The Hare at Old Redding

On the plus side. Great makeover, great location, great food.

On the minus side. Very young team pooly organised. I don't think anyone on duty today was over 25. Service was poor. Huge delays from order to delivery of drinks and food. Bread and olives to share were served seconds before the appetisers. Staff seemed unaware of the progress of tables during lunch.

Asked for linguini with no oil but was told this was not possible, so the menu must be par cooked!

Sat down at 1.40 and waited 15 minutes before we were asked if we wanted drinks and finished coffee at 4.15 and were not keeping the staff waiting to clear a course at any time throughout lunch. Now I don't like to be rushed over a meal, but this turned into a bit of an ordeal.

Some of our party of 6 were served first for each course (the waitress can only carry 3 orders at a time) and the the rest of us waited some time before we were all served. Then more delay to bring mint sauce for my excellent lamb roast and parmesan for the oily linguini.

Complained to the manager?? (maybe the son of) who demonstrated the 'in one ear and out the other' behaviour and offered us complimentary coffee. Cheap shot!

We didn't complain for financial gain, but out of a desire to make him aware of the haphazard service which took the edge off our experience. Observing a waitress drop an order on the floor at table for another group kind of says it all really.

Would I go back? Only when there is a consistent improvement in the service, reflected in more positive reviews. The Hare is advertised as a family run business and I can only hope that Dad was away for the weekend.
Comment on this reader review

Steve Pickering
6 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Sunday, May 01, 2011