We have just moved to the area and wanted to try the Ruse Tavern for my fathers birthday.
I called to make a booking for Saturday for 10 people and 1 highchair at 6pm, to be told there is no need to make a booking. I asked are you sure she said no, I thought this strange, I asked would you like my name and number the lady on the end of the line said no need. Again strange, they must not be a busy Tavern, or 6pm may still be quiet time or have plenty of seating to accommodate customers.
I messaged the family advising them I was told no need to book we just show up.
Upon arriving on Saturday we were lucky to get the last tables that would accommodate our family, bearing in mind my father is in a wheelchair and we had a 15 month old baby with us. I went to the counter and asked did they have any high chairs the staff said they should be in the corner. I looked as did my husband, I said I can't see any, I was then told they only have 2 and they are being used. I was extremely upset, (I have never been to any place with 2 highchairs' either), I said I called to book and was told no need, the staff then said that table was for yesterday, I told the staff member I said Saturday to the staff member on the phone and she did not want my number or name when I asked her. The Staff member then said she can ask if the clients were nearly finished with the high chair, which I thought was terrible, imagine enjoying a meal with your family, your baby is settled, to be asked how much longer do you require the chair. I said don't worry about it. My family and I discussed going somewhere else but by this stage the baby was getting agitated, I told the family I did read on the reviews the food is great, so we decided to stay.
My son in law then went home to get the baby a booster seat so she could eat. When he arrived back 15 minutes later we were supplied with one of the highchairs.
I was apologised to saying they had spoken to the staff that took my call and that the phone line there is not great. The staff member who answered the phone must have heard me wrong, regardless she should have taken my name and number then the staff could have called when we did not arrive on the evening.
Or as most places do call to confirm the booking.
Once we checked the menus and ordered my husband did asked could the baby's meal please come out first, they said yes and they would put it on the first buzzer we were given. Again after approximately an hour the baby's meal arrived, after steaks and vegetables, which again is terrible as she only had a kids meal chips and chicken. By this stage she was irritable and cranky.
Seriously if you know you have a kids meal and were asked to please arrange it first, come on an hour later. Most our meals were just over an hour.
I have never waited this long to be served food, especially for a childs meal.
I don't know if this is a normal for this Tavern, or if it was something that just continued to roll on from not having a reserved table.
But one thing is for sure I don't recommend this Tavern.
However the food was good.
