The Barley Mow, Milford

[dangerousdave]

went up last night with my old mand and my cousin who's over from australia. i've always thought there's better places in town to eat (the seven stars and the wildwood to name but two up that end of town), but my dad loves it for some reason. they've obviously had a revamp (we were told repeatedly it cost around a quarter of a mil), and here's my thoughts on it post revamp:

the prices have gone up, but i don't think the quality of the food has gone up to reflect this. i think the main difference is that you're now paying for table service instead of the usual going up to the bar to order it yourself. the service was ridiculously slow though (food was out timely enough, but you had to wiat so long to place your order and to get the bill). it's also rather dark in there now. i think the main thing that was going in the favour of the place was it's family friendliness, and i think with the demographic they're targetting themselves at now that i wouldnt be as inclined to take any kids there

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

I know it’s not exactly fine-dining but I went the other night for a meal and was very disappointed in the service, only 2 of the starters arrived (soup without spoons..) and they completely forgot the others, by the time they arrived the 2 that had come were cold etc etc faff

Apologies were made and a free round of drinks woo!

We were waiting for our main and the girl delivers our bill.... erm we haven’t had mains yet?

When they arrived the order was wrong, one of our party asked for no mushrooms, arrived surprise surprise with mushrooms, was sent back and clearly all they did was pick them off, lucky said person wasn’t allergic just fussy!

And other poor service like taking plates away when people are still eating, trying to take away full drinks, empty salt and vinegar pots etc etc
Food was good but service poor...

Anyone else been recently? It’s a shame as it’s a nice place to go for a meal after a long walk on the chase!

 

[The Stafford Beast]

Myself and Mrs Stafford Beast love it at the Barley Mow, but the last time we went they were changing the menu. It was perfect before, but will need to go again to see what the new menu is like and whether this has had the effect you have experienced.

 

[supernova]

It's funny you mention getting the soup without spoons. Last time I went (which was before the refurb) I didn't get any cutlery either. Even when I asked for some it never came. I had to go and find some off another table!

What is it with the hospitality industry in Stafford? There's practically no where to go to get a decent meal AND decent service together in my experience.

 

[staffordjas]

Haven't been since the re-furb but the last time we did go for a meal,the chef had knocked off early so the bar staff were knocking a few meals up between them . So unimpressed with the food & service that it put us off ever venturing down there again.

 

[Mrs Stafford Beast]

Myself and Mrs Stafford Beast love it at the Barley Mow, but the last time we went they were changing the menu. It was perfect before, but will need to go again to see what the new menu is like and whether this has had the effect you have experienced.

We must not have gone for a few months now but we love it there usually.

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

Dito, I've been there before and loved it, just to note I went on a wednesday night so not a busy one, food was very nice tho

 

[Sophie.pocock1]

I have been for food and the place is very nice in there now but the service was not great very slow asked for sauce and they didn't come back with it also they messed up the order so my boyfriend was left waiting for his dinner so we had to start so he ended up eating on his own and there was no money knocked off the bill or even a sorry.

 

[Theorum]

I went on the 4th november and while my daughter had a party I abandoned the misses and went for a steak 'n' pint. The steak came out with in 15 mins if not nearer 10 and was cooked perfectly.

I would of given them a perfect 10 however on requesting some salt 'n' vinegar the polite young gentleman returned with Salt 'n' Pepper, to which I kindly reminded him vinegar was the request. He then went into the kitchen and returned through the door to forget why or who he had the condiment for (classic).

Writing this down has actually made realise that they should get bonus points for free entertainment!

9.5 0n the pub grub scale...

A good pub manager is worth his wait in gold! and training the right people is the only way food and service will improve in this country. Abroad the age group for performing this service is generally higher and I'm sorry to say but there seems to be a lot of under 18's who can't serve themselves never mind anyone else (however entertaining this maybe).

 

[That-Crazy-Rat-Lady]

Although I commented on the service (and have recieved mixed replies) I think the majority agree the food is excellent, good pub food, decent portion sizes and friendly atmosphere.
Theorum I agree training is essential, for under 18's however waitressing work is really the only work you can get

 

[dangerousdave]

the last time i went was just after they'd stopped you going up to order your food and instead it was a full waiter/waitress service. to be honest the service was ridiculously slow, and given the increased price fo the food i'd say it was good, but maybe not the best value. what really surprised us was how the duty manager (or whatever term she fell under) had enough time to come round and ask how our meal was, tell us how much money they'd spent on the refurb etc, but she didn't think once to help out the one waitress who was looking after around 20 tables. idiocy like that loses you customers

 

[Moby Dick]

Well I speak as I find! We were sceptical of going as little positve feedback heard since the re-fit last year. But....

We were greeted nicely, shown to a suitable table and served by a friendly attentive waitress.

The food we ordered was excellent, nicely presented and ok price.

We were occasionally asked if all was ok and did we want anything but never intrusive.

In all very pleasantly surprised and based on this will go back. I do hope it doesn't go like other places: downhill.....




Admin edit: Threads merged.

 

[Thehooperman]

Hadn't been to the Barley Mow for several years but ended up at Milford around lunchtime uesterday whilst walking the dogs.

Being rather thirsty in the sunshine I wandered into the pub and was politely told dogs weren't allowed inside but they asked me what I wanted and said they would bring it out.

A few moments later my pint of Greene King appeared and the barman said to let him know if I wanted anything else and he would fetch it for me.

The menu looked intertesting and after a quick phone call Mrs H joined us via the wonderous Arriva bus service and we enjoyed a pleasant pub grub meal in the sunshine followed by a walk back to Stafford along the canal.

The food was surprisingly good compared to previous experiences (several years ago), service very good and the beer enjoyable.

We will go back when in the area.

 

[industryarch]

From facebook
The Barley Mow is under New Management & we are recruiting team in all departments.
We are on the hunt for personality, driven people who want to help-make the pub succeed. Hours negotiable.
*Play Zone team leader required approx 25/30hours per week.
*Bar staff required, must be able to work days/ evenings & weekends.
*Waiting on staff required. Experience preffered.
* Pub Team Leader/ Supervisor required- must have experience in a similar role.
*Cleaners required. 2/3 hours per day. 5/6 shifts per week. Hours/ days negotiable. 2-3 cleaners needed between times of 6am-9am.
*Kitchen Porter/ Potwasher... part time hours, to include evening & weekend work.
If any positions is what your after... then get in touch, send us your CV straight away to 4994@greeneking.co.uk FAO Mat.
#OneTeam #BuildingTheDreamTeam #WinningTeam

 

[basil]

Maybe employ a painter and decorator, preferably one who can also operate as a carpet and upholstery cleaner.....

 

[proactive]

Indeed.

Also the food is crap and the service very slow.