Much Improved

Two years ago I told you about a meal we had in a British style pub. In that post I complained about the very poor service we experienced. Last week we decided to give it another chance, because the food had really been very good.

The pub was in a town about half an hour's drive away, so we went early and strolled along the main street, browsing in the shops along the way. When it was time for lunch we found the pub and went inside. It was practically empty - no unexpected large crowds that day. A server came over as soon as we had seated ourselves in a booth, told us the specials and took our drinks order. Unlike the previous time, this server was friendly, confident and efficient. I wondered if the birch rod I had seen on our first visit was still in evidence, and whether it was still working wonders on the staff.

I excused myself and made my way to the ladies' washroom. Sure enough, the fearsome bundle of twigs was still in the same location. I took my BlackBerry out of my pocket and snapped a picture, just for you.

Our meal was excellent although we didn't choose dishes that one would consider authentic British pub fare. Ron had French fries (chips) covered with bacon, melted Cheddar cheese and onions, and I had a chicken and sun-dried tomato pizza. We couldn't finish the generous portions. The server came by several times to check on us and see if we needed anything.

We plan to go back again before winter, to assure ourselves that appropriate discipline is being maintained.