Phil T.
Yelp
This was my local pub that I've been going to on a bi-weekly basis since moving to the areas two years ago. We made the mistake of going here time and time again, bringing friends and family because of the beauty of the building and nice view from the 1st floor balcony, rather than the quality of the service.
Before I get into my long winded anecdote, I have to say there are 2 or 3 staff members that work here that do a fantastic job. Unfortunately, multiple other staff members have been rude on occasion, or we've witnessed poor form. From witnessing staff picking their nose while on their shift serving food, or staff giving us terrible attitude when they overcharged us for something that was their fault. On that note, a few of the staff have a pretty general negative attitude/vibe, making interactions awkward and unwelcoming.
Unsurprisingly, after our most recent and last interaction there, this may be down to the awful management, which is the most important issue facing this pub. We went with our friends who were moving away so we thought the local pub might be the nicest place to have a British goodbye.
After eating a meal (*which are generally fine/acceptable and nothing more (would chose to eat at other local places anyway)), we had a round of drinks. One of our party ordered a cocktail that two people were sharing, so we poured it across two glasses. Both agreed they didn't like the taste after sipping it a couple of times. We then all tried it to give our opinions and none of us liked it (0/6). So one of our party took the glass it was originally poured into down to ask them to remake it or get us something different.
One of the staff tried it and didn't react like it tasted good/like it was supposed to but the manager said that because we had apparently drank most of it, they refused to get us something different. Outright refused to remake a drink. She had no apology for us not liking it, no other reasoning, just said ''next'' as she then proceeded to ignore my friend.
I've worked in the food and beverage industry for years previous and even if someone drank half a drink and asked for a different one, of course I oblige in making them a new/different , or otherwise you'd be inferring your customer that has spent multiple thousands of pounds over the last years is trying to swindle their way to a free drink. It's bemusing that the MANAGER of all people was the person who was acting this way. When I went down and asked to speak to the manager she also acting all high and mighty as she said ''Yeah sure'' and stood there proudly.
There is a reason this pub, despite it's beauty is seemingly on the decline, Green King/ the management of Green King pubs in London really needs to consider getting shot of this manager so they can have a better trained, professional staff that treat their customers at least decently.
If you're in the area AVOID. You'd be much better suited to walk 5-10 mins down the road to Town of Ramsgate for much better food, river views and fantastic staff that are positive, energetic and will look after you and make you want to go back there time and time again. Just go read reviews on that place and compare.
For beer drinkers the newly opened Wapping Tavern has the best selection of local and international beers on tap (though it's a bar), and for those wanting a good british beer, take your money to The Captain Kidd, where you can also have river views and have a much better time.