Samuel Smith Pubs
I complained to myself, and probably about two other people who will read it, about the lack of atmosphere in their pub, the Savile Arms in Eakring with their new policy banning mobile phones.
When I posted that, I hadn’t realised just how bad their reviews are across their estate, so here are a few just from recent weeks…..
“Went to this nice looking pub for lunch today in the middle of a visit to Harewood House. As observed by the last reviewer, we were met with a sign informing us that no card payments would be accepted and no phones were allowed. It was empty. Sadly decided to leave. A shame for the place. Often wondered what it’s like but don’t think I will bother again.”
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“electronics ban and cash only…what an awful way to run a family pub. Don’t try a quick glance at your phone as the miserable owner makes spot checks. I’ve seen busier funeral parlours and we were there on a saturday afternoon. The rooms are ok and the only thing stopping me giving it 1 star was the breakfast which was very nice, friendly staff but we won’t stay there again”
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“We went there for lunch today and found the whole experience a bit depressing. The food was uninspiring and certainly nothing to ‘write home about’. The beer, although cheap, was too cold and the orange squash was very weak and cloudy as if it had been made from squash that was well passed its ‘use by’ date (when we asked for it to be made stronger we were told we’d have to pay extra).
The service was delivered with an almost a take-it-or-leave-it attitude. There were also signs everywhere saying mobile phones were banned, there was no wi-fi and only cash was accepted as a form of payment. Whilst this may have been an attempt to recreate the atmosphere of an old style pub, it certainly didn’t seem to lift the spirits of the customers from what we could determine”
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If you want someone telling you how to behave when having a meal or drink then Samuel Smith pubs are for you. A electronic device ban has resulted in the whole bar being practically empty. If you read a kindle on the bar, you will be approached by staff wielding a “NO MOBILE PHONES” poster which is designed to “encourage conversation” we were certainly very talkative as we left.
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Visited this pub today for my mams 60th birthday which we have been coming to for many many years. Took a photo of her and her 4 year old grandson next to the fireplace to put on social media only to be told no phones are permitted in this pub. There are beer mats telling you all the things you can’t use. I felt like I was back at school and the poor staff must be horrified when having to tell people this. No dogs are allowed either! There are so many ‘don’ts’ in this pub it’s ridiculous. This is 2019 and everyone has a mobile phone. People come to relax, and have a drink and not to be told what they can and can’t do with something as so ridiculous as no phones, emails, looking at photos etc. This owner has ruined such a lovely pub. We won’t be returning!
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Been supporting this pub for 25 years but since they barred dogs recently have never been in since and have no intention of going in as all the other pubs in the area allow dogs. They banned phones before dogs and most of the self employed workmen who called in for a teatime pint have also given up on this place as they couldn’t use there phones after a days work to check for messages etc.
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Last year we stayed for 3 nights here in this beautiful hotel /pub . The place is stunning upstairs due to top class refurb . We loved our stay . Downstairs the olde worlde pub is absolutely brilliant .When we entered by the front door the bar area was all stone floors and old fashioned church seating with locals in every corner and their dogs sat under the tables .The atmosphere was great ,lots of chatting and laughter going on .Through the bar to yet another interesting room, with comfy chairs and old photos of the area from years gone by ,and an old well in the corner on the floor that you can look down ,incredible .The place is a warren of fantastic rooms all different and all wonderful .The beer is to die for and the prices are from the 90s . BUT sadly this was last year !!! This year is totally different . The owners have introduced NO DOGS ,NO MOBILE PHONES ETC. Now there are NO locals with their dogs, passing the time , No youngsters having a laugh , No anything really ,because who wants to sit in a pub by yourselves ?? Last time we went in it was just us and the bar man .didn’t stay long . Need to bend these rules a little . WHY cant the dogs stay in the bar with the stone floor ? WHY cant the people just turn their phones down ? Such a shame .!!!!!
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We called in for lunch.The hotel entrance and bar area rooms were a delight. Food was well priced and enjoyable.
Dissapointed with the available drinks. Only serve one Red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) and one white wine (Chenin Blanc) Asked for a J2O but only had an awful fizzy something. Had faided to see the signs on every door (six rooms in the bar area) banning phones/ipads.. I wanted to show our friends a few photos on my iphone who had also driven for an hour to get there. Not allowed I was told. Now I agree entirely that sound MUST be turned off at all time whilst in those areas. However, there were three people in the bar one of whom had a newspaper. I ventured to ask could I read my telegraph on my ipad as that is the way I subscribe. It cuts down on paper. NO they said. Could I read a book on my ipad… again NO. So the answer is to take a pile of books and news papers in. They can dispose of the old newspapers. Remember to take as many photograph albums in with you as you can carry. I feel sorry for the staff as it is clearly all down to Humphrey Smith. What a luddite he must be. Well there were only two other people in having a coffee and they soon left. The three locals at the bar all agreed with my comments. The construction of the building is fabulous. What a pity to see it run that way, sadly it won’t be long before they shut up shop.
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There are hundreds of these. So much for “social pubs”. But, as the company admit, “we are struggling”.
