Royal Anchor - Table reservation

We have eaten here many times before but not in the last 5 years until today. We had returned to Liphook to arrange the burial of a family member's ashes. The atmosphere was alright but a bit flat as there was no one at the bar. It was like a deserted ship. There were a few diners but not many in comparison to previous visits when it was usually packed. Eventually a very helpful regular came over and told us to enter our car registration into the machine or we'd get a fine of £100 and that should hopefully get the staff to notice a customer was waiting. We have never had to do this before. The lady who appeared a while after that was apologetic for our wait and immediately took our order. The table we wanted wasn't cleared which she again apologised for and announced that there are only 2 of herself working. We opted for another one and sat down. My partner had a sticky patch where he sat so he proceeded to clean this with a napkin. After a short wait our food came out except his wasn't what he'd ordered. This was quickly rectified with a profoundly worried apology which we accepted. My fried chicken goujon wrap was a very sad affair and the portion of fries we ordered was a further disappointment. The wrap whilst tasty only contained 3 goujons which rattled around in the disproportionally over sized wrap and no melted cheese or mayo. There was a slither of green something when I delved to the bottom of it. The bottom of my wrap had been put on the plate into the salad side garnish which was swimming in a dressing which made that part of the wrap soggy and as such that part of it was unappealing to eat. I actually couldn't face the garnish either and I usually love salad stuff. It just seemed slimey to look at. The portion of fries were not piping hot and were like an after thought of a left over batch. The portion size of the fries was in my opinion very mean as well. In comparing my wrap with my partner's; he had the chicken and bacon wrap. The two were incongruous and disproportional too. His wrap was full of chicken, cheese, bacon and salad leaves. It was piping hot and delicious. All through this I was aware of 3 other staff members who had ventured out from where ever to answer a couple of phone calls. Once these were dealt with they disappeared leaving the lone worker who had served us to carry on. She seemed very overwhelmed with all she was having to cope with on her own and as such appeared to be completely unsupported. The first table choice on our arrival remained uncleared as we left as well. Overall it is clear that the interior of the building is in need of being taken in hand to prevent further decay. The paint work in the ladies is tired to say the least although they were clean except with one cubicle out of order. The staff similarly could do with some team building expertise. To leave that lady alone doing what seemed like everything wasn't professional. It was sad to see such a difference in all things that matter. Its all in the detail and that was the problem. I have tried to upload 2 pictures but your server won't upload them. I can attach them to an email if you wish. Kind Regards Hilary

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5 stars across the board. lovely pub however the stars are gained by this one bar staff in particular, she goes by the name jess and she truly brightens my wine wednesdays up. immaculate service (always with a touching smile). without jess i wouldn’t go to this pub she puts the royal in the royal anchor. my queen . Price per person: £20–30 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

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Came here with friends and was served by Jess on the bar who was lovely the food came quickly and was delicious will be back soon ! Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

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Love coming to this pub Jess and Taylor are the best barmaids recommend loads ! Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

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Terrible!! Food: 1 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 1

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