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Top restaurant hits back at scathing customer review criticising 'soggy Yorkshires’

Tag：top restaurant Sparrowhawk 2021-11-15 10:46

Top restaurant hits back at scathing customer review criticising

The owner of a top restaurant that received a scathing review has hit back with a sarcastic comment suggesting the customer must have “obviously become a self styled food and restaurant critic” in their own right.

The Sparrowhawk in Fence, Lancashire, is rated #2 of four restaurants in the village and rated 4.5 stars overall following 738 reviews from previous guests.

It also boasts a Travellers' Choice award and is Taste Lancashire - Highest Quality Assured and members of Made in Lancashire.

Although many of its 452 five-star reviews praise the restaurant’s food and venue, one user broke ranks by describing their experience at the Sparrowhawk as “totally underwhelming”, LancsLive reports.

The user, by the name of Guitarproctor, rated the restaurant two stars after visiting with a party of 13 where they had booked a table and reportedly "pre-ordered food”.

Top restaurant hits back at scathing customer review criticising

They wrote: "The starter of ‘salmon en croute’ was a bizarre take on the dish that was essentially smoked salmon on toast with a couple of poached eggs.

“Several had the Sunday roast and agreed it was disappointing due to chewy beef, soggy and stodgy Yorkshire’s and hardly any gravy. Those with the chicken option found it to be dry."

The user went on to claim that the "one vegan option" of Mediterranean Tofu Tacos, roast tomatoes and house salad "consisted of uncooked tofu straight out of the packet with some reheated old ratatouille poured over the top.”

They added: "I can only assume it was the chefs day off. The waiting staff were friendly enough, but I definitely won’t be returning.”

Top restaurant hits back at scathing customer review criticising

The owner at The Sparrowhawk, whose username on TripAdvisor is LancashireFlatcap, responded: "Well Guitarproctor, thanks for taking the time to post your review following your recent visit.

“Like so many today that have watched the plethora of food programs on TV you have obviously become a self styled food and restaurant critic in your own right.”

They added that "it always amazes" them and "others" within the industry when guests are asked about meals, service and drinks on the day that "the face to face reaction is one of satisfaction and enjoyment”.

They added: "Annoyingly the follow up review sometimes follows an opposing view. All very contradictory especially when a tip was left.

“As you will have evidenced, yesterday was a very busy day and yours is the only negative reaction. I think this speaks for itself.

"As you will not be returning I wish you well in finding other venues that meet your high expectations for a "fiver" or "tenner" as mentioned in your other reviews.

“P.S. our chef was not on a day off. He and others had been in the kitchen from 8am preparing all our food for the day from fresh ingredients which is why you should never assume anything.”

Other previous guests of the restaurant have praised the old farmstead venue for its "excellent" food, with many certain they would be "visiting again”.

One user, by the username of Hellas_Fans, rated the restaurant five stars in August and said they "can't wait to go back.”

They wrote: "A friend and I went for lunch. The food was amazing. My friend had the scampi and I had the duck which was cooked to perfection.

"It was the small things that made the difference. The salad served with the scampi and the vegetables were fresh and out of the ordinary. To finish we had the berry trifle that was light and delicious.

“The service was spot on. Lawrence and William couldn't do enough for us.

“I have lived in the village for 17 years and this was one of the best meals I have had at the Sparrow. Thank you everyone."

The Sparrowhawk has been contacted for comment.

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