"We visited the recently refurbished reopened Craigie Hotel for lunch over the festive period with a group of friends. The day didn 't get off to a good start when the waiting staff couldn 't locate our lunch reservation. However, these things happen so we waited whilst they arranged a table. And waitied....... and waited......... Eventually, some 30 minutes later, we were informed by someone who appeared to be management that a table was available. Once seated, drinks orders were taken and quickly delivered to the table. The earlier wait was beginning to seem like a distant memory already. However... once the young member of staff began to distribute drinks, it soon became apparent that the order bore little resemblance to what was expected by our party. Beers were bottled instead of draught, wine was red instead of white. Ice was served in drinks when it was specifically requested without. Drinks returned, it took a further 15 minutes before everyone seated actually had what they had asked for. Things can only get better now right? Wrong. The food was a disgrace for a hotel which masquerades as a venue nearer the upper end of the taste and class scale. The sandwiches were reminiscent of a 4am hotel room service snack both in presentation and taste, and the salads looked like they had been plucked from the 'whoops ' section of a supermarket aisle. By this time enough was enough, and a member of our group spoke with a manager. However, despite detailing our disappointments at what had been a very below par service, the 'manager ' offered no explanation and seemed very condescending. Given our spend, I found this astonishing that someone employed in the service industry could behave in this manner. I will be taking this up in writing with the hotel GM at the earliest opportunity. Needless to say, my friend and his wife who were on the verge of booking their summer wedding at this venue have now categorically ruled it out. I would suggest anyone considering the Craigie for lunch, dinner or a wedding reception consider their options very carefully."
