The Compass

Oh dear...not sure what has happened to The Compass of late. There seems to have been a complete overhaul of staff. Unfortunately this has made an average gastro pub now truly hideous. There is one new member of staff, a manager I think who is quite possibly the rudest, most unpleasant person i have ever has the misfortune to be served by. I think you all know who i'm referring to. His laconic style and uncouth manner has permanently put me off. I will not return.
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Dave - View all reviews by this user
1 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Do not be deceived by the pleasing appearance of this pub, the staff are surly and rude when they aren't too busy being downright hostile. There is a long wait for average food and we left feeling annoyed rather than relaxed as one hopes to when spending that much money.

The staff were particularly useless when we first went in. There were no reserved signs on the tables so we sat at one. The waitress came over and took our food order, served us with our drinks and then we were told we would have to move because the table was booked. There were no other tables free in the restaurant and so we said that that was hardly fair, considering that we had already ordered and purchased drinks. Not a hint of apology was forthcoming, instead they made sure that our food came late and the service was poor and then when we complained we were told that we had been an inconvenience!

The worst restaurant I have ever had the misfortune to dine in. The sooner it shuts down the better.
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phil
1 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, December 14, 2010

A talented new chef in the kitchen has marked a turnaround for the Compass. Last night myself and two girlfriends went for dinner and ordered the crab and avocado tian as a starter; the pork belly, the halibut and the duck breast as mains; and finally 2 desserts - the banana creme brulee and cheesecake - to share. All were triumphs in their own right, non-fussy but perfectly executed. Personally the banana creme brulee really stood out, a nice modern twist on an old favourite. A lovely meal coupled with the intimate cosy atmosphere of the pub proved to be an evening well spent! With the lunch menu kicking off and the promise of a daily changing menu, I will most certainly be returning!
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NatRomanova - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Saturday, April 10, 2010

Went for Sunday lunch, as I have been meaning to try the Compass for sometime. I booked an early table (12.15pm) so not too busy.

The room was not warm and coupled with the fact that we were sat next to a window it was not comfortable. I asked the waitress if we could be seated at another table as we were cold and her reply to me was ' sorry we don't have double glazing for you sir!' - Not a good start. All the other tables were reserved and the waitress explained that everyone was coming in the next hour, so we stayed put.

It took a while for menus to be brought to the table and equally lengthy period of time for our drink order to be taken. This would have been fine, but it was just not busy enough for such unattentive service. There were 4 floor staff on all chatting at the end of the bar and not paying enough attention to the floor and their customers.

When the menu's did come there was a choice of 4 roasts and salmon fish cakes (which were £14 a full £1.05 more than all the roasts, must have been expensive salmon?) and 3 desserts and a cheese board. There were no starters and when I asked if they had any, the reply was 'we like you to have mains and desserts!'. What about what the customer wants??

When the roasts arrived, which was no more than 15-20 minutes, they came with the meat (beef - one slice, with braised red cabbage underneath and a dollop of horseradish on top) followed by a bowl of roast potatoes, yorkies and another bowl of root veg. I thought the roasts were pretty tasty, but a bit on the small side. But overall quite good, although the vegetarian nut roast was dry and overcooked.

We paid the bill including service and left.

I don't think I will be rushing back to The Compass. For me the service let it down and the food was good but not great. There is alot of competition in the area and The Compass really needs to raise it's game.
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Nick
3 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 3
Monday, March 01, 2010

After all the positive reviews (like in Time Out) we thought we should give this new gastropub a try.

We were there on the recent Bank Holiday weekend. The place was quite empty but the best seats were taken so we sat next to the open kitchen. I went to the toilet with our young son but when I came back we still didn't have the menu or seen anybody who might be able to serve us. I went to look for a menu myself but a girl appeared who had been busy cleaning and laying some tables. Useful but not when people have been waiting for some service.

The menu was super short, five mains and for dessert a cheese plate. Ok we thought they are keeping it simple, it won't take too long to cook and it will all be fresh.

Our drinks arrived and then the waiting started. Out of boredom and hunger we ordered the additional bread which turned out to be dry and the portion was small.

Eventually after 50 minutes the food finally showed up but it wasn't worth the long wait. When I asked for some ketchup the watitress said sure I'll get some but nothing showed up, as again she was chatting with some friends.

The people in the kitchen seemed very busy, but as you sometimes see in Masterchef, the ones who give the impression of doing a lot are not the best cooks.
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Dutch_Food - View all reviews by this user
5 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Sunday, September 13, 2009

I've been to the Compass twice now, both time for dinner and drinks. The food is amazing! I think I'm in love with the giant duck scotch egg with homemade brown sauce. All the sauces and the bread is homemade. I really recommend it.
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sophieeats - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, July 08, 2009