We 3 were booked for Christmas day lunch at 12.45....

We 3 were booked for Christmas day lunch at 12.45. We arrived at 12.40 & before our coats were off or were seated our drinks order was taken. That was where the excellent service ended. Our table was to the left of the bar in what transpired to be a 'black hole'. We waited over 40 mins for our starters, having to ask a passing waitress where there were? She apologised saying she would 'chase it up' adding she would ask a Manager to speak to us. The Manager took an order for free drinks & when we asked why the service was so bad she told us that she had 'no idea'! It took a further 2 hours 15 mins to be served our mains & desserts. We gave up the coffee & mince pies as we'd other family arrangements made. The food was absolutely delicious, it was the managing of table service that was disorganised & a complete disaster. We appreciate Christmas day lunch is extremely busy but, when 2 tables of people who arrive after you are served before you there is something drastically wrong. Many of the waiters/waitresses served customers food but, walked passed dirty plates that needed clearing thus wasting time! 3 other tables in our corner waited ages for food 1 of which was served cold food. They were a mature couple celebrating a special anniversary & were most distressed. We will not be returning to Tamworth Beefeater!