Restaurants in Harlow

My daughter recently moved into Hatfield Broad Oak and we have eaten at the Dues Head on two occasions and have fully enjoyed the experience. Hence we booked a table for four persons for Sunday lunch at 3.15. It is worth pointing out that on our previous visits both reservations were midweek and early evening. We arrived at 3.00 for our 3.15 table and was informed that it wasn’t ready. As we were early we quite understood so ordered a round of drinks and waited, and waited, and waited. At 3.25 I managed to intercept, who I believe is the Manager, as he was walking from the kitchen to the bar and asked when our table would be ready. He stated ‘it won’t be long, should be about 5 minutes’, and walked off. No apology, no explanation. At 3.30, ie 15 minutes late, a waitress showed us to our table. Once seated our orders were taken fairly promptly but it took a further 30 minutes for our starters to be served. Two of the orders were for crispy squid which were pale, soggy and undercooked. We contemplated sending them back but given that we were, by this time, extremely hungry and were unable to attract the attention of one of the waitresses, we didn’t. This proved to be a big mistake, had we known what was to follow. Our starters completed and table cleared we awaited our main courses. By now it was 4.15. Once again we waited and waited. After 30 minutes I began to get concerned that our orders had not reached the kitchen, particularly as a couple who had arrived after us had received their meals. It is worth mentioning that on a number of occasions we sought to get the attention of a waitress to order drinks and each and every time one of our party had to waive frantically for them to notice us. Eventually I caught the eye of a waitress and asked why our meals had not been served and was told ,you’re next’. Yet again no explanation, no apology. Finally, at 5.00, a full 45 minutes after we’d finished our starters our lunch were served. Unfortunately the waitress failed to notice that two of our party did not have any knives and forks. To avoid another spate of frantic arm waiving I got up and took cutlery from an adjoining table. On the plus side, one served, the roast dinners were ver good. I appreciate that particularly at busy times delays can occur, but the very least I would expect is to be kept informed and the courtesy of an apology should have been forthcoming from the manager. May I point out that I am not an individual who forwards over-exaggerated, negative reviews about a restaurant in the hope that a ‘freebie’ will be offered by the establishment. Prior to posting this review I have emailed the Dukes Head FIVE TIMES in an attempt to obtain some feedback, but it seems that the manager must have attended the Basil Fawlty Hospitality training school because I have not even had an acknowledgement, let alone an apology. It may seem that I blame the waitresses for most of the problems highlighted above but this is not the case, patently they had received little or no training . The blame lies firmly on the shoulders of the owners and management who are unprofessional, discourteous and rude.

First time visiting The Dukes Head. Lovely welcome on arrival, staff were friendly and very helpful. Went there for Sunday lunch. Didn't have a roast although it looked delicious, I decided on the Gammon, my son had a burger and side of pigs in blankets because that he he rolls. Food was lovely, hot well presented and tasty. Atmosphere was lovely. Would visit again.