Methuen Arms

The setting and decor were nice, but at these prices I expected much better food and service. We waited a long time for someone to take our order, then waited again for the food. The staff didn’t smile and seemed impatient, as if they didn’t really care about customers. My fish didn’t taste very fresh and was a little overcooked, and the chips weren’t crisp. The venison my companion ordered wasn’t very good either. It didn’t match the menu description, the portion was small, and it arrived less than hot. The prices felt very high. I’d chosen the restaurant after seeing good reviews, but my own visit was disappointing.

The beef shin and ale pie was the highlight. It was cooked just right, with delicious greens, really creamy mash and proper gravy. I didn’t need any condiments. We were there for dinner last night, and although they were nearly fully booked, we got a table in the green room and ordered food. I’d definitely return and get that pie again. The 25% off all food on a Wednesday makes that meal a bargain too.

The food arrived only warm, was overcooked and came in rather small portions for someone with a slightly above-average appetite. For the high prices, it really wasn’t good. When I mentioned the problem, the uninterested staff member just said they’d tell the kitchen. Nobody checked on us during the meal. I don’t think it was worth the effort of going.

The location is stunning, and our waitress was nice and helpful, but the meal was a real mixed bag. Fish and chips were delicious, as were the fish goujons. The Welsh rarebit was disappointing and very small for £13, with a well-done egg and dry ham hock. The kids’ chicken strips were dry and so hard to cut they flew off the table. We ordered puddings, but the ticket got lost and they never arrived. We waited so long that we gave up on them, and the kids were very disappointed. Honestly, I probably won’t be back, which is a shame given the location.