The Forresters Arms Kilburn

Stayed for 3 nights, staff were friendly and food was good however they seemed to be having a few stock issues as we often were told “ sorry we have run out” or “ we are waiting for a delivery”. Breakfast was a cooked breakfast only so no cereal, fruit, yogurt ect and on the last day it was like faulty towers I presume that it was the landlord/ owner hosting breakfast that morning as it was not the friendly chap that had been working all weekend, after bring us coffee that was undrinkable we waited 45 mins for our cooked breakfast, other guests arrived for breakfast and there was no one to offer them tea/ coffee / juice ect, eventually after knocking on the kitchen door the poor chef had to come out to the guests so breakfast on that morning was not a good experience. The room we stayed in was in need of a refresh, they had patched the wall but only painted the patching with a totally different colour and the shower needed a good deep clean. When we checked out no one was about so went looking for owner/ landlord when we found him we also let him know that people were waiting for coffee ect for breakfast and he just said the chef should be dealing with that had our key and walked off. All in all some customer service training needed !!! It’s a real shame as the location is beautiful.

We have been several times before under different ownership but this was dreadful. Ten minute wait at the bar, no staff. Had booked a table but seated ourselves and after waiting for a menu, got ourselves one. Nobody came to take the order, so we ordered at the bar. One hour later, we had to chase up the food. Mine was only two cold starters! Had to send the bruschetta back as it was really awful. Sun-dried tomatoes out of a jar with a bit of balsamic glaze on top. Shared my husbands meal instead. Worst meal I have ever had and I have never ever sent food back before. Several people weren’t happy and complained and everyone stood at the bar queuing. Felt really sorry for the two staff, they tried their best but they were only young and could only do so much. The bruschetta was refunded to be fair too. Won’t be going back until it is under new ownership. Such a shame as it is a lovely place and used to be very good. The owner needs to get a grip and support his staff.

This used to be an excellent pub with a wide ranging menu, great service and wonderful food. It has now changed hands and the impression that you gain is that the new owners are simply wanting to run the pub down so that they can close it and build houses on the site. The menu was very restricted and we were told that, even then, a number of the dishes were not available. Although there was very little business being done when we called in for lunch the service was poor with only one lady trying to run the bar as well as serve those customers that she had. The food was mediocre to say the least. Avoid this pub. Alas I imagine Kilburn might find themselves soon devoid of a village pub. What a shame!!!