Peter's review of Pheasant at Keyston

On a wet dark evening I drove through the village four times before finding the place. In fact I had abandoned the search after the 3rd attempt but on driving through to head back to the A14 my headlights picked out a tiny wooden sign. It pointed down a road I'd already tried, but upon giving it a second go I finally detected the pub, virtually unlit.

In I went, and the interior atmosphere corresponded exactly with the experience so far. I thought I was the only customer, but then some low murmuring indicated two couples concealed in the restaurant section around a corner.

Two staff, who gave the air of being involved in the place so perhaps it was the owners, seemed hell-bent on maintaining the absence of bonhomie. Even the manner of providing the menu and asking if I wanted a drink was curt and unsmiling.

I chose from the specials on the board. A lovely first course was followed by sausage and mash. The trouble was, that's all it was – no accompanying vegetables. Apparently everything is extra, although this isn't explained on the specials board and nor did Mr Grimface or his colleage Mr Curt bother to mention it when I ordered. I'd lost my appetite by this time so perhaps that's why the main course tasted very ordinary as well as being meagre.

The proprietors and those who have rated this place need to be aware that catering is all about hospitality, ambience, customer care and consideration, and a host of other factors, in addition to the food on the plate.

Update: A second visit a year later showed that nothing had changed!