Drunken Duck Inn & Restaurant, The Reviews

I agree with the reviews in March and July of this year, four of us went to this restaurant about a week ago and all of us were disappointed with the food served. The prices didn't really come into it, even if it was a quarter of the price, it would have been too much to pay for the quality of food. The food lacked flavour, the pea and mint risotto lacked the essential mint. My spinach lacked a good washing and my egg custard had raw pastry at the bottom. We sent them an email when we realised our whole party were disappointed, I thought it was just me, and got a basically ‘if you didn't complain on the night then’ - tough kind of response.

What a big let down. It was pretentious and very pricey but ultimately incredibly underwhelming. London prices but the food was decidedly average and lacking sharpness. Despite booking a restaurant table, I ended up being seated in the bar area, apparently they make no distinction, although the difference is marked. On that same evening I heard three other tables complain about their similar treatment only to be fobbed off with the same uncaring answer. With good beer, excellent atmosphere and a wonderful location this gastropub has so much going for it but I am afraid that it may have got carried away with its own reputation.

I had heard good things about the Drunken Duck but was sadly rather disappointed. The menu sounds very exciting, if a little pretentious, however the execution was poor. Given the relatively high prices they charge I would have expected a lot more.

I stayed here over Christmas this year and from the beginning of the stay, I could feel the great atmosphere. I had a bar lunch which was good, and then went on to my afternoon tea, which too, was pleasant. However, the evening meal, which we were looking forward to, did not have that wow factor but it was enjoyable. Overall, it was a nice break for me.

My husband and I like to stay in small luxury hotels for what is generally a more relaxed form of service, but where standards still count. On first appearance this was the Duck. The slack standard started from check in. We then decided to take our complimentary tea by the tarn, fifty minutes later, no tea and after we had reminded the staff, no apology. On the first night we asked to take our cheese course on the terrace, when we shared our plate with friends we had met there we were told off by a pretentious little barman dressed all in black. Apparently this is not allowed. In the restaurant over our stay numerous requests for butter or juice, well done tomatoes or other small requests were completely ignored or forgotten. The staff were sullen and unfriendly, there was a complete indifference to our complaints and a feeling that we should be grateful for being allowed to stay with them. Good food served with bad grace, we will not be recommending this establishment to anyone.