Reviews in Garstang

Following a visit to the restaurant this evening my girlfriend and I were highly disappointed with the customer service. Whilst the food is highly recommended and the ambience of the 'front room' was ideal, we were disappointed with the level of customer service of a particular member of staff - the restaurant manager. After requesting to move seats twice from the 'back room' what we could only describe as an extension to the restaurant, we were informed there were no available seats but it appeared there were. We complained about this service to the manager who didn't seem bothered by the fact that we said we wouldn't be returning to the restaurant. To sum it up - fabulous food, awful customer service from the manager, however, the other staff were very pleasant.

I attended a social media workshop at Wyrebank Banqueting Suite. They provided a delicious afternoon tea with unique jelly shots and mini pastries, which made it extra special.The service was outstanding and staff very friendly. The view of the canal was also a lovely relaxed setting for the training.

Went to Dantes tonight, and how much disappointed i was. Been there many times before and was very nice, but as to tonight it was disgusting full of salt and what looked like processed chicken, feels like i have just had a mouth wash, never going back !!!!!!!!

Our party of four was out for a joint birthday lunch.Nothing special.... we do it every year. This time WAS special when we truly enjoyed our varied choices served piping hot by mine host Neal. Apart from the delicious, well presented food we really appreciated the modern, comfortable setting AND, for us the absence of tired out old tunes on musak. This made conversation so much easier. Thank you Neal and we hope to be at The Sparling Barton again soon.

Visited Da Carmelo 's with my wife on Friday 23rd December 2011 with little knowledge of the place but only what we had read on their website. Initially when we were sat down it was obvious that the manager was trying to cram us all into one corner as the table we were shown too was very close to a family of 5 eating next to us. It was a bit too close for comfort considering the size of the restaurant and the fact there was only 20 or so people dining. We therefore moved to another table which was ready laid for two people. After sitting here for 10 seconds I put my hand on the table top and it was literally thick with dust - it had obviously not been wiped for weeks or even months so we moved again. When ordering the food the waitress was pleasant enough and the waiters also, however when the food was served it was not nearly hot enough but in fact merely warm. We did not request it be taken back and heated up as this would simply destroy the flavour and we didn't want to wait for it all to be cooked again so regardless of this we tucked in. Having just finished work for Christmas earlier that day I was in a good festive spirit so upon paying the bill I made small talk with the manager/owner (as you do) but he was clearly not interested in wasting his time talking to me. It was so blatantly obvious he wanted me to pay and go so much so that when I settled the bill and said thanks he didn't even have the common courtesy to look up at me of which this really offended me. So in conclusion, the restaurant was dirty, the food was not hot enough and the manager was extremely rude, therefore I would not recommend Da Carmelo's and we will not be returning!

A great night was had by all . value for money , great staff , a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere and no pressure to leave our table , it was ours for the night .10/10

Recently had our tea here after the food had been highly recommended by several different locals. My wife and I were very impressed with the staff and table service and equally impressed with the food - all home cooked, fresh food and veg, piping hot and utterly delicious. We would not hesitate in re visiting and would highly recommend it to anyone!

We went to one of the regular food & wine evenings here last week and it was excellent! Great food and lovely matching wines with an informative talk about each one by 2 lovely girls from the suppliers. Shelley is a wonderful host and Ian came out of the kitchen afterwards to spend time with everyone discussing the food. We will certainly now be back to try the regular menu and If you like wine, I certainly recommend you to go to one of these events, you can sign up to a newsletter on their website to find out when they are.

We had a lovely tasty delicious meal here. Good value too. Will definitely be back and would recommend this restaurant to everyone.

Yesterday a group of friends and myself visited the oyster festival and what a great day all be it for a late lunch in the pub. We started off in the oyster tent which was great, the oysters went down a treat. The kids were all having a great time. Unfortunately when it came to the pub the food was mediocre although my courses were tasty, the clam chowder and the chicken roulade which was more of a breast than a roulade was very tasty. My friends had the roast beef dinner. When it arrived the beef was all fat and very chewy. The manager was excellent and after he went to talk with the chef he informed us that all the topside had gone and that they were now using the striploin which isn't usually that fatty and tough. we didn't leave disappointed as the manager did a great job. This place was buzzing and a great day was had by all.

AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL had surf n turf- menu description was FILLET AND PRAWNS in a cream sauce, what we got was a plate of soggy chippy style chips and some small slithers of grey chewy tough pieces of beef?? and prawns the sauce was like water IT WAS JUST DISGUSTING AND A DISGRACE, the waitress said it was always like that??? WHAT?? we got NO apology or anything, they could not care less, we just paid up and left.... WE WILL NEVER GO THERE EVER AGAIN!! I WOULD NOT GIVE THAT TO AN ANIMAL.....

Super experience. Nice ambience, ordered from the specials menu and the food was delicious. Service was spot on, both from the bar staff and the table waiters. Looking forward to next time.

For years I have driven past this place. so for a change I booked a table for our wedding anniversary. How disappointed we were. As soon as we walked in the door we were rushed to our table, we wasn't offered a drink at the bar. On entry there was no atmosphere. Even though its newly decorated it was like something from the 70's. The two men who ran the restaurant just gave orders out to the young waitresses, addressing them as 'you'. I asked a waitress for a wine list, she didn't know what it was. The food menu was no different than any other Italian restaurant. When our food arrived it was average. But still we felt rushed. We had a starter, main, dessert and coffee in 1hr 15mins. When paying the bill the manager who was taking my money (£85 for 2 people) don't speak at all. No hello, please, thank you or even good bye. In all food ok, over priced. Service no better than a greasy spoon. With them being kids its cheap labour with no experience. Minimum wage attitude. Save

Have frequented this establishment many times as Burlingtons and always been satisfied. Today, a much more modern restaurant but with undoubtedly a much poorer level of service. I believe in constructive criticism & not just criticism! We arrived at the restaurant at 4.30 and requested a table for 4, the restaurant was quiet but we were told we could have a table but would have to vacate by 6.30 . Not a problem until it took 50 minutes from ordering to be served our starters, one of the party had a traditional prawn cocktail, served in a tall glass with a knife & fork!!!! As time was not on our side we just got on with it. Along came the main courses and generally the food was very good, my daughter chose belly of pork with chorizo sausage, the one slice of chorizo was no more than 2mm thick, I was served with the sirloin steak as ordered, and credit where credit is due the stake was cooked to perfection, but was not quite sure about the quarter of iceberg lettuce that accompanied it, yes a quarter of iceberg lettuce (perhaps they were at a good price today, the desserts were ok and when served with the bill for just short of £100.00 we realised an extra starter had been included on our bill!!! Ah well where next?

Went to the Michael Buble Tribute last night had a great time. Have to say it is by far the best dining experience in the area and would recommend it. Service excellent and food top notch. The new owners Neal and Gillian go that extra mile to make you feel welcome. Can't think of anything negative to say.

A fantastic restaurant. The menu has a delicious selection of meals and the wine menu boasts an excellent selection of Italian wines. Would happily recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Had a wonderful meal with friends last night at the Retro Night. The food and service were 100%. Can't wait for our next visit.

Tried the Sparling for the first time since re-opening today (26th June 2011). My wife and I used to quite like the old Sparling not withstanding its faults (service wasn't always great) so were looking forward to our Sunday dining experience. In summary everything was ok but that was it. It would appear that the food, décor and atmosphere has changed for the worse. Most of the restaurant has been retained but where it has been changed it is not for the better. Cheap melamine tables and what was a great seating area has gone. I even noticed some of the fitting in the gents had been replaced with some cheap B&Q specials. The food was more pub grub than gastropub. Large portions don't make a meal for me. The soup looked suspiciously like a famous branded tomato favourite. Everything was OK but that was it. I just felt the place had been cheapened somewhat.