The Shoulder of Mutton

I have often frequented this quaint yet popular pub in the charming little village of Holcombe, so I thought it was high time I reviewed it. Ever the specifics though; I am choosing to review my most recent visit, which was today for lunch.

The positive elements are rather apparent from the off. The traditional atmosphere is cleverly preserved and maintained; the feel of the place is how a pub was and should be. Setting-wise it is clearly idyllic, even if you are inside. And when the food does come, it is of a good standard; no complaints about my Lancashire cheese and onion pie for instance.

I am a little frustrated though, because I know that the Shoulder clearly could excel and overtake its own potential. From simply being "nice" or "a good staple", the place could be so much more, if a few loose ends were tied up and a few negatives addressed.
Firstly, though of course I understand the need for bookings and reservations in these places in order for them to survive (and don't get me wrong - I am very glad the Shoulder is surviving). But when these do occur, staff should not harry and hurry any other patrons into far-flung corners and bunch them up together like cattle, almost forgetting them entirely. It is common service sense that every customer should be made to feel equally welcome and valued, and that just did not happen. Also on the subject of staff, those at the Shoulder  might want to be a bit more attentive to the needs and orders of their customers, rather than spinning plates and trays around at the bar for their own amusement. Yes they were polite enough, but several simple yet glaring errors were made that could be so easily avoided if the staff actually listened and engaged with customers, rather than sweeping through them and trying to cover their ineptitude with idiotic laughter and swagger.

Whilst the quality and taste of the food is without fault as far as I can see, the way in which it is presented did occasionally tend to veer into the ridiculous. For instance, all the lunchtime sandwich orders were presented in a small crate. An actual wooden crate, filled with bread, filling and salad. Whilst some chefs may feel in theory this is different and tasteful; in reality to me it just feels like an unnecessary gimmick, not to mention a struggle for a certain highly cultured and culinary authoritative, yet also elderly lady who was accompanying me.

I am certainly not denying that my most recent visit to the Shoulder was good, and I shall probably be revisiting at some point. I just wish they'd get their act together a bit more, as I say I know the potential is there.