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This boozer is a couple of hundred years old, and everyone's secret spot - even, at one time, the trysting Edward VII and Lily Langtry. It's long on atmosphere and blissfully short on hubbub: borrow a board game from the bar or toast yourself at the roaring fire in the snug. Wooden panelling abounds, perfectly in harmony with the unobtrusive murals and funky chandeliers in each room. Outdoor types colonise the leafy terrace at the front, warmed in winter by gas heaters. Inside, the line-up of real ales includes Timothy Taylor Landlord, Black Sheep and Everards, and there's a good selection of wines available by the glass and bottle. A proper dining area, some of which occupies the conservatory, serves classic British nosh like bangers and mash with onion gravy; on our visit, a perfect ribeye steak came with chunky chips and a pile of dressed rocket. Service is charming.
Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9
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I've always loved the Clifton but when I booked it for my birthday party last weekend it lost my vote.
I booked a table for 10 people and my friends were half an hour later. In that time (whilst 3 of us waited for the others and politely told the staff that the rest were on their way) we were treated appallingly. The manager was aggressive and informed us that we hould have arrived on time. I pointed out that if he needed us to leave by 3pm so that he could reuse the table, then we would happily do that. But that failed to appease his arrogant attitude and he proceeded to split our table in half and thrust us into the corner when he realised he had set it for too many people.
What upset me the most was that I was apologetic for my friends' lateness, we made sure we ate up by the required time of 3pm, there was no one else queuing for tables and it was my brithday! The aggression of the staff was completely inappropriate and in no sense did they realise that they were offering me a service as a customer and should treat me with a bit of common respect.
I won't be going back to the Clfiton because I do not appreciate being treated like a child or talked to in such a disrespectful manner. The staff are above their station and need to learn some manners.