Shepherd & Dog, Ipswich Reviews

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Latest Reviews

“Value for money, poor service”

★★★☆☆

written by RClayt on 23/05/2012

I visited two Wednesday evening's running in May 2012. As a Diamond Club member I cannot fault the value for money side of the meal although the drinks available via the Diamond club menu should be printed on the menu rather than having to ask. Both times we chose the Carvery and that aspect of the meal was fine. As someone else has pointed out the drinks ordered with the meal did not arrive until some ten minutes after we had started eating. What was worse was the dessert did not arrive for some 15 minutes after ordering. We did ask the waitress about the delay and were told "I have chased them".

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“First vist here........and LAST!!!!”

★★☆☆☆

written by on 20/05/2012

We took my Mother-in-Law here for Saturday lunch on 19th May 2012. We were greeted and seated within a few minutes of our arrival. At first sight everything looked quite encouraging, the restaurant was reasonably full and on looking at the menu the choice looked varied and interesting. However, we decided to go for the Carvery as my Mother-in-Law said that she had eaten here before and the Carvery was good. Before heading to the Carvery we were asked for our drinks choice. The choice that day was either Gammon, Turkey or Beef - I chose the Turkey, which was sliced off the breast and there was a generous portion. My husband and mother-in-law chose the Beef. The vegetables were also varied, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, ratatoullie and either mashed, boiled or roast potatoes. On returning to our table our drinks had not arrived, and I had got well into my meal by the time they did arrive. We were not offered anything like additional water at the table. I had chosen a German wine, which tasted horrible. I suspect it was perhaps not one which was generally chosen and was sitting in the bottle. It just tasted wrong. Whilst the meal was OK, the roast potatoes tasted burned and were not crispy. The vegetables were all on the 'crunchy' side, although I'm not adverse to that. We followed the meal with dessert. I had a trifle, which for £4.95 was only mediocre and not particularly well presented. It came in a pot with the cream widged on the top and it was covered in ghastly hundreds and thousands (how naff!) Three Carvery meals, one non-alcholic beer, one fruit juice and a 250ml glass of wine, one trifle and ice cream came to just over £43.00. The food was unremarkable, not particularly well-presented and the service was lacklustre, although the waitress was attentive but I think she was covering quite a lot of tables, so she was busy. Having recently eaten at a Pizza Express, where we had two delicious mains, a beer and large glass of red, plus additional water (at no cost), and desserts plus coffee for just on £32.00, I would say that a visit to the Shepherd and Dog is not good value for money considering the ambience, service and quality of food (which was less than average). We will not be repeating this experience, which considering we were taking someone out to dinner, was disappointing to say the least.

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“Really enjoyed our meal”

★★★★★

written by jacquiebg on 17/02/2012

We had a delicious meal and I'm saddened to have read such negative reviews, my husband and I had a lovely time. We eat out regularly and as we were visiting the area we decided on a carvery style roast meal for our tea. The Shepherd and Dog was easy to find, it had a great atmosphere inside (ambient lighting and stylish decor) despite being quiet - just gone 6pm on a Wednesday, though it soon filled up; which must say something for the quality of the food and service. We were warmly greeted and seated at a very nice table. The whole place was very clean and well laid out. Our waitress was informative and friendly. The quality of the carvery was excellent - we have been to some where the food had dried up to a crisp, but this was not the case. There was a good selection of roast meats (beef, turkey, pork etc) although they were thin slices! Also a good selection of several vegetables and new, roast and sliced potatoes - delicious. It was all very hot, inc. the plate. The gravy was tasty and there were the usual condiments - all very cleanly laid out. I can't comment on any other food as we were really full, so didn't have a desert. I did see two children’s meals, which looked very appetising too. I would not hesitate in revisiting the Shepherd and Dog and would certainly recommend to everyone.

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“Want to be treated like you're just a number?”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 30/01/2012

I'll keep this brief.. not a good experience for the following reasons: - Waiting: Expect to wait for a table (over an hour), then a waitress to take your order (20 mins), then the food (40+ mins). Expect to give up a large chunk of your sunday afternoon in this establishment and not in a good way. The only service which is quick is when they are taking your money! - The staff are unhelpful, clearly stressed and frankly quite rude. The motto "the customer is always right" does not apply here - the waitress we had actually argued with us when we brought up an entirely justified issue. Being treated like you're an inconvenience is unacceptable and therefore I will not be returning. Take my advice and go eat somewhere where you will be valued and looked after.

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“Army Barracks or Restaurant?”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 22/09/2011

This restaurant has all the regimentation of an army barracks, When you enter, the manager stands at the entrance, when he deems to look up at you from what he is doing he TELLS you to wait in the bar area, when asked if we could sit at a table as I had a disabled person with me he said he didn't know which table we would be sitting at so we had to sit in the bar. (there were empty restaurant tables clearly visible from the entrance). This clearly is a ploy to encourage you to spend more money while you wait to be called as you would have to finish your drinks or carry them to the restaurant when called. There were no clean tables in the bar area to sit at so we had to clear one of dessert dishes and glasses and as we sat down the manager came over and told me to move my car in the car park (It was not in a position causing any problem) as I guess it didn't fall into his regimentation. We moved the car and left. The whole experience gave the impression that the manager was doing you a favour to allow you to eat there. They definitely have no compassion for the disabled. I should have read the other reviews here before I went.

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“A Great Find.”

★★★★★

written by JasonS98 on 06/08/2011

We went here during a break away, to celebrate my husband's 40th. The service was excellent, the waitress even advised how much longer our main course was going to be, and when our mixed grill arrived, we enjoyed every bit of it. Good presentation and tasty. We would throughly recommend this restuarant, and a shame to read of some of the bad reviews, which we could not understand.

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“Enjoyable food, and good value for money.”

★★★★★

written by on 03/08/2011

Entered the establishment and was told to take a seat in the bar as my table was unavailable (table for 2), questioned this as there were clearly tables available but was informed that guest were bought into the restaurant in a timely manner to ensure a prompt and efficient service, this was not a problem and felt embarrassed i had doubted the way the restaurant was run. I ordered my drinks and sat down in the bar and was called through to my table 20 minutes later. For started i had a black pudding fritter (would highly recommend), and a carvery for my main course. I had a healthy portion of turkey, beef and pork, which was carved by the pleasant chef. Broccoli was a little dry, but was informed more fresh stuff was on the way and was bought over to the table, the rest of the veg was lovely, (carrots with a bit of crunch, yummy!) I felt i could barley manage a dessert, however was encouraged by our waitress to share one, we chose the Eton Mess, and glad we did, could have happily had one by my self. I feel its a shame this restaurant has so many bad reviews as everyone around me seemed to be enjoying their meals, lovely atmosphere, shall be back again soon!

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Sniffingdog's Comment

Written on: 22/09/2011

I think you were sucked into the spiel about sitting in the bar to \"ensure a prompt and efficient service\". I think you are directed to the bar so as you spend more time and more money buying drinks before you eat. As you say there are always empty tables available when this happens so there is no excuse to be directed to the bar.

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“The older lady (possibly manageress) who is on the...”

★★☆☆☆

written by on 27/04/2011

The older lady (possibly manageress) who is on the front desk is very miserable and unwelcoming -- it's like she's doing you a favour and is your customer. Carvery food not too bad though.

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Guest's Comment

Written on: 05/07/2011

yes I believe she is the owner with her husband!!And totally agree -its like she is doing you a favour and not cheaply

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Gaviscon's Comment

Written on: 20/05/2012

She seated us as well, and you are right, she was a right miserable type, easily spotted from your description. However, give her the benefit of the doubt if this was the only job you could get and you had to work somewhere like this, you would be miserable too!

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Sniffingdog's Comment

Written on: 22/09/2011

The (possibly) manager who was there on my visit is also no more welcoming so don't expect things to improve.

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“well, i just wish i had found this site before we...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 21/04/2011

well, i just wish i had found this site before we went... dire, no other word for it. we booked a table for 7.30....not late you would think ?....waitress ( Jess more about her later )ordered meal at 7.45 it was 8. 25 before we got just 3 starters, 2 soup and one posh bead and tomato's. tomato's straight out of the fridge, cold ciabatta. soup was like dishwater, we challenged the manager about it being homemade and he said it was thin as nobody liked it when we had it thicker....LOL.
carvery....well we waited at the servery for 3 - 4 minutes before the so called chef came out ...no turkey left, just a few scraps of lamb and a small bit of fatty pork roll.... 'thats all we have left we will be finishing soon'... what sort of restaurant finishes serving and starts clearing the restaurant at 8.50 while your still TRYING to enjoy your night.
after a good moan they eventually brought out a joint of beef, probably were saving it for next days lunch. veggies were cold, dried out and very few of them, no mash left so they brought to the table what can only be described as 'smash'. had to ask for the manager 4 times before he came over...absolutely useless !!
going back to the waitress, Jess was superb, couldnt do enough to try and help us but due to the way it was managed even she couldnt make it better. ..i was going to say when you are there look out for her she really tries hard but on second thoughts...DONT GO...STAY AWAY until the 'greatbritishcarvry' company sorts it out or sells it to someone who cares.

one star is way over the top for this garbage

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“I went to the Shepherd & Dog with my family for my...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 13/02/2011

I went to the Shepherd & Dog with my family for my daughters 11th Birthday. There were nine of us but we were told there wasn't enough of us to pre book, but when we arrived it took half an hour to sort a table despite the restaurant being half empty. Then as 2 of us weren't having the carvery we then had to wait a further 1 hour 15 minuets for our food. The food was second rate, in fact the chain pubs do better food at half the cost. We complained to the manager about our disappointment, He was completely indifferent to us about the situation. His only offer to us was a desert for the birthday girl to take home. What a great gesture when we had 3 other children with us. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.

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“when writing this review I am dissapointed that 1 star...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 02/02/2011

when writing this review I am dissapointed that 1 star is the lowest I can give, bnecause in my opinion that is far too high. Last night against my better judgement was persuaded to go again despite having horrendous times before.

I ordered what i felt was a safe bet in a Shepherds Pie, what was delivered was basically a dish of potatoe with I can only describe a 1mm layer of meat at the bottom.

The staff were totally disinterested in what the have served and were too wrapped up in having their own conversations.

I will not go again and if anyone is considering this may I suggest the Pizza Hut up the road where you will get better quality food and better value for your money.

buyer beware.

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“Attended the Shepherd and Dog this evening for a...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 03/11/2010

Attended the Shepherd and Dog this evening for a family meal to celebrate a birthday. Never tasted such a poor carvery in all the places I have eaten. Meat was too tough to chew. Yorkshire Puddings were clearly Tesco value - tasteless and dry. Vegetables were under cooked, parsnips and roast potatoes were