The Grosvenor: 1904 - Ealing

Our friends recently shared a dreadful Christmas experience at the Grosvenor, and regretfully, I now wish I had paid more attention. Despite our intention to support a local pub, our family visit turned into a disappointment. It took two and a half hours to receive our main and dessert, and no one bothered to take our drink orders. The limited gluten-free option, a 'naked burger, ' was unappetizing – a defrosted patty on wilted lettuce and tomatoes with no dressing. The overall food quality left much to be desired, and the nonexistent service required us to clear our own table. Even the kids ' lunch arrived on scalding plates. To cap it off, the women 's restroom lacked toilet paper on Mother 's Day.

A very mediocre Sunday lunch. Nicely presented but barely warm and the roast potatoes were anaemic and tough round the edges. The vegetarian meal seemed to be a combination of the 2 menu options but was OK. The desserts were supposed to be served with vanilla ice cream, instead it was chocolate chip. Will not return, there are too many other decent places to eat.

Last time I was here was 35 years ago and I came to see whether it had changed. It had been updated a little but still had a lot of the lovely old character I remembered which was lovely. Sunday roast was excellent and service was friendly and helpful. Only suggestion for improvement was to update/clean toilets as they were in need of it. But would still recommend overall as a great pub to eat or drink.

Lived in the area for 10 years. When this was owned by Food Fuel, had a decent GM and a proper chef, it was a wonderful pub. Amazing fresh food with seasonal specials, a warm atmosphere and well priced good beer/wine. Then along came private equity backed Red Cat. They have put in a frozen food led menu (same as all their other pubs with a cheap kitchen team and no real chef. Shipping out centrally bought cheap frozen food to all your no pubs may be good for the cost side of the P L, but it kills once great pubs. We don’t eat here as I know the story. However we tried the nachos one day recently how bad can you make nachos? Gloopy guacamole out of a large bottle (ever heard of a fresh avocado? some weird long life tasteless excuse for sour cream, a few sprinkles of unmelted mild cheddar and a few jalapeños all for something like £9. Forget it. Until Pubcos realise people want real food they will continue to do poorly. The Grosvenor used to be one of the busiest pubs around, now whenever you walk past or go in (drink only it’s empty. I do not recommend eating here unless you like prepackaged frozen food reheated.

Had a lovely afternoon celebrating an 80th. Really excellent service (thank you to Alex) and the food was lovely. Would highly recommend for any occasion.