February 2024 by Nigel McGoldrick
An off the scale level of service - or rather, lack of - today at the Black Rabbit, Arundel. My wife had nostalgic reasons for wishing to visit this pub, and therefore we'd pre-booked a lunch-time table. Arriving in a timely manner, we had to wait a few minutes for a table to be readied before being ushered to it.
I imagine this was a typical lunch-time here. Busy, but not unduly so, with some tables spare, and several waiting staff on duty. I'm setting the scene, as there were no justifications for the woeful service we were to receive.
We were given menus and the waitress told us she'd be back to take our order. Meanwhile another couple arrived, five minutes after us, and sat at an adjacent table but were handled by a different waiter. We observed him take their drinks order, promptly returning with them, by which time the couple had had time to read the menu and placed their food order. We sat there, with no return from our waitress. We weren't in any hurry, so found the events mildly amusing - the couple who'd arrived five minutes after us, had got their drinks and placed their food order, yet still no sign of our waitress, who I had by now made eye contact with a couple of times, and got the 'I'll be right with you'' look from her. So, the couple next to us then had their food delivered, yet still we hadn't been asked for our drinks or food order.
Eventually the waitress returned to us; drinks were ordered. Then... well the ordereed drinks just didn't arrive. If you can imagine, you go through that ''they'll be here in a minute'' period and patiently wait, but no show of the drinks. So, more eye contact with our waitress who said she'd 'chase it up', and yep, another five minutes went by... no drinks.
But then - and this was the bit where my blood pressure really went up and my nervous twitch came on strong - another group arrived, complete with their dog. Our waitress then sits them down, takes their drinks order, which despite us now being a good twenty minutes into our wait for drinks, SHE THEN GOES AND GETS THE DOG A BOWL OF WATER. The dog gets a bowl of water, What a splendid gesture, but why can't we receive equitable treatment to someone's dog!
My wife pacified me; and despite my desire to hit the launch missiles button, she'd really wanted to make an auspicious occasion of this visit, so I again put om my tolerant head. But still - no drinks! No apology. No explanation. Finally, we'd had enough. Considered words were said to the waitress about the shambolic service; how other people had arrived after us, had ordered a meal and nigh on eaten it whilst we still awaited our drink. A perfunctory 'sorry' was as good as it got from the waitress - clearly a distant stranger to the world of customer engagement - and so we went elsewhere.
Hopefully the dog and its owner were happy with the service they received that I might have liked, and will leave a glowing review to balance the tale of this shocking service we received. I clearly can't comment on the quality of the food or even the drinks because we never got any!
January 2024 by StewartStone
This was the second time I'd had lunch here recently, on this occasion it was my girlfriend's birthday. As previously, the food and service were both outstanding. I had the Ravioli and Venison, both of which were delicious, as was my girlfriend's Fish Pie. The weather stayed dry, and the pub was busy a few days after New Year. This pub has everything and mixes professionalism, warmth, and humour in equal measure. Well done, both of us eat out a lot and can be hard to please, however you've exceeded our expectations!
January 2024 by jenny m
Beautiful location. Gorgeous pub. We meet here with our family twice a year as the service and food is just so lovely. Staff are friendly, food is varied, delicious and served hot! However, today sadly it was most certainly a disappointment. We felt hemmed in, understanding of course, it's popular and therefore tables have been reserved. Today we felt like we were at a Crufts Dog convention. There were about five dogs with owners in a small area. The noise from their barking was ludicrous. Why can't people leave their dogs at home, especially in a restaurant!!??... The noise level therefore of people talking over the noise of the dogs was bellowing, accompanied also by couples with screaming babies. It certainly wasn't a relaxing atmosphere this time and has made us think wether we will be back again. We are in our latter year's with slight loss of hearing between us four, so it's difficult enough to hold a conversation but was even more so today after the racket we had to sit through. Please consider using the canopied area outside!!
