Pesto at Cabbage Hall

Great food and service every time we visit. Good choice of vegan and gluten free vegetarian options too.

My son booked afternoon tea for my birthday. He called to check it was suitable for someone with a gluten and dairy allergy and was assured this was fine. I had major foot surgery in December and am using crutches now. This was the first time I have been able to go out anywhere, I was really looking forward to it. However, on arrival we were quite abruptly greeted, although it was very clear I can hardly walk and am using crutches, the person decided to show us to a table involving steps which I can't manage. The restaurant was empty at 12 noon so plenty of more suitable tables. When I said I couldn't manage steps we were, without asking if it was suitable, shown to another table and told it's near the disabled toilet (this toilet has a large pool of water in the floor, very dangerous for some using crutches, thankfully I managed not to slip, clearly not checked before opening time). We were told whoever had taken the booking had not noted down the allergies and they could not cater for gluten free afternoon tea. There wasn't even a choice of alternative non dairy milk. My daughter was offered the lunch menu and a massive book to look through showing what each dish contained. I asked if something could be recommend. She went to check with the chief twice. Eventually my son and I had the afternoon tea (apparently unlimited tea and coffee - ha ha try getting a refill - so slow I wondered if the waiter had gone to South America for the coffee). My daughter had a tomato pasta dish. We actually heard the first waitress saying 'sorry mate they have allergies'. We did not feel welcome to the point where I actually said it's my birthday today and I've had major surgery so the first time I've managed to go out but there wasn't even a flicker of acknowledgement. The food was thankfully fresh and very nice. It was spoiled by the total absence of customer service or any sort of attention to detail. I just felt extremely unwelcome. I didn't want to leave a tip but my son probably left one because he doesn't like confrontation. Over the years Ive eaten at Pesto a lot, it's always been nice until today's experience. It was so disappointing. A dreadful surly first greeting and then a very indifferent waiter, who clearly needs some more training. Don't state you are allergy friendly if you find it annoying to cater for allergies. I won't be recommending Pesto to anyone, I am disgusted with the extremely poor service. I don't think I've ever experienced such disinterested, surly staff. I feel very upset by the experience. So unnecessaryily poor service

Great food for gluten free options. Lovely service 😊