The Old Smithy Reviews Summary

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Pros:

• "Would highly recommend it's a lovely atmosphere for a pub lunch or dinner, I will definitely be returning 😁."
• "Cozy family friendly pub with open fire, free parking and wifi."
• "This is a stunning country pub with great food and a friendly welcome."
• "Lovely seating by an open fire."
• "On arriving there was a warm and friendly atmosphere."
• "A very friendly atmosphere that the publicans can be proud of."
• "Lovely village pub with helpful, friendly staff."

Cons:

• "Carpets and floors absolutely grim in there... It needs a good make over."
• "The place hasn't been updated inside for years!"
• "Felt a bit barren inside, really quiet with not much atmosphere."
• "The pub is very drab and dated and could do with a complete facelift."
• "The only downside is it would seem if the bar staff cracked a smiled once in a while the world would burn."
• "Food was okay; standard pub stuff and seemed mine was microwaved, it was quite bland."
• "The place didn't look that clean."

Service

Pros:

• "Very lovely staff especially the bar lady who was very very helpful."
• "The team were very helpful and attentive."
• "Staff are friendly and polite n very quick to serve."
• "Staff were attentive."
• "The staff were very accommodating, came out with my Birthday cake, sang Happy Birthday, supplied serviettes and a knife to cut up cake."
• "Young waiter who served our table was extremely helpful and polite along with manager."
• "Great hospitality and also great service from all staff."

Cons:

• "Terrible experience that could of just been put right with the right attitude and manners. Poor food & service."
• "One bar maid had bad attitude and not at all friendly."
• "Never have I experienced such poor service. Waiting for 45mins before I was asked if I wanted to order."
• "Poor service from members of staff. very unprofessional, service very slow, wait time for food poor."
• "Lots of young staff members who aren’t sure how to act professional yet, all stood around the bar swearing and talking about vaping, bad service."
• "Food was warm at best, no cutlery so got colder waiting for that to turn up."
• "Popped in for a quick pint on way home from work. Three people behind the bar and not one bothered to serve me."

Food Quality

Pros:

• "The food was tasty and arrived quickly."
• "Always tasty, reasonably priced and if you can get there for the lunchtime special (Until 5pm!) it is incredible value for money."
• "Food is always great and good value."
• "The food was very tasty hot and nothing left on our plates it was that good."
• "Really good food."
• "Food always comes out fresh and quick."
• "Exceptional quality food."

Cons:

• "Chef forgot to plate part of the meals and misread two pieces of the ticket and didn't make it to us."
• "The final straw was when our desserts arrived. I ordered the frangipane tart (always served warm) it was freezing cold and totally unappetising."
• "The food was overcooked and pretty unsatisfactory."
• "Mixed grill was definately mixed, either under cooked or burnt."
• "Food was only luke warm."
• "The steak we were given was definitely not a fillet."
• "Food was tasty and really well priced."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Lovely pub, found by chance. Meals was lovely plenty of it and great value for money. Staff friendly."
• "Prices here are good, quite cheap for what you get."
• "But for £18-50 good value."
• "Couldn't fault it for the price."
• "Very good value food on the lunchtime menu, nice toilets and nice staff."
• "The steak was cooked exactly as I like it and at £21.99 for two and a bottle of wine in the price."
• "Excellent value for money."

Cons:

• "Will not be returning, ever."
• "We will not be rushing back as our experience was not very good."
• "The food was of Very Poor had to send Steak Pie back 3 times."
• "All in all i was extremely disappointed for the vale of money."
• "The entire bill for 7 was over £150 and probably worth half that amount."
• "That was the most expensive plate of peas I've ever had !!"
• "I paid £24 for a meal and drinks that I could have got at a sizzling pub for £17 and the Lager would have been much better."

Cleanliness & Maintenance

Pros:

• "It looks nice in here. It's also clean."
• "Nice little village with a very good pub that still has the look and feel of a pub, great character."
• "Spacious and clean with nice outdoor areas."

Cons:

• "None of the staff were wearing masks, and directed a group to sit at a table that another family had just left without cleaning it."
• "The place hasn't been updated inside for years!"
• "Food was okay; standard pub stuff and seemed mine was microwaved, it was quite bland."
• "The place didn't look that clean."
• "29th July took wife for a birthday lunch. Lots of small dead flies in the vinegar bottles (didn't notice until after I had used it) reported to bar staff."
• "Dirty glass (2 lipstick marks, one of which was at least 2 washes old), food served on a silver serving tray which rocked and tilted when I tried to cut the chicken which was bland."
• "The fish was dry and the batter looked like it was cooked in old oil it was black and absolutely sodden in oil."