In town yesterday for some lunch. Remembered reading about The Exchequer, a new place on Exchequer Street. Despite seeing the horrendous term ‘Gastropub’ on the sign, had a look at the menu and thought it quite promising.
That lasted as far as the front door. Went in, sat down. Was ignored for at least 5 minutes. The place was not busy. Eventually caught the attention of a waiter and asked for the menu. Read the menu, decided what to have. Waited. Waiter bloke returned and asked us what we would like. We told him. Off he went.
Then, about five minutes later, he came back with a piece of paper and asked us to repeat the order because he had forgotten completely what it was.
This did not fill me with much confidence so I went to the bar to get drinks rather than order from him. One pint, one Coke. The barman, who didn’t really look like a barman or anyone who had worked in any kind of service industry before, asked me where I was sitting. I told him. He said he’d drop the drinks up. Ten minutes later I caught his eye as he walked past us, completely oblivious. I asked him again for the drinks. He brought them up, apologised for the delay and put them down in front of us. There was a little overspill from the pint and some condensation on the Coke glass so I asked him if it wouldn’t be too much trouble for him to give us a couple of beer mats.
He said this would be no problem at all and off he went. He never came back. I got some beer mats myself. I walked past him to get them and to bring them back. He didn’t notice.
We sat, waiting. I looked around. Despite the place not being busy and there being plenty of staff around doing very little from what I could see, one table remained dirty with napkins and the remains of somebody’s lunch, while used glasses were piled up at one end of the bar. Nobody cleaned them or put them in the dishwater.
Twenty-odd minutes after ordering food we are getting a bit antsy. The barman bloke who forgot the beermats is standing down at the front bar area talking to somebody, just looking around.
Twenty-five minutes after ordering food there’s no sign of the starters, which were very simple indeed. We discuss what poor service this is and how we are being completely ignored. There is nobody there who realises that we have been waiting so long for food, nobody has come up to say ‘Sorry for the delay’ or ‘Your food will be with you soon’. They are all too busy standing around trying to look cool.
Half an hour goes by. I say to my dining companion that we’ll give it another five minutes and then we’ll leave. Still nobody has come near us. The barman has not remembered the beer mats, the waiter who took our food order walks past us five or six times. It has not occurred to him that we have no food, despite the length of time we have been waiting.
The five minutes are up. Thirty five minutes after ordering we put on our coats, pick up our bags, put on scarves, hats, gloves etc. There are staff standing around, including our waiter. I throw down some money on the counter to cover the drinks. We walk out of The Exchequer and nobody even notices.
We go to Parliament Street and in the time we spent waiting for our starters in The Exchequer we have had starter and main course in Ciao Bella Roma whose €8.95 set lunch menu is tremendous value and the pizza is one of the best I have ever eaten. The service is prompt, friendly and efficient. I recommend it highly.
I checked out The Exchequer’s website this morning. I see they have Twitter and Facebook. How marvelous. Maybe if they had the first clue about how to treat customers in the real world things might be better for them. I won’t go back. When you go to a restaurant, and a new one at that, to find the staff can’t be bothered with you, then you’re not much inclined to return.
And unless they get a manager in there who knows what he’s doing, who will make sure staff aren’t standing around leaving dirty napkins and glasses and tables, then they’re well and truly doomed.
Their website says:
whether its a romantic meal with your loved one, dinner with family or friends, a casual snack, a corporate event or simply a few drinks and a good night out, you will be welcomed, appreciated and taken care of by people who are passionate about what they do.
So passionate they don’t notice customers leaving. They don’t notice, or seem to care about, customers who haven’t been given what they ordered. They don’t notice dirty glasses and tables.
As restaurant reviews generally operate on a ‘star’ basis I give The Exchequer 1 star out of five, and that’s only because I liked the sinks in the toilets.
Have you checked that you weren’t stabbed by a mental patient the previous day and are now in fact dead but don’t know it yet?
