The Chequers - Stevenage

It was early Sunday evening. It was very apparent the waiters/waitresses were overstretched and understaffed. They were delightful though, running around trying to clear tables and take orders as hard as they could. The roasts themselves were not bad and we were hungry otherwise we would have gone elsewhere. Tables weren't cleared, we had booked but sadly no table saved. The menu was very limited, there was no condiments on the table and no atmosphere at all. Outside a few people were drinking and smoking with dirty ashtrays and litter on floor/grass. but very disappointing generally. Not a patch on our last visit a year ago.

Seated quickly, food was hot and served in reasonable time. Waitress very attentive,

On arrival we were told there was no booking even though we had a mobile confirmation but was told they did not had connections with OPEN TABLE but they could give us a table in the bar area away from everyone. Had to go to bar to order our food which was muddled up and desert hard as a brick. Candle on table but did not they did not bother to light it albeit Valentines night and set menu. We complained manager did not charge for food just the wine. But it ruined the night.

One dinner came 10 minutes later than the others, and it was a salad! The chicken tasted burnt. There wasn't much lettuce or sauce. Very overpriced for what was on my plate. One meal came with mash and chips, after asking just for chips what a waste of food! The male waiter, whilst we have no complaint, seemed really out of his professional happy comfort zone. It was the chef in the end who brought out the missing meal. We dine out a lot but afraid won't be coming back.

The chequers was lovely however your reservation didn’t reach them so we had to wait to be seated!!!!