The Althorp

Now called The Althorp - but appears to be unchanged from The Bowler.

I live near this place. I would really like it to succeed - it could be an absolutely cracking pub if only it had a competent management team with an iota of ambition and competence.

Sadly, the food is consistently dreadful (cold/poor quality/poorly cooked/not what you ordered) the service is surly at best, and the beer is a bit rubbish. Fortunately you probably won't get the chance to sample the terrible food and associated service, because if you go in at an "unusual" time (say 11.50 on a Sunday, for brunch, or 3pm on a weekday for a mildly late lunch) you'll be told (unapologetically) that the kitchen is closed. Frankly it's a lucky escape. Count your blessings and go to one (any) of the other excellent gastropubs within a ten minute walk.

Avoid.
Comment on this reader review

0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, February 01, 2012

My husband and I have been here twice for brunch and on both occasions have been disappointed, but yesterday was particulary awful. Here are some highlights:

- We ordered a bottle of water and the waitress swung by and plonked a warm unopened bottle on our table and walked away without asking whether we would like ice.

- Our Bloody Marys were somehow disgustingly sweet, yet tasteless.

- We waited for 35 minutes for our breakfast to be delivered, even though there were only about 4 other tables occupied.

- The breakfast sausage oozed a repulsive yellowish fluid when cut.

- We did not get toast with the full English.

- When I finally got the waitress's attention to ask for the bill, she clenched her fists and rolled her eyes as though she was totally overwhelmed, even though the restaurant was nearly empty.

- When I asked her why we didn't get toast with the full English she said it doesn't come with toast - which is odd for a £10 breakfast and odder still because we got toast the last time we were there for breakfast (I recall it because it was we had to send it back because it wasn't toasted). I suspect she only said it wasn't included because she realised she forgot all about it.

All in all, an overpriced rubbish restaurant with rubbish service. I wish something better would open up in its place.
Comment on this reader review

Sandy
4 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Monday, October 10, 2011

Ended up coming by this restaurant by chance and shall be returning again shortly. Refreshing menu, great wine list and brilliantly relaxing setting. Perfect for a sundowner on the terrace bar as well. Service was enthusiastic and no doubt will improve with time as it has only been opened recently. I look forward to returning!
Comment on this reader review

Jade
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, July 22, 2010