Freemasons Arms Wiswell
*Warning* - The following review took place in 2006 before the revamp in 2009. There are new owners now, the whole place has been utterly re-done with a completely different layout. In short, it bears no resemblence to the following...
Well, it began promisingly enough. We happened upon the Freemasons Arms tucked down a small lane in the village of Wiswell (near Clitheroe & Whalley) and thought we'd found a hidden gem. Very traditional-looking, but with decent beer on tap, an excellent wine list, and a menu that echoed the Three Fishes use of local ingredients. At this particular time, a drink was enough for us. Realising it was Mother's Day and that there may be a sudden influx of mums, we sat at the bar, leaving tables free.
The first drink was fine, but once it was established that we weren't having lunch, we were completely ignored. I sat for a while with a empty glass trying to catch the barwoman's attention, but she seemed to have a never-ending succession of small tasks to get involved with. We watched as new customers went up and ordered, & so I stood up with my empty pint glass, then waited even longer. The cook came out and muttered something to the barwoman, but it didn't look as though he was on our side either. Finally it got so obvious that we weren't getting anywhere that we walked out, never to return.
One of my pet peeves are pubs that see those who just pop in for a drink as 2nd class citizens. Surely these people are the same ones who eat in pubs? Don't they understand that if treated well, they are more than likely to return for a meal in the future?
Anyway, it's a real shame no future meals nor ales for us at the Freemason's Arms.....
posted by Trader Woody @ 8:57 AM
11 comments
11 Comments:
... but ... ??
I have only been to this pub once and funnily enough, it was on Mother's Day.
The pub is tiny and well hidden away and it did feel as though you were very much in someones house. The specials board and desserts were oddly placed, with the board propped up against the wall down by the floor. It's a bit difficult trying to see what's on when the menu is behind lots of legs.
We did stay for the duration and we did also eat. We had to wait a long time for it which I don't ever mind because at least it's being cooked from scratch as opposed to being re-heated.
It was worth the wait though. I had the chicken - Mum went for the lamb and both followed with bread and butter pudding. Honestly, the food was outstanding. In this respect it cannot be faulted. For the two main courses, 2 desserts and several drinks, the bill came to just short of £40.00, so very reasonably priced.
The blonde bar woman / owner was very abrupt in general and was incredibly rude and offhand to a young lad who was making general chit chat with us whilst we stood waiting to get a drink. Her comment was something along the lines of "Go and find some glasses to collect - I don't pay you to stand there doing nothing". This might seem trivial but I detest people who feel the need to speak to others in this way, particularly in front of customers.
The staff were generally very polite (apart from the blonde) although you were made aware of the fact you weren't "local".
Outstanding food - and very well priced, but I don't like an uneasy atmosphere when I'm eating out.
I went the the freemasons today and its revamp and new line of chefs has transformed the place so much. the food was top notch i had scolops and apple trifle washed down with a nice pint.
I went to the Freemasons last night and the new decor and layout of the pub was exceptional.
A nice range of local real ales behind the bar and an extensive wine list along with the anticipation of the interesting menu had us set up nicely for the meal.
The food when it came was of a high quality, nicely cooked and presented but came in ridiculously small portion sizes.
My 8 year old son with a notoriously small appitite was dismayed that he only got 7 chips with his 2 slices of monkfish.
Other members of the party were served 2 slices of Goosnargh duck breast on a spoonfull of rocquefort and spinach, while I enjoyed three £2 coin sized medallions of pork served with a spoonfull of mash.
The service is a bit lax too. We ordered wine for the meal but had nearly finished the bite sized portions when it finally came.
All in all it was a general concensus that the portion sizes let this otherwise good restaurant sadly down.
we found the menu lacking very small portions no veg at all as side orders or on the dish food ok but serious eaters its not for you will not go again
visited the freemasons at wiswell yesterday for sturday lunch, first class. the place is amazing and the food and service is no different. the new owners have done an amazing job. the earlier reviews are obviously made by people who dont understand quailty and simply want a mound of stodge at chef and brewer prices. i would recommend that anyone with taste visits the freemasons. you will not be disappointed.
went to the freemasons for the first time on tuesday.it was very busy for midweek. i had heard good reports but i couldnt believe the quality of the food. I have eaten at northcote once this year and this beat it hands down and a fraction of the price for the quality.there was a massive gap in the market between northcotes stuffy overpriced fare and all the other suspects churning out mediocre food and poor service. it is by far the best in the ribble valley by a country mile. well done freemasons, we will be back with friends very soon.
We went this weekend and I've blogged it too. Well executed interior finish (my profession) and I enjoyed my delicious chicken liver parfait, quite the lightest I've ever had, but did smile at the '7' chips comment from Anonymous as my stepson had quite the hump and he got 9!
http://moregeous.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/personal-foodie-weekend-at-thyme-out-deli-the-freemasons-country-inn/
I was very dissapointed with the service, staff need training in english first then customer services.
food over priced
tepid
very small portion sizes
not a fantastic atmosphere
Food very over priced - served by Eastern European whose English was minimal and she was very unpleasant!Gave the establishment a second chance but never again as it was worse than the first time.
What has happened to employing English people in England??
absolute load of rubbish overpriced crap ..thought I was in Poland
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