Punch Bowl

We visited the Punchbowl for a drink and dinner midweek, even with a reservation we were made to wait, when half the dining area was empty. Service was dreadful, slow, inattentive staff, we had to ask for menus, table water, even some bread and butter, it was as if serving the customer was a nuisance, we did have a nice starter, but cold mains, which were sent back, after nearly an hour wait. A great disappointment, after all this we walked out. They did not charge us and said they were understaffed, all only after we were seated and awaiting our mains.

Went there for a drink and a meal for a 30th birthday on Wednesday evening. Arrived 15 minutes early to be told to wait at the bar as there were 'no seats' but there were visible seats available. Shockingly slow and unattentive service, blamed on short staff. Food seemed nice but it was cold. We walked out and will not be returning. The manager kindly gave us our drinks on the house but don't go there for a special occasion.

A similar experience to SE... Dropping by for a quick drink before going to the cinema early Saturday evening: "Sorry folks, its reservations only this evening." The guy on the door was polite and prepared to offer alternative suggestions, but last time I checked you don't have to reserve to go to a pub, particularly one that is billed as a local.

Having just had an early dinner with friends we walked to the Punch Bowl to be told on a saturday night 'they were short of staff and would not be serving anybody else'
Speaks volumes for the way the pubs is run if it cannot even staff itself on a saturday night .

Very good food...bar/pub was what you wanted in London !!!

Nice pub - awful service. I took my colleagues there for a drink last night. There were about 15-20 of us and I had phoned ahead to make sure it was ok to bring a large group in. They said it was fine. I stood at the bar for a total of 45 minutes. During this time, I was served (after 15 mins), drinks were poured (another 15 mins), the barman then started serving other people half way through my order, before leaving to pick up empty glasses - all very leisurely (another 10 mins), and then he FINALLY came back to complete my order. So, after 45 mins our group at last had drinks in their hands and I was able to join them all. But by then we had to leave! 2 staff serving mid-week is not cool. I've heard the food is very nice, but service terrible. I can vouch for one of those!

was there last night, from 4pm til 8pm and had such a good time, service was excellent
and food was very tasty. will defo go back, loved it.