Chain Gastro Pubs

[Spacecadet]

I recently revisited what had been one of my favourite pubs several years ago for some lunch.
Now part of the Chef and Brewer chain, the food has dropped in standard to no better than a Harvester* but with inflated prices.

Is there a CAMRA equivalent for these places so one knows where to avoid?


*On second thoughts a Harvester pub is better given that there is no deception involved

[pacharan]

I recently revisited what had been one of my favourite pubs several years ago for some lunch.
Now part of the Chef and Brewer chain, the food has dropped in standard to no better than a Harvester* but with inflated prices.

Is there a CAMRA equivalent for these places so one knows where to avoid?


*On second thoughts a Harvester pub is better given that there is no deception involved

Oor local is a Hungry Horse. Missus and I often go up there for their "Early Bird" specials.

[ChrisPackit]

As a rule of thumb, I would generally avoid any pubs with Harvester, Sizzlin', Brewers Fayre et al and most definitely anything 2-4-1 or 2 for £10...

[Spacecadet]

As a rule of thumb, I would generally avoid any pubs with Harvester, Sizzlin', Brewers Fayre et al and most definitely anything 2-4-1 or 2 for £10...

Goes without saying (unless that's what you're after) however some of these chains can be quite subtle (i.e. sneaky) about the branding and it's not until you're inside and looking at the menu that you realise you're about to order a reheated meal

[Platypus]

The Good Pub Guide 2011 - Information and reviews on the best pubs across the UK

They have their reviews on-line now, very nice!

Perhaps this would have identified your pub as a craphole?

[DaveB]

Goes without saying (unless that's what you're after) however some of these chains can be quite subtle (i.e. sneaky) about the branding and it's not until you're inside and looking at the menu that you realise you're about to order a reheated meal

If you do end up in places like that the trick is to order something that can;t have been pre-packaged. Go for steak, roast chicken, burgers etc. Your much more likely to get something edible.

[norrahe]

If you do end up in places like that the trick is to order something that can;t have been pre-packaged. Go for steak, roast chicken, burgers etc. Your much more likely to get something edible.

Most of the stuff that is peddled by those establishments hardly qualifies as fresh and goes from freezer to deep fat fryer or freezer to microwave.

Anything that is fresh will be of questionable source so don't expect anything of any quality.

With the high turnover of staff and the low pay the food safety and hygiene often suffers.

Best to avoid.

[Sysman]

Most of the stuff that is peddled by those establishments hardly qualifies as fresh and goes from freezer to deep fat fryer or freezer to microwave.

Anything that is fresh will be of questionable source so don't expect anything of any quality.

With the high turnover of staff and the low pay the food safety and hygiene often suffers.

Best to avoid.

WNS. Plus boil in the bag stuff.

On the staff side, try explaining to a hungry 2 year old why his plate of chips hasn't arrived when everyone else's food has.

[MarillionFan]

As a rule of thumb, I would generally avoid any pubs with Harvester, Sizzlin', Brewers Fayre et al and most definitely anything 2-4-1 or 2 for £10...

I don't. If I'm taking the kids out, that's exactly where we head.

They can throw their food around, make as much noise as they want and if anyone tells me to keep them quiet I am safe in the knowledge I can tell someone to f-off and know I haven't been barred from anywhere nice.

[amcdonald]

WNS. Plus boil in the bag stuff.

On the staff side, try explaining to a hungry 2 year old why his plate of chips hasn't arrived when everyone else's food has.

Why, it shouldn't take a minute to microwave a plate of chips ?