospitality for years, including at high-end venues, and understand the pressures. Basic courtesy, consistency, and professionalism are fundamental.

We got together here for our family’s monthly meet-up and had a fantastic time from start to finish. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful, the rooms were spotless, and we all slept comfortably. The atmosphere was good and the food was top-notch pub fare. My fussy dad loved his burger, and Mum said the fish and chips were among the best she’d had. We’d come back in a heartbeat. This might become our regular spot for meeting each month.

We had a memorable Christmas dinner with my group at the Hand and Spear. The staff were friendly and attentive, and made sure everyone was looked after all evening. The food came out with care, and there was a lovely range of festive flavors. The warm, welcoming atmosphere really suited the season. A special thank you to Karen for making it such an enjoyable celebration.