Thomas G.
Yelp
Vancouver pubs and restaurants had fairly mediocre service before the pandemic. In 2019 and prior, my choice word for bad service was "weird". In 2020 it was "whatever". In 2021, it was "alright". The choice word of 2022 is "dreadful", and The Three Brits takes the cake.
Service 1/5 -- Things were alright in 2021. They were doing their best. At least I think so. Service really was alright. Out of the few times I've stopped by in 2022 (I guess I'm a glutton for punishment) I at first wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. The first visit was awful. I didn't know who my server was as a different person took my drink order and food order. When I looked around to get someone's attention for a second round, the two servers were chit chatting with the bartender -- not a big deal. They're not robots after all; humans require human interaction. (Eh-hem, especially when they're paying for a service that hinges on said interaction.) When I finally caught the server's attention, she immediately looked away. Considering I was one of two customers there, I decided I had had enough and threw my credit card on the table.
Second time wasn't so bad -- it was actually quite alright. The manager seated and took my first round order which was expedient as you could have guessed. After that, a server took the reins and things slowed down... at least this time it was somewhat busy, though, definitely winding down.
Third visit of the year was just dreadful. I went in and ordered a beer, and from the cold reception I decided that if the server didn't make any effort before I finished my beer, I'd grab lunch elsewhere. This time there were three other tables there; a two-top and two solos, both on their laptops and looking pretty settled in... so again, this is not a pandemic understaffing situation. The server didn't ever even come back to the table until my beer was empty. I settled up my measly one beer, and went over to the Park and spent 50 bones. The Park, by the way, was busy.
The thing that really bothers me about the service here is that I want to spend my money! I have good memories of this pub, and pretty low expectations!
Tldr; service is dreadful.
Atmosphere 3/5 -- the atmosphere isn't that bad. It's a pretty comfortable place with a good view, however the wrap around bar has always bothered me, and I miss the layout from when it was the Calling. The bathroom situation has been pretty weird. Last time I used it, there was one regular bathroom and one more that was pretty much a utility closet. The closet is not really a comfortable place to crown a Duke.
Cleanliness 4/5 -- Seems like they're doing a pretty good job keeping things tidy. It does fall into some of the trappings of pubs; litter on the floor, sticky surfaces, but for the most part they're on top of it.
Food 2/5 -- I think the food has gotten worse since all the Donelly pubs started carrying the same menu, however it has improved over the last year or so. That being said it still isn't much to write home about. One of the reasons I like the Three Brits as an option though is that they have a decent plant-based selection.
Overall 2.5/5 -- All in all, it would be a pretty average pub if they could sort out the service. I don't know if it's just bad luck on my behalf and I keep getting getting the same awful servers, but it almost feelings like entering the Twilight Zone whenever I go in there; you have no idea what's in store for you.