All reader reviews by Anonymous

Cross Keys

I booked a table for 4 friends and I for 7:30pm yesterday evening, we were running 15 minutes late. When we all arrived the first words to come out of the head waiters mouth were as follows "You're late so you will need to order your food quickly" (issue no:1) this to me was very harsh and put an instant downer on the evening for my guests.

Myself and my friend ordered some drinks from the bar rather than from waiting staff whilst we waited for our food to arrive. This seemed a more efficient way to order the drinks as all the waiters were busy and neglected asking us ourselves. On the way back to our table the head waiter again felt the need to say the following “Please only order drinks from the waiting staff only”. I bit my tongue and thought to myself this guy is in the wrong business, running a prison camp would use his skill-set far more effectively (issue no:2).

Food arrives and was lovely, can’t complain. Dessert arrives (cheese board for me) and the head waiter (you know the one by now) dropped some cheese on the floor whilst placing on the table, he chose not to replace the cheese that fell to the floor (issue no:3).

The bill arrives (by this time there was still half the restaurant that didn't have any customers sitting at the tables, this rubbed salt into my wound as the fact we were originally forced to rush our orders was pointless and not good customer service) and we were lucky enough to have some great 60% off vouchers from Groupon which was a fantastic bargain. When it came to paying, the waiter by this point my arch rival looked at me in a very confusing way when I presented these vouchers, and continued to tell me that the vouchers are not valid because I had not told them when I arrived that I was in possession of these Groupon vouchers, then I was told that if they had known it would have been a different (cheaper) menu.

I was asked to come to one side to discuss this issue where I was greeted by who must have been the general manager on duty. I was told that I was in the wrong for not informing them. After waiting patiently for my chance to speak, I said this, "I understand your comments and your frustrations but I need to tell you this, When I had called to make the booking I asked two things 1. Am I able to use these vouchers on a Saturday evening? 2. Is the menu on your website to choose the food?" the answer was 'yes'. The member of staff had also confirmed the Groupon booking via email. See below.

"Dear #####, Your reservation is on the system. I cannot vouch for other Groupon offers but our one has to be deal of the century as there is no special menu for groupon customers and it is available all week any time. (our fillet steak on it's own with no sides is £23 normally!) We will let you be the judge afterwards anyway! Regards, The Cross Keys"

Did I tip? No chance, Would I recommend? No chance. I can honestly say that this was the worst dining experience of all my 32 years. Find another place to go!

Sunday, June 26, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 4