Brockley Hall

Disaster! We booked for 5 people for Mother’s Day as a treat to my mother and mother in law - lured by the promise of gluten free options - including Yorkshire puddings. Though the table was booked for 3pm - we had to wait half an hour in the bar. There were insufficient chairs however, as other families were also waiting for their tables, so younger family members had to stand. No complementary drinks were offered whilst we waited. We also had to wait 5 minutes at the bar before someone served us despite three people behind the bar as they appeared too busy taking table orders. Very abrupt lady when my mother asked how long it would take before our table was ready and no apology. Long waiting times before the food arrived between each course and staff complaining about how busy they were. My mother requested her beef be well done - which was an option on the menu to be available on request. This was ignored however/not related to the chef, arriving pink - so she didn’t eat it. No GF Yorkshire pudding despite the promises. When I asked why, I was given a blunt ‘no’ added by ‘there haven’t been any all day’ by the angry kitchen staff. The young waitress did apologise. I mentioned this again when settling the bill and the waitressing staff were blamed for not passing dietary requirements on to the kitchen. No GF menu on the table till I asked for it. This was despite us clearly giving this information at the time the deposit was taken. Worst of all, my mother in law, who had ordered monk fish, called this morning to say she had been sick and thought it was because the fish hadn’t been cooked properly. I’ve notified the manager who claimed she would report this, but that she couldn’t comment on the service that day as she wasn’t present. Not one member of staff bothered to ask how the meal was. It appeared that the restaurant had overstretched themselves and their staff for that day, leading to what appeared to be a shambolic and substandard service. We won’t be coming back.

Together with my special friend, we only get to see each other rarely as we live some miles apart. Therefore when we do, we find new places to enjoy afternoon tea. Brockley Hall is the first place that has ever offered a savoury alternative (which I prefer) my friend has a nut allergy & is gluten free. Wowsa.....absolutely astounded at the selection/quality & presentation of both, let alone how delicious both were. The ambience & the actual place exceeded all expectations. The staff were lovely, particularly Poppy & we both left with smiles on our faces & what we couldn't manage to eat in little bags to savour later. Both of us have spent many years in hospitality & this place certainly deserves this review! We're certainly going to return, which we normally don't as there we do like to try different places, but my friend who's celebrating a 'special' birthday in October, wants to repeat our experience!