The Linden Inn Bar & Steakhouse

We dined as a family of 8 for a special birthday which included the birthday boy's elderly grandparents who don't get out much due to their frailty. The food was good but the service let it down. Firstly, the menu online is different to the one in the restaurant. False advertising when you're unable to provide a drink listed on the online menu. Mistakes happen but it was pointed out at the time and staff apologised, yet 2 days later the incorrect menu is still on the website. In this digital age it isn't difficult to update it. The table for 8 was a bit cramped, not much room to move your elbows. We weren't a last minute reservation to be squeezed in, having booked weeks in advance. The little things count, like changing the batteries in the decorative lights in bottles and switching them on. I'm guessing they're there to create ambience, not much point if they don't work. They didn't work in a different part of the restaurant on my last visit either. The food was cooked well with steaks as ordered. One of the orders was incorrect with the wrong side for the steak ordered so was swapped over at the table. With desserts a glass of water was ordered but it never came despite asking for it twice. The worst bit of it all though was that my partner had asked for the 21st birthday cake to be brought out after dessert. In the end only 2 of the group chose to have dessert and 2 a cocktail instead. But suddenly, before the dessert, the surprise cake was brought out. The birthday boy's Granny was not at the table as she was visiting the toilet. We all felt so sad that the elderly Grandmother had missed her grandson's special moment. Very very disappointing. She had decorated the cake and missed it coming out, missed the singing of Happy Birthday and the blowing out of the candles. To put in to perspective, she's not been out for dinner for 6 years since her other Grandson's 21st. This was a very special occasion for grandparents who don't go out. But even if it hadn't been the cake should not be brought out without checking first that everyone is at the table. It left a really sour taste. I did mention to the staff afterwards and they were apologetic but what's done is done. I hope that's enough to not have it happen to another family. These are the moments in life you can't get back. I've only visited once before and had a lovely meal but my partner is a regular customer with his friends. This is his first bad experience.
Apr 24th, 2023

Food : 5/5 | Service : 5/5 | Atmosphere : 3/5 More
May 3rd, 2023

Food : 4/5 | Service : 4/5 | Atmosphere : 4/5 Recommended dishes Cajun Chicken More
May 1st, 2023

Apr 28th, 2023

Food : 5/5 | Service : 5/5 | Atmosphere : 5/5 More
Apr 24th, 2023