Matthew Brown
Decided it was time to visit the club after living in the area for 7 years. Really enjoyed it. Good food, good atmosphere, and a lot of gluten free options on the menu for those with Coeliac disease. Went back another 2 times and then decided to become a member. So why only 3 stars? The first is that the specials board does not indicate what is gluten free, and when I ask at the counter they dont know and behave like I am such a terrible inconvenience for asking if they could find out. This happened on two visits. I get that its an inconvenience and I don’t mind that they don’t know, that’s all good, but when there is literally no one else in the line waiting to order, why make a big deal of having to go ask someone and talk to me as though I ruined your day? The second reason is because in spite of the staff members who really didn’t want to find out what was gluten free, I liked it enough to became a member to get the member discounts at the restaurant as I could see myself going a lot more. However, the membership system is not very good. I joined online, paid my fees, got my member card instantly in the app etc, this part all worked a charm. I went to the club all excited to be a member this time and my card was accepted at reception. However, In spite of presentation of the member card in my name showing valid membership until the end of the year, which scanned perfectly fine on arrival at the club, the restaurant system would not find me and they refused to give the member discount. I assume it’s an issue with new member cards perhaps taking an excessively long time to get into the restaurant system, but nevertheless, the blanket refusal to do anything about it and requiring non-member pricing is a bit rich and leaves a really bad taste in the mouth of a first time visit as a member. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the fact I want to support them due to the brilliant GF menu, I would never come back after that experience. Subsequently on this occasion I didn’t bother getting any drinks or dessert, nor spending money anywhere else at the club. I did on previous visits but the member treatment was so underwhelming I didn’t want to share any more of my hard earned money with them. So, all in all, assuming the member discount issue is in fact a system issue that gets sorted out, the main reason for loss of stars is simply the restaurant service. The cafe is a different story. They are always lovely and extremely helpful with what is gluten free and they have delicious slices and cakes, definitely try some of them! I’ve attached photos of the current restaurant menu with GF options highlighted by the restaurant. As you can see, there is a lot on there for Coeliac sufferers, which is awesome and so i really do want to support the club more for having so many great choices!
