"Since I live in the area, I have been a semi-regular customer other Rose and Crown at Ivanhoe for many years. However, of late – and particularly on a Sunday lunch time– I have encountered a rather unprofessional and unsavoury practice that surely is guaranteed to put a customer’s back up. Although the menu clearly states what food is available, when one come s to order a Chicken Caesar salad for example, I was told that “chicken is reserved for those who have pre-booked” (and there is no sort of disclaimer on the menu . The reasoning appears to be that it is not that that particular dish is unavailable despite being on the menu, but rather a key ingredient is reserved for someone who has pre-booked a table, and therefore may or may not actually turn up, or indeed may or may not order a dish with chicken in it. I have never encountered such ridiculous policy before, which seems to treat its customer with utter contempt. I was not the only one to voice my displeasure, as when I later passed through the bar, I overheard a lady (who I suspect was from overseas, was seriously remonstrating with the bar staff over the same issue. However, a rather unattractive and older white haired woman – who I assume was a local resident and therefore got to the chicken first – seemed to find this all rather amusing. So my advice I don’t go there, as obviously you custom is only welcome in possible preference to others and when it suits the owners. Hospitality is obviously not the Rose and Crown’s real business, rather it is only taking your money."
