On our first visit, we saw on the wall at the entrance that we were to find a table, note the order number and place the order at the bar. So, we went in and started looking for a table. There were quite a few to choose from. A nearby waitress asked 'can I help you' with a clear attitude. We said we were just looking for a table, in which she responded that we had to 'sign in at reception'. So, off we trotted to 'reception', thinking she would follow and serve us. She didn't follow, and we were left standing there waiting for someone to come over. Whilst we were there, we noticed a small chalkboard, with faded chalk writing on , saying please wait here to be seated. A scruffy young man strolled over to us, and asked if 'we were alright'. I asked for a table for 2 and he said we would have to wait 15 minutes. Unsure as to why this was, as I had just walked round the pub to see numerous spare tables, I asked if all the tables were reserved. The young man, shrugged his shoulders, and said 'ummm some of them', so I asked why we couldn't sit at a table which wasn't reserved. Again he said '15 minute wait'. There were no reserved signs on any of the empty tables I had seen. I then asked what the correct procedure to get a table is, as the information supplied by the door is completely different to the faded chalked instruction on the small chalkboard on this 'reception desk'. He just looked at me, not knowing how to respond, presumably because he doesn't know himself. How can a quiet pub justify a 15 minute wait for a table on a Monday evening, with approx half of the tables vacant? What is the point in having 2 conflicting instructions on how to be seated & get served? How can the staff not know the correct procedure in which customers should follow in order to be seated and served. How can a pub/restaurant have such unmotivated and attitude-y staff and expect to attract new customers and keep them loyal? As you may have guessed, we didn't stay to find out what the food was like. I would avoid this place at all costs. It may look aesthetically pleasing, both internally and externally, but the staff were enough to put me off.
Tavern Fayre – Bolton