The Almonry - East Cambridgeshire

We reserved a table for 4 of us. We stood in a queue outside for 20 minutes, we were then shown to our table waiting for the other two family members to arrive. We waited and waited until a waitress appeared to take our order then 45 minutes passed with no drinks. The waitress appeared flushed and apologised saying we could have the drinks for free. Fair enough. 45 minutes after no main course. My daughter left the table to find the waitress who said it wasn’t on the system. The food appeared 20 minutes after that. By the time we finished our food the restaurant had emptied and the kitchen had closed. Our next course and the waitress had failed to materialise again. We told another very apologetic waitress who was clearing that we were leaving as we had really had enough. She went to call her supervisor who took another 10 minutes to arrive. The supervisor apologised and waived the bill. She said they were very busy outside. We mentioned we found our waitress chatting when we were forgotten. We are so disappointed as this was a special family meeting. Yes we didn’t have to pay but it was an awful experience, not to be repeated. Better planning, more staff and someone to meet and greet at busy times.

Beautiful garden with stunning views of the cathedral. We sat in the garden on an hot day under lovely shade. Efficient polite service with healthy delicious food at fair prices.

The food in the restaurant is good, but I can't understand in this day and age why they don't have any booking system on line and don't respond to emails. Surely it must be better to know how many covers they are going to have in the restaurant, so they can react accordingly. Tried to book today. Had emailed as there wasn't any booking system on line; no response to that email from yesterday, and had to call about 4 different times and when did get through, told just walk ins. Disappointing.

Very disappointing. Shown a table. No one came to take our order. Completely ignored by staff who seemed disinterested and gathered around the till. Couple who turned up after us were served. Unprofessional. We left after 10 minutes.

Above average Cathedral refractory. Good welcome, friendly helpful staff. Good choices for lunch. The smoked salmon and prawn salad was very generous. Cakes looked good. Lovely old building. Table service