A big thanks to Ye Olde Village Inn in Bembridge

[dragoon]

We went out on our Sabre 27 at the weekend. With all the marinas rammed full we headed for Bembridge and dried out on the beach (to Port as you enter the harbour).

Surprisingly there were no other boats there as it's a lovely place to overnight and the marina was chocka.

We then booked a table at Ye Olde Village Inn and went there for dinner on the Sunday evening.

We were a party of 4 (2 adults and 2 children). The pub was heaving. They efficiently took our drinks order, but there was a delay for the food order, and as we were sat opposite the kitchen, I could see they were overwhelmed with orders.

In the end the owner came around and apologized and offered us the chance for the drinks on the house, but they couldn't deliver food from the main menu as the kitchen now had over 1 hour of backlog.

I asked if we could fetch a Chinese t takeaway from next door, and we'd stay for more drinks and pay. He agreed, but then also offered us the chance of pizzas as they could work the pizza oven independently of the kitchen queue.

We agreed, ordered 4 pizzas and another round of drinks. The pizzas arrived in about 20 mins and everyone was happy.

When I asked to pay, the Landlord would not accept any money, despite my insistence otherwise.

I would like to say, what a gentleman. We'll be back - it's a favorite place of mine for dinner anyway. In the end we just left as much tip as we could gather between us, for the kitchen/serving staff.

All in all, a lovely weekend out on the boat.....

 

[zoidberg]

That's a 'good news' story that's heartening to read.
Really good Customer Facing Service like that really needs all the encouragement that can be found.

 

[Offshore57]

What a star.....will definitely try that place next time we go

 

[Frogmogman]

What a very generous gesture by the landlord, in recognition of an understanding and flexible attitude on your part.

These are strange and trying times for us all, and patience and forbearance are required on both sides of the counter.

 

[tat27]

I have eaten there regularly and this is classic of their customer service - well done for posting.

 

[Davy_S]

You could perhaps give the owner a print out of your OP and the replies, he would be able to see that good customer service is appreciated and encourages future customers.

 

[dragoon]

You could perhaps give the owner a print out of your OP and the replies, he would be able to see that good customer service is appreciated and encourages future customers.

Yes, I was thinking the same. I will do.

 

[dragoon]

I've sent an email to the manager, with a link to this page. It seems the post can be accessed directly without needed to be logged in (I tested that).

 

[xcw]

That's so good to hear. Somewhat different to The Mayflower in Lymington when I tried to visit on Sunday evening. There were loads of empty tables in the garden and pretty well empty inside. Greeted with have you got a booking? No, I just want a quick drink (max 30 mins). No you have to have a booking said the jobsworth on the door. I won't be returning and will take my custom elsewhere , although I won't miss place as it's a pretty "plastic" pub and not really to my liking. Eventually went to The Ship in town and although it's not my idea of a great pub the staff couldn't have been more helpful and welcoming. The hospitality industry have had a really hard time but I'm afraid many really don't help themselves and build customer loyalty.

 

[Switch]

I called The Lifeboat restaurant in E Cowes for a table for two at 6pm on Saturday last. Fully booked sorry. I then went on line and made a booking for 5.30pm. We turned up and the restaurant was mostly empty. We left at 7pm and the restaurant was only half full. Although the food and service was good but I really got the impression that they preferred not to be too busy.

 

[Mister E]

That is a really nice uplifting report.

 

[ashtead]

Thank you for sharing Dragoon. As you say the marina does get a tad crowded but useful to know of good eateries.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

I called The Lifeboat restaurant in E Cowes for a table for two at 6pm on Saturday last. Fully booked sorry. I then went on line and made a booking for 5.30pm. We turned up and the restaurant was mostly empty. We left at 7pm and the restaurant was only half full. Although the food and service was good but I really got the impression that they preferred not to be too busy.

Aren't they required to be half-empty still because of COVID restrictions?

 

[Sea-Fever]

I've got Bembridge booked for later in the year. I'll be trying this pub on the back of this good customer service....let's face it not everywhere on the island is like that....and there are precious few good eateries in the East within walking distance of Bembridge.

 

[ashtead]

While not in such a short walking distance I would suggest the Old Fort at Seaview if you book remains a good choice with fine views of Solent. Was there on bank holiday Monday and good helpful staff even if they started to run short of some offerings but crabs have been keeping a low profile recently I gather.

 

[Switch]

Aren't they required to be half-empty still because of COVID restrictions?

Good point - maybe, but it would have been nice to have been offered an alternative time by the person I spoke to.

 

[dragoon]

Aren't they required to be half-empty still because of COVID restrictions?

I'm not sure as they specifically have to be half empty, but they have to have adequate spacing between patrons for sure. The pub I was at has mostly moved it's seating under cover to the back and whilst very busy, people were well spaced. They've also introduced a call feature (like in an aircraft) to request service, so people aren't walking about the place.