Neil Stoker

Review of The Admiral Codrington

Over many years there has been a gradual decline i...

Over many years there has been a gradual decline in quality of service, but the most recent trip proved how far they've fallen. I booked for 8 people well in advance (four weeks) and they'd even taken my card number before deciding that it wasn't necessary to take a booking fee unless we were going to be nine. I left my mobile number and then heard nothing, so assumed all was well. On the day, we arrive promptly to be told there is no reservation. A more senior manager came to deal with it, but kept having to be prompted during the conversation to explain the situation (thinking seemed to cause talking to cease!) We waited about an hour before being seated at our table. We were offered drinks but frankly at that stage I'd have preferred a serious discount as we'd had enough whilst waiting on an empty stomach. When seated, we explained that one of our party needed to leave soon, so his meal had to be prioritized to come before everything else - I checked this was understood (nods of agreement). The rest ordered starters, and after a wait the starters arrived but not the priority meal! Duly informed them to get it. Then later our drinks order was messed up - four different drinks became one order of four of the first pint... But we realised it was beyond the point of fixing. I will not be going back, and I'd advise anyone thinking of eating there to give it a wide berth.
If you're still not put off, the food is pretty average but not cheap, and it's normally very busy round the bar (perfect if you like a scrum but not good for a relaxing pint)