I used to visit the Boswell all the time...hadn't been in a while, was meeting friends for a drink and decided to pop in...NEVER AGAIN! The bar was pretty empty and there were only two staff on for the whole bar and restaurant. Waited ages to get served. The staff were moving at a snails pace. Eventually got served, I asked for a bottle of Bulmers, she told me they were sold out, I asked for a draught Bulmers, they were sold out! Eventually settled for a half pint of strongbow and went to wait for my friends in the beer garden. As I turned to walk out the bar I noticed the other member of staff serving another customer 4 BOTTLES OF BULMERS! Yes that's right the stuff they were sold out of! Beer garden was very messy, tables overflowing with empty bottles and glasses and no ashtrays so cigarette ends strewn all over the grass, nice! I met my friends and we decided to order food only to be told be the barman that "the chef has said the kitchen is closed" When I pointed out that their menu says "food served til 9pm" and it was only 8.05pm he apologised and said the kitchen was closed. (On a Fri night?!). Next my friend spilled her drink so I went to the bar and asked for a cloth, the barman nodded and proceeded to ignore me for 5 mins so I gave up and sat back down. A kind man overheard and asked again for a cloth which he was given. Well put it this way, I'm glad the kitchen was closed if they cant even be bothered to use a clean cloth to wipe the bar, the most foul smelling, rancid, unhygenic old dishtowel spread it's stench across the table At that point we gave up...definitely won't be back, a real shame the place could have potential.
- The Boswell Country Hotel
