The Talisman Pub & Restaurant Park Gate, Southampton Reviews Summary

Menu Variety

Pros:

• "The food and the drinks were above standard."
• "The food was absolutely fantastic."
• "The food was of a very high standard."
• "The food is good and plentiful."
• "The food was absolutely delicious."
• "Food was excellent."
• "Food was absolutely outstanding."

Cons:

• "Be aware, there is a vary limited menu outside of traditional roast fare on a Sunday."
• "Chose flatbread with Sothern Fried Chicken and it was awful."
• "I had a very disappointing roast beef dinner at the Talisman yesterday."
• "Roast beef was so chewy, roast potatoes soggy, carrots cooked to death."
• "Overpriced at £10.95 and very disappointing."
• "Sticky tables, fairly crowded, low quality food."
• "Went here for a family meal on a Sunday, the menu was very small with not a great deal of choice."

Customer Service

Pros:

• "The staff were very polite and helpful."
• "The service was superb throughout the meal."
• "Fantastic customer service from Harry, our drinks came quickly and also our food which was really nice."
• "Service is excellent - polite, professional and quick."
• "Service was great as well."
• "The service was warm and welcoming."
• "Service was great."

Cons:

• "We gave the feedback to the waitress but all we got was 'thanks for the feedback'."
• "The grumpy waiter took our order for drinks quick enough but we had to wait around 45 minutes between the starter and main."
• "Despite having a more than an adequate amount of staff, we were starving and kept waiting to order our food for ages."
• "Asked for water, got the glasses but no water."
• "I don’t appreciate (as I’m sure other customers don’t) at 10.45pm being ordered to finish all drinks."
• "After this evenings customer service I don't think I will come again."
• "Waitress service poor. We weren't asked how our meal was."

Atmosphere & Ambience

Pros:

• "The Talisman has my heart. After traveling all around the English countryside dipping in and out of pubs."
• "Good place for after work has been refurbished not so long ago so looks good and is modern."
• "Nice pub great beer garden and friendly warm atmosphere inside."
• "A very open, warm and comfortable atmosphere inside, with a fantastic outdoor seating area."
• "The atmosphere is outstanding."
• "Lovely outside area at rear of pub with very comfortable chairs and lovely atmosphere."
• "The ambience is relaxed and refined, so may not suit those looking for something more upbeat or loud."

Cons:

• "The change did not make any difference to the service it was well below par."
• "We had some problems with shortages and slow service."
• "I read in the Echo that there has been a refurb costing £1.3m, but it is clear none of this money has been spent on service or food."
• "Probably one of the worst places I've been in."
• "Most of the menu was not available/out of stock."
• "The staff don't engage with you, and are more than happy to stand around doing something that could be done later."
• "Just a shame about the Sunday lunch!"

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Very reasonable prices for food and drinks so would well recommend."
• "We liked the ambience, the beer, and the food. And it was good value."
• "The portion size and quality when dining represents good value. A burger and chips comes in at £11."
• "The food was delicious, reasonably priced."
• "Prices have gone up quite a bit but still reasonable value."
• "Decent food. Huge portions on mains."
• "Lovely meal. Gluten free options are marked on the menu."

Cons:

• "C.£15 for veggie Gnocchi and over 5 quid for a bottle of beer. Outrageous."
• "Very expensive. My 10 year old couldn't find pasta on adults menu so opted for 2 kids pasta with sauce kids meals instead."
• "Plastic glasses and a G&T for my wife was £13, which I thought was a bit (lot) over the top."
• "I was shocked to find out for a can of Rio Tropical you charge £3-15!!!!!"
• "Went to the talisman today had fish and chips very expensive and full of fat."
• "The only reason for the low rating was because they don't accept cash."
• "Such small portions for the price!"

Facilities & Accessibility

Pros:

• "Accessible bathroom is on site."
• "Large, well marked car park with several disabled bays."
• "Wheelchair users: Most of the restaurant is accessible."
• "The revamped garden terrace is amazing, can't wait for summer!"
• "Great outside seating area with lots of cover and always very busy with good atmosphere."
• "You have different rooms with different atmosphere which was really nice."
• "The garden seating area was popular in the warm sunshine."

Cons:

• "The cleanliness of the men’s toilets needs more regular cleaning."
• "There is a step at drawing room area where the fire is. And there is another step towards end of the restaurant."
• "No downstairs toilet? Visited with my disabled brother and when I asked at the bar if there was a downstairs toilet they said no?"
• "PURE FILTH....IF THE PUBLIC AREAS ARE LIKE THIS WHAT IS IT LIKE BEHIND THE SCENES??"
• "An inch of dust above the tables on every light shade."
• "Bar staff were unhelpful and saw servicing customers as an inconvenience."
• "A third of the menu not available."