September 19th, 2009
We returned to the Windmill pub on Hull Road exactly one year to the day since we last had a meal there. Our expectations were not high given our previous experience of the mass catering food they serve. The pub is very popular judging by there being no tables free, so as usual we sat in the bar where we found two of our neighbours who had also decided to give it another try.
The menu was exactly the same as we remembered except for the increase in what were already expensive (pub) prices. However we ordered up and while waiting, took a look around.
The bar and restaurant area are traditionally decorated but as usual there is no air to breathe. What I still can’t understand is why the place never has a window open, even when it is very hot inside. It takes the enjoyment away and the staff seem oblivious to the lack of clean fresh air and lots of heavy sweating customers.
The bar has a few rooms available for overnight stays and these seem popular with travelling salesmen who you find supping away on a beer and mixed grill most evenings in the bar.
Sunday Lunch is popular but do book, because for reasons completely lost on us, it is very popular and busy throughout the day. There must be a retirement home nearby and this place serves as the canteen.
The owner seems to have a thing about mobile phones, which must be turned off whilst inside. He is also not that shy when telling his prospective customers to avoid smoking just outside the door. Actually when you look, there are warning signs barking orders for every possible misdemeanour, which strangely brings out an urge to break them in me.
Anyway, our food arrived very quickly (always makes me suspicious on how it is prepared) and within seconds we both agreed it had not improved. If anything it was worse. There was little flavour to my curry and it was poorly seasoned. The presentation was particularly sloppy. It would not have looked out of place in the old pit canteen I used to visit as a lad. By this I mean my curry was served up swilling around a large soup bowl and the accompanying chips (which were of the frozen tasteless variety) were served on a separate metal catering tray.
We settled up the £30! bill and left for another year.
Score: 2 Stars. Last Visited 17th September 2009
Posted in Food and Drink