The Hand & Spear

I've been coming to Hand & Spear for years for work meals, lunches, networking, events and special occasions with friends. It's right by the train station, has an accessible car park and has always been easy to book, with a lovely atmosphere. It's a shame, then, that the food and menu availability have declined so much. I chose it for a birthday meal over the weekend and was very disappointed. The sharing plates sounded good, but the flatbread was soggy and looked like an old pizza. The pâté came with one small piece of bread and a few decorative leaves, which made no sense for sharing. Several mains weren't available. First the burgers were out of stock, then the steak, so most of the group ended up with fish and chips, which were extremely greasy. My salad had tired, old leaves and an unappealing garnish. It was a genuinely poor meal for a birthday celebration. These days it feels like a place for drinks rather than dinner, which is a real shame given how good it used to be.

The prices suggest a premium place, but the service didn't match. We came hoping 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 expected a welcoming, professional visit. A pint of Guinness was £7.65. We were seated on a banquette beside the bar and asked for more drinks. The barmaid was dismissive, saying she had to take the order at the bar, even though the tables had QR codes for food and drinks. The inconsistency was confusing, and her manner felt abrupt and unwilling. I have mobility issues, but because of how she handled it, I got up and ordered at the bar myself. At the end, I paid her in cash. When she gave me the change, she tried to drop it on the bar instead of putting it in my hand. I had to hold my hand under hers to receive it properly. It may seem minor, but that gesture said a lot. I've worked in hospitality for years, including in high-end venues, and understand the pressures. Basic courtesy, consistency and professionalism still matter. The whole thing felt pretentious, not premium. I won't return.

We came for our family's monthly get-together and had a fantastic experience from beginning to end. The staff were happy to help with anything, and our rooms were spotless and comfortable. The pub food was top notch and the place had a good vibe. My fussy dad loved his burger, and Mum said her fish and chips were among the best she's had. We'd come back in a heartbeat, and this may become our regular monthly meeting spot.

We had a memorable Christmas dinner at Hand and Spear with our group. The warm, inviting atmosphere captured the season nicely, and every dish was carefully prepared with a great range of festive flavours. The friendly, attentive service meant everyone felt looked after throughout the evening. A special thank you to Karen for a delightful celebration.