The Water Rat Ironbridge

Myself, husband, daughter and boyfriend stayed at the water rat on 3rd January for one night. We had the garden view room and my daughter had the standard room. Both lovely and clean. The garden view room has gorgeous views of the garden and river, really lovely. We ate at the pub which was delicious. We were all very happy with it. The breakfast was also delicious and the lady serving us was so nice and friendly. All staff were very helpful and hardworking. Couldn’t fault it, such a pleasant stay. Would recommend.

We visited for a family meal on a Friday evening. As we visited only last year with no issues, we were expecting a nice evening meal again. However, there were a few things that put a dampener on the evening. First of all, the restaurant was almost empty despite being a Friday evening. For some reason, they had put three tables together that were all completely different sizes, some slightly different in height too, to fit 9 of us together. I find this odd considering the restaurant was virtually empty and other tables could have been fit together. The food was average. There were no issues as such, but the quality just wasn't as good as we could remember or for the price too. Additionally, the staff were not particularly friendly or attentive. When we first arrived, it didn't feel like a very welcoming atmosphere when the staff greeted us. I could understand this if the staff were rushed off their feet and busy, but the restaurant was almost empty. Throughout the evening, the staff spent a lot of their time on their phones behind the bar and we had to keep going up to them to ask for drinks. Towards the end of our meal, after spending approximately £200, we were told that if we want to stay for drinks we would have to move elsewhere so they could set up for breakfast... despite there being 1 hour before closing and breakfast not starting until 11am the next day. Nevertheless, we moved and hoped to get some drinks. Most of us wanted a coffee, however, we were told that the coffee machine had been completely switched off and they would not be putting it back on. Again, there was still an hour left before they were due to close! Also, we had not received any warnings they were going to stop serving coffee, otherwise we would have ordered beforehand. Common sense would surely make them think that a big group might want coffee at the end of their meals, like many do. It just seemed like they wanted to push us out early in hopes of getting an early finish. Unfortunately, we are unlikely to return as the quality and atmosphere has gone downhill.

Very average establishment with a limited menu which failed to impress, but most of all the lack of service provided by an indifferent, unprofessional staff was disappointing. Our table was left unattended with empty glasses throughout our entire meal & the youthful staff appeared to be more concerned with their phones & each other than providing service! Will not return to this venue,