Rams Head Inn, The

Annabel & Gordy (29 October 2008)

What has happened to The Rams Head? This place secured a special place in our hearts over eight years ago with their spectacular food, wine and location. We have been going there ever since. However, we can no longer ignore the fact that the food and service are careering downhill. Is it because all their effort and attention is being placed on the pantry shop? Is there a new chef? Until about a year ago we had never had such accomplished food in such an unassuming but beautiful setting, but the last few times we went, most recently for Sunday lunch, were desperately mediocre. The Rams Head has been a bastion of traditional British food for so long now; we were shocked to be told that the roast pork didn't come with crackling because ‘that's the kind of customer we get now.’ Thanks for the insult. We had beef instead, which arrived overcooked, despite being told that it came very rare. As we waited for our beef we were never offered bread - instead our side plates were taken away. We could never get the attention of our waiter when we needed anything, so they lost out on additional sales of wine and coffee. Perhaps if they spend a little less time on their mobiles or dashing out for a cigarette would help. Of course, there are things on the menu that are good. The puddings are always a success, but this is a destination restaurant; many people, including ourselves, travel a significant distance to dine there. Now The Rams Head can no longer be trusted to deliver to expectations.

Bob and friends (13 June 2008)

We decided to have the set menu and a look of derision appeared on the head waiter’s face when he realised we were not looking at the a la carte blackboard anymore. We were shown to our table and the soup and meat balls that followed were good. We then had a ‘piece of cake’ with ice cream for afters but this was thrown at us. If you don’t mind being made unwelcome, the food was good but the atmosphere, dismal. Will we go again? There isn’t that much choice in Denshaw.

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