Major work going on at the Cuckfield to renovate the building, including a new straight bar, heated private booths outside, and new awnings and signage among other things. The pub is reopening on 4 Feb, and is keeping its regulars updated with progress via Twitter at @CuckfieldE11.
A last farewell to the old #bar from Jacob & Monique – void of booze & ready for demolition! #thecuckfield #wanstead pic.twitter.com/PLqg28xHO3
— The Cuckfield (@CuckfieldE11) January 11, 2016
I hope they have consulted the conservation police over the new signage etc…
We don’t like change!
New straight bar, eh? I didn’t realise the old one was gay.
Seriously – I had a long phone call from a guy at Mitchells & Butler following a letter I’d sent telling them what a complete and utter disgrace the pub was, and how it could do a million times better if it was actually maintained and managed properly. He explained abut the renovation, but I said that no matter how pretty they made the inside – if the food was terrible, staff overwhelmed, lightbulbs not replaced, toilets disgusting – then they need not waste their money as customers would vote with their feet. This, I was assured, was all going to change. He also promised me an invite to the relaunch party – remains to be seen if he remembers!
It’s a simple equation, really.
If the landlord actually owns the pub and has full control of its destiny (and profits) then it will succeed (The Duke, The Nightingale).
Plonk in a poor overworked tenant landlord / manager who is paid very little and you’ll get horrible, dirty and rundown pub (The Cuckfield, The George).
I have not been for a long time. It took forever to get served and for food to come so gave up. Not really the staff’s fault but the management for under-staffing.
I will try again after the refurb in the hope it can compete with the other excellent pubs in the area.
Ditto to all above comments.
They will need to do more than re-decorate to get me back there.
Haven’t been for years due to poor, slow service. Waiting ages for food, the quality of which became increasingly poor.
Reading reviews on TripAdvisor I see that nothing seems to have changed for the better.
I’m sure it will look great, but until they train the bar staff in basic customer service I’ll stick to the Nightingale or the Duke. Had so many bad experiences here.
They need to learn how to serve a roast dinner in less than an hour and a quarter!
Needs a decent wine list as well as decent food and decent service.
Anyone know how to contact M & B customer services at their Head Office? Their website cleverly diverts any complaints back to the pub you are complaining about! I had this experience when I complained before. Result – nothing.
Anyone know how to contact M & B customer services at their Head Office? Their website cleverly diverts any complaints back to the pub you are complaining about! I had this experience when I complained before. Result – nothing.
Also had bad experiences with their roast dinners. complained and got no response from the staff, so posted a polite comment on their Facebook page and they removed it! Agree with Bethan the last place I’d also go for a drink, the bar staff can be pretty rude too