The Cow (4 Chestnut Plaza, Westfield Stratford City, London, E20 1GL) I dined here last week because I am fond of British Gastropubs and I wanted to try something new. I left disappointed. For the amount of customers present The Cow seemed severely under-staffed.
The floor staff were overall pleasant aside from one incident, but I left with the impression that it is not a happy place to work or dine. There is a lack of style and finesse in the service and presentation. Although I understand that the atmosphere of Gastropubs should be relaxed, I did not expect just how relaxed: When the wine arrived it was smashed with a thump on the edge of the table, I politely asked one tall, scruffy looking staff member for my wine to be poured out for my guests and I; I was looked over up and down and casually told that customers ‘are expected to just muck in for themselves here’ and he walked off and did not check back on the table for the rest of the evening, I found this phrase a bit offensive considering that I was spending roughly £30 per head and expect that when I ask for help that I should be treated with respect.
The food when it finally arrived tasted fine, but did not arrive at our table hot which again was a pity as we all would have enjoyed it more if it was served hot.
All issues considered; we found it a stressful night out and will be trying some of the other eateries in Westfield next time we decide to go for an evening out.
Link to this review19 December 2011 | 
Romilly30s, Female, United Kingdom