I’ve been to the Exchequer once, and it was grand. Though “gastropub” is indeed a horrible horrible word.
You obviously had a far better experience than I did. Haven’t been so roundly ignored since I last Twittered at the Green Party.
So they don’t check what’s on the order, they don’t check if mats or cutlery has been placed on the table or if the dirty stuff has been cleared off used tables, they don’t check if the customers have been served or even check if they’ve fucked off………
… they don’t call it the Exchequer for nothing. (boom tish!)
heh
were the staff possible cover for the chrimbo?
nothing worse when it happens! Deep breaths….
MOTHER IRELAND IS REARING THEM STILL….
I’ll bet it’s a Murdoch pub.
Sounds like a visit I had to a supposedly “Michelin Star deserving” Restaraunt once..
Walked out after 45mins without even being asked for our order..Coughed “Cunts!” very loudly while walking past the Maitre D…. It wasn’t big or clever but it did sum up my feelings at the time.
Remarkably restrained Twenty, my review would have been X-Rated if I’d had service like that.
Sounds like the HSE has started running restaurants.
I’d like to hear their side of the story !
Em, seem as if the place was a cluster fuck of people with ADD (attention deficit disorder)!!
They must know you….can you not take a hint ! ( Joke ! )
Who were you with ? Michael Winner ?
You’re not good enough for The Exchequer apparently. Try McDonalds and gradually build up to more respectable establishments. And leave Dirty Dave at home next time.
McDonalds have an injunction against him after the infamous gherkin incident.
I’m with you on this Twenty. Was there a couple of weeks ago for a few birthday drinks. We didn’t order food but saw two separate groups of people complaining, and there was nobody on the bar repeatedly when we needed replenishments. Loadabollix, wouldn’t go back.
you never ordered the second round of drinks.
I’ve had a similar feeling this week waiting on you to comment on the Gerry Adams scandal.
Waiting and waiting and waiting….
Brilliant !! Helen Lucy Burke eat yer heart out !!
>> I liked the sinks in the toilets.
Oh Christ I can just imagine you climbing on up there and leaving them a nice steaming christmas present
No George Michael comments so far, surprising!
“We at The Exchequer recognise the importance, especially in the times we are in today, of supporting Irish companies and Irish producers. To this end we persistently endeavour to source our produce nationally.”
Which is exactly why we got a few blokes from Australia (http://www.washingtoncreative.com.au/)to do our website.
I love Ciao Bella Roma, it’s a great spot.
Its very Irish of you to wait 35 minutes and very very Irish to leave sheepishly without saying anything. Forgot i used to have an ulcer when I lived there, now where did I leave that…… and yeh ciao Bella Roma is a good spot, will probably pop in for some soakage on my xmas visit back
Yes, why didn’t you say something while you were there? I hate that when people complain about service, but don’t complain to the people who are providing the bad service.
Yes, why didn’t you say something while you were there?
Orders from the Vatican, the Clergy are to keep a low profile. The media would love “drunken Cleric and companion causes trouble in restaurant”.
Sounds like you’ve found yourself a good place to visit the toilet whenever you’re in town. That should annoy them nicely … IF they even notice of course
“whether its a romantic meal with your loved one, dinner with family or friends, a casual snack, a corporate event or simply a few drinks and a good night out, ”
If you wanted a romantic meal would you go to a family restaurant? Or if you wanted to bring the wife and kids out for dinner would you bring them to a place full of locked office workers?
They don’t know what they are. I passed that place recently and cringed at the gastropub sign. Eh, we’re not in Chelsea 10 years ago thanks.
romantic meals are for cunts.
You asked for beer mats because of the “condensation”? No wonder they treated you badly. They probably, and rightfully thought that you were being a cunt. Ohh la dee da I need beer mats because of the slight condensation. Fuuuuu
Maggot, romantic meals are for getting into them.
Twenty, I hope that you stiffed the prick on the tip. Providing, of course, that you do tip.
Merry Christmas to all who comment on Twenty’s blog and to you Twenty as well. I hope that you all have a happy, but not necessarily sober, holiday and that you wake up without a hangover.
Maggot, romantic meals are for getting into them.
Bollix. Waste of money. They want romance, we want sex. And after spending a fortune on this “romantic meal” we have to get them to the bedroom without them going off the boil – and that can be tricky. One wrong word and “forget it”!
Nope, the maggot method, they think they are getting romance, but a far bigger chance of rumpy pumpy as bed close to table .
Candles, nice meal ( prawn cocktail, sphag bol and black forest gateaux ) and wine ( a hefty Barolo – decanted – which you assure the target is a weak red, hardly any alcohol at all etc ) and the two crucial elements -
1) clean sheets – they seem to think it important
2) Best of Bread on the stereo – NEVER FAILS.
There you have it, the maggot method. And works on all ages, 20 to 60.
The Hog’s Breath Rockingham Western Australia. 65 mins. for an entree. Must be a record.
Best of Bread?!
Ah well I guess it doesn’t work on everybody after all.
Best of Bread?!
The knickers remove themselves. Like magic. Scientists baffled. A doctor taught me this part of the method.
Just back from being away; London is nice this time of year’ the girl friend and I haven’t had much sleep’ we’re off to Kempton races in a little while, if then pawn shops are open adjust you’re collateral and put it on( OLLIE MAGERIN) if it doesn’t win it will be placed’ fill your boots’ HappyNewYear.
Any bar that doesn’t provide beer mats as a matter of course is sub-standard.
And the same to you1,just keeep on fuckin it up, lower standards is what it’s about.
Beer mats are the only thing Ireland does well. It is notoriously difficult to get them anywhere else, like Australia for example and the stupid cunts look at you like you have two heads if you try to explain what you’re looking for.
Well, beer mats and bitching and moaning.
hah, too true
Tried burning a yellow pages in the fireplace – brilliant heat but now the ashes have clogged and killed the fire, Bloody BT.
Thank God Bush is gone or the Yanks would be bombing Nigeria. Or, knowing their accuracy, Chad or Niger.
There’s nothing in Nigeria that needs bombing, it’s already a shithole. Besides,Obama doesn’t have the balls to drop a bomb, he’s too busy trying to communize the US. The big eared prick.
There’s nothing in Nigeria that needs bombing,
That sort of thing never bothered Bush.
good rule of thumb is to go to a proper pub for a drink and a proper restaurant for food.
These combo kips are incapable of getting anything right except the decor and the antsy attitude.
Should have stuck to Ron’s and your local Macari’s/caffola’s – A couple of pints of plain and a one n one – can’t go wrong
almost forgot – Uppity Cunt – It’s far from gastropubs ye were reared……
Hah, you don’t have to tell me.
Sounds fucking woeful … but why not complain?
Oh and I wouldn’t have paid them for the drinks.
Caffolas ha. Lovely ice cream. Is it still on Sundrive?
Scary!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6874884/Alcohol-substitute-that-avoids-drunkenness-and-hangovers-in-development.html
Don’t worry maggot – it’ll never take off, like herbal ecstasy ad herbal ciggies – it’ll be nothing like the real thing…..
what’s next – Herbal Kit Kats!!!
rally the rabble the start the revolution…..
London Tim, what happened to Ollie Magern?
I’ll tell you what happened, he came in 9th.
I could’ve lost a fortune there if I’d been quick enough to put a bet on.
C’mon, I know you can do better.
Herbal Kit Kats
I’m dreading organic kit kats!
I know Twenty is always interested, Spurs won!
Mag, nothing bothered Bush.
Should you wish to find some more unfriendly waiting staff try spending Christmas at the regency hotel. No HO HO HO AND MORE LIKE hell than Hotel
Bush managed to make Teddy Kennedy look good.
Maggot says:
“…the two crucial elements -
1) clean sheets – they seem to think it important
2) Best of Bread on the stereo – NEVER FAILS.
There you have it, the maggot method. And works on all ages, 20 to 60.”
I’d love to say you are wrong, that us females are far more complex. But you’re erm, dead on there.
I always found that a mildewed sleeping bag chucked over the beer-stained couch and The Best of UB40 to be a surefire combo.
yes, working girls would appreciate the classy environment SG.
“As in chess the battle is joined by kings, so in this it is chiefly between two men that the conflict takes place and the battle is waged, namely, the treasurer and the sheriff who sits there to render his account, while the others sit by like umpires to watch and judge the proceedings”
i’ve just seen what i mentioned the top in that wedsite.. and what place you at?
Sorry Git, and anyone else that backed the horse, they said after the race that it needed further’ that might mean’ it would be harder to shoot.
People that come on to internet sites and complain about restaurants, instead of Complaining about it there and then deserve no sympathy.. get of your high horse.. have to say if in fact you actually where in The Exchequer (which is doubtful) you definatley had an experience that sounds out of sorts for the place… i have been numerous times and found it to be an excellent spot.. as a lot of reviews will attest to.. granted its only new and there’s bound to be teething problems.. Speak up next time, dont go whining behind the anonymity of a webpage.. you turd.. typical Irish mentality.. sad state of affairs..
Why should I waste my time complaining when the staff can’t be bothered to look up or down at me? When they don’t bring my food? When I have to ask twice for a drink? When I ask for a beermat and the bloke walks off and doesn’t bother his arse? That’s typical Irish mentality – customer service doesn’t matter. It does and the place was appalling.
And of course I was there, I wouldn’t write about it otherwise. And if, as I suspect, you’re involved in the place, I hope you’ve got a manager in who knows what he’s doing, otherwise you’re fucked.
Hi
I’ve absolutley Nothing to do with the place, i stumbled across this site as i was looking for photos from New years eve in the Exchequer..
How is any new business meant to do better if the customer does’nt speak up there and then? Complain for Gods sake, dont hide behind a computer screen like some geek internet kid.. you are an adult after all.. i can honestly say your experience in the place is definatley not one i can relate to, infact i’ve experienced exactly the opposite to what you have written, although the food did take a little time to arrive, i was in no hurry, but still made it be known to the waiting staff, who where on the ball.. anyway all the best.
Fair enough. I can only think if I’d tried to complain the bloke would have said ‘Hang on a minute’ then fucked off for half an hour.
Walking out was the right thing to do, under the circumstances.
your way wrong about the exchequer the place is lovely food great and service great ya the food takes time if u did in want to wait why did in u go to macdonalds instead of a well run pub maybe u dont get out offten enough if there was something wrong you should of spoke up because i know the lads would sort it the place is hoping at weekends maybe you should come in and enjoy yourself thats if your allowed in at the door!!!
Maybe you should learn how to speak English before you try and tell me what to do.
youre blatantly a moron, that place won an award a few weeks ago for best gastropub and ive read loads of good reviews of it by some of the main critics. i havent been yet myself but lots of mates have and they all loved it, and id obviously listen to proper critics before listening to you. by the looks of your other blogs and posts youre obviously just an internet geek with a massive chip on his shoulder who complains about everything under the sun. its idiots like you that give the irish a bad reputation for being moaners!
Firstly, learn to spell before you start calling someone a moron.
And secondly, I have been there, I wrote my post on what happened while I was there, you have never been so you’re in no position to make any judgement on the place whatsoever.
not too sure about where youre going with the spelling comment, seems fine to me!!!
and i went to the exchequer yesterday for the first time and thought it was absolutely amazing, great food, great staff, great atmosphere. one of the best new places ive discovered in years!
Well good for you. I went and I hated it.
They’ve clearly improved things since I went there and that’s good, for them.