"It is with sadness i feel obliged to write such a negative review. Having received through mail shot details of the Christmas Menu we decided to book said meal for Saturday the 5th on a visit home to the island. We invited two old friends...and were greatly looking forward to it. We were warned ,and we did think it odd, that the Christmas meals might be off if not enough folks booked. Indeed that is what happened we were told two days prior to our booking that there would be no Christmas food. We kept our booking which was for 7.30, we arrived half an hour ear;y and told the waiter we would have a drink in the bar. The waiter said nothing at that point to warn us of any time constraints. We moved through to the dining room ahead of our 7.30 slot. We had barely sat down when the waiter brought the menu to us and almost immediately asked us what we wanted to eat, we informed him that our last guest was 10 minutes away. The waiters attitude to us change at that point. He said you know the chef needs to get home, been here all day. He then said in a curt fashion did we know what our friend might eat and we should order for him. We said we would wait for him and again were told that the chef wanted to get home. Eventually we made our orders. The waiter was not happy that were choosing to have a starter, he in fact, tried to persuade us we might not be hungry enough for two courses. Our food came was plonked down, we were not asked if we wanted drinks but ordered some prosecco ,this was also just put on table ,it was not opened or poured. We did try to get the waiters attention at this point but he had his back to us laughing and chatting with friends. He went through to the empty bar and we never saw him again. He did not come to see if were needed more drinks or were enjoying our meal. We were not asked if we would like a desert or coffee. The food was by far the most mediocre we have had in many many years of coming to the café bar h ere. An Lanntair if a great place to visit for shows,plays art exhibition ns and music, it is being badly let down by this awful service and poor food. It was not always thus. we were treated as an inconvenience and with scant regard ,it pains me to think of first time visitors to the island being treated like this. In order of fairness I have been told lunch time service is better. In the past we have been served by delightful local young folks but not this time. I might add my husband who has written only two letters of complaint in 47 years wrote one this time. To sum up. They should not have advertised a Menu they knew they were unlikely to put on. Tell folks the last orders are 7.30 and don't, if this is the case, take bookings for 7.30 . Take your staff along to The royal bar for a simple coffee and see just how its done .There lovely staff could not do enough for us. The quality of the food was not great and i had scampi that i think Farmfoods or Iceland might reject, clearly the cheapest that could be found. This a lovely venue that has served great food prior to 2017 given the amazing local produce available on the island its pretty shaming to get whats on offer. I cannot with good heart recommend this place to eat."