January 2024 by jim elgar
Beautiful setting for a delicious pub dinner. Dog friendly too. We recently went as a large party 15+. We didn't even have to pre order and yet the food and service was prompt, piping hot and all very delicious. Good value for money and very family friendly
January 2024 by Barry Cox
I absolutely loved this place!! The food was great, and all the staff were friendly & also very patient with our grandchildren. Definitely recommend giving this place a
January 2024 by Matt Davies
Loved this place years ago but terrible now. Our table wasn?t ready and got told to go to the bar and wait (with 2 autistic children) stood there for 30 minutes and kept asking to move by the staff. Service was terrible had to go to the bar to get drinks as the waitress never asked. The food wasn?t great. The manager was aware but didn?t care, won?t be going back
January 2024 by Toni T
Honestly one of the best pubs I?ve ever been in! The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, the atmosphere is so cosy (there are two fire places!!) and the food is incredible and I must admit I am very very fussy about food.Absolutely worth every pound.
January 2024 by Jaffathecat1
Even in the depths of the winter the location of this place is great, right by the banks of the river & next to the nature reserve, so it's hard not to like it just for the relaxing vibe. We met friends for a leisurely lunch & spent the whole afternoon without being hurried. The service was good & the kitchen were very accommodating for food allergies. We'll definitely be back when next in the area & will combine it with a proper look around Arundel which is well worth the journey!
January 2024 by Static C
Struggle over. There wasn't anything. Stunning position by the river, beautiful building, lovely interior and, crucially, the best serving team I've encountered in years. Friendly, efficient and, in the case of two of the young women who served us, very funny! Food was great, beer well kept... I mean... what else can one ask for?!
December 2023 by s.g1328
Food was excellent and our server Ian, along with all staff who helped serve were super friendly. Accepts dogs which is great!Kid-friendliness: Play area outside
December 2023 by tatmeister
What a wonderful experience from start to finish. We are a group of friends working in the same field, who meet for a Christmas lunch. This pub was chosen for its location and ease of parking, as well as having a really lovely Christmas menu. We were so warmly welcomed on arrival and it was clear that nothing was too much trouble. Drinks were brought to our table and a last minute change accommodated with no fuss. Our meal was superb. I enjoyed a generous plate of crab ravioli, which was absolutely delicious. Others had soup, terrine etc and everyone was happy with their choices. Our main courses were served, and again were absolutely wonderful. I had the vegetarian roast with trimmings, others had turkey. We all had a very generous plateful of beautiful meat or seed loaf, lots of roasties, yorkshire pudding, swede and carrot, red cabbge and brussel sprouts. The food was beautifully cooked and portions were huge. We were given time to digest before our puddings arrived. My creme brulee was tasty and the other puds all looked tempting. During the meal we were regularly visited by the serving team to ensure we had what we needed. Everyone was smiley and helpful, despite the pub being full and busy. I am pretty certain we will be back next year. Well done to the chefs and serving team - you made our lunch a really special treat.
December 2023 by Eckhard Coetzee
Kelly was awesome!! The mushroom soup was delicious and my hot chocolate was really nice ?
December 2023 by AD V
I've been coming here since I was 17.Haven't been in around a year. Dropped in for lunch with a friend and had the most delicious meal.The roasts were exceptional. Just like made at home. Plenty of meat on plate. Followed by a delightful creme brulee.Kelly and another server, were excellent at their hosting.We will be back!
December 2023 by Sarah Fowkes
A beautiful Sunday Roast lunch at the Black Rabbit!! Both service and food was delightful, one of the best roasts I've had in a while, tasty beef, crispy but fluffy potatoes (the measure of a good roast), great veg selection and not stingy on the gravy. Definitely recommend for a cosy Sunday treat!I loved the creative cocktail menu too - could have easily tried one of each.
December 2023 by Andrew Kelly
Enjoyed the venison bourgignon, tasty, but could have done with more. Service friendly and nice atmosphere. The location is fantastic, by the river Arun with a view of Arundel castle.
