Criteria Used

To assess a pub meal is very difficult to do, and is a subjective thing. I may happen to like one place, where someone else may not. The menus are different, and I may have different meals each week. (Steak Pie one week, Baked Potato and Chilli the next, then Sausages and Mash!) But I have to come up with some criteria so here they are.

I have not done a star rating, as such can be misleading since some pubs may do well on some and fall down on others. I have not included price as this can be subjective, depending on the level of disposable income available.

  • Availability

 Are meals available all day, or at certain times only.

  • Garlic Bread Standard

 Since the menus vary I always try to get something that is common to all the establishments. So I chose garlic bread. The break down is as follows:
  • Do they do Garlic Bread
  • How many pieces ?
  • What size are they ?
  • How well is it done ?

  • Waiting Time
How long do you have to wait for the first course ?
How long between course if more than one ?
Note:
If the meal is cooked from scratch this could be a while, where as a quick time could indicate that it is a reheated meal.

  • Quality of Service
Do you have to collect your own cutlery or do they bring it, do they bring condiments to your table ?
How personal able and helpful is the server ?

  • Menu Variety
How varied is the menu ?
Is it "which sandwich" or is each menu rivaling an unabridged version of War and Peace.
Is there the variety of traditional and modern ?
Is Tea available as well as coffee ?

  • Ambience
What is the layout like, are there any disability access issues ?
How congenial are the settings ?, Is the place like a video arcade ?
Is it quiet or are you deafened by music ?, How big is it ?
What is the decor like and is it interesting ?

(Allowances should be made for theme pubs)

  • Quality of Food

 Barely edible or gourmet heaven ?

  • Tie in with the Bar
Do you have to go to a different section to order the drinks ?
Can you order drinks with the meal ?
Can you order drinks from your table, or do you have to go to the bar ?

  • Facilities
What is the quality of the toilets ?
Are they on the same level or do you need to negotiate steps ?
(Important for disabled people)