Castle Tavern Steak House!

Happy 30th Jimbob.

Was probably for the best that I didn't arrive after my jolly to OT....

As for poor service, unfortunately it's one of my pet hates and sadly, as cliched as it sounds, one bad story tends to ruin it for me. Which I think this has. I don't think I'd have handled it as well as Jimbob et al appeared to either. In fact I know I wouldn't have.

Will be interested to read the comments of those involved at the Castle Tavern.

To be honest, I'm not trying to turn this into a witch hunt, and I'm not interested in naming names - if I had have been I'd have mentioned them, as I know who was involved.

As I say, if anyone wants to eat at the Castle Tavern, that's their business but, as I said in my original post, comments have been invited and I just wanted to show the other side of the coin as regards the quality of service.

Of course, Castletavern is welcome to say their piece in response to this, but it's not my intention to pressure any individual into coming forward with a forced explanation or apology. I'd like to think I, for one, am capable of handling the situation a bit more maturely.

And I'm sure, whatever any response may be, the good folk of the forum are more than capable of making their own minds up.

I popped in about two weeks ago.

It was a bit late but they said they could serve me food.

Ordered Sirloin & Chips (was told they all come with chips, new pots was on the menu as well??)

Food arrived in timely fashion, served a drink at my table. All good stuff.

Home made chips were a little underdone (but not too much) steak was ordered medium, came medium at one end, rare the other. Plenty of salad but not arranged or cut in a way in which it looked that tempting too eat.

Overall, OK and so would go with the original 6.5 out of 10 given by Andreas.

I would not rush back but nor would I advise against it as it is a new venture.

Ashley - points to note.

1. May be worth buying high quality frozen chips other than making unevenly cut homemade that do not cook evenly.

2. Steak cut I felt was a bit rough, may account for the uneven cooking, may be wise to QC the steak cuts or change supplier?

3. Salad, sometimes "less is more" as those poncey make-up-a-house-real-quick-and-make-a-profit-prats say!

Overall, nothing really to complain about, had my steak knifes, got fed, got a beer at my table.

Will probably return, but not in a rush, and it certainly concerns me to think what would have happened if I'd complained of chips being undercooked...... and then you would have had two *very* negative reviews here, looking at how you handle customer service!

Listen to the constuctive crtitcism, develop procedures of dealing with customer complaints effectively and give one or two of your very best mates "mystery shopper" tasks to test your wares and report directly back to you on their experiences.

jimbob23 said:

I'd like to think I, for one, am capable of handling the situation a bit more maturely.

Click to expand...

That a subtle dig? Are you saying I'm immature?

Andreas Rex said:

Happy 30th!

Click to expand...

Ta Mr Rex.

Bet they don't remember you or the incident.

dirtybobby said:

edit: happy 30th

Click to expand...

Cheers! Where did you get that photo of my little round yellow face blowing one of them party things?

Anders_Panders said:

Happy 30th!

Click to expand...

Ta, the missus.

Saw Castletavern on earlier but no response. Hmm, he must be having a think.

Yeah, in hind sight it was a bit bitchy, you can remove it if you like.

Be fair, if he's come on and read all this he's probably gone off to find out exactly what happened before responding. Thats what I'd do anyway. Hasn't put me off, I still want to try that chicken/haggis/whisky combo goddamit! I had no problems when I ate there one afternoon, not been for a proper meal yet though. Will reserve judgement til I've experienced it myself.

Sorry you had a bad experience Jimbob and happy birthday btw..

I can't comment as I haven't actually been in for a meal there yet, can't say I'm in any hurry right now though..

I would just like to add for the benefit of Ashley and staff that Jheych is actually running courses in customer service leading to NVQ qualification. PM him for details.
Can't hurt can it?

this all goes to show the power of the internet...i would surmise that a lot of the taverns business has come through the forum.

I have to say that when myself, andreas rex and a few others went in the opening week the food was ok but i wasnt overly impressed, however the chips were the one thing i couldnt fault! the irony....
I second Colin Grigsons comment about the meat....i thought it wasnt the best quality, and my steak was not cooked medium rare as ordered. This seemed a bit weird seeing as it is advertised as steak restaurant, i would have thought good steak and cooking would be a priority. I put my quibbles down to it being the first week of openeing however I havent been back since and negative comments really put me off...I realise its still a new venture and it must be painful to hear people effectively slagging off your hard work up till now but there really isnt a any excuse for terrible customer service. Its now up to the Tavern to take the criticisms mentioned in the last 48 hours on board and stump up a professional response.

As I have said previously, I had a lovely meal, the staff were friendly and polite. I had one problem with the wine which was dealt with as I would expect. I would recommend the chicken supreme. I must admit the wait was a little long but this has been responded to by Castletavern. I must admit though because of the comments I am reluctant to try the steak which, for a steakhouse is not good.

Best steak I've ever eaten, by far, was cooked by a mate. Involved shrooms, cream and a large amount of JD

Sounds good. I will try that next time.

My best ever steak was in New York last week. It was about an inch and a half thick and was cooked to absolute perfection. So tasty, too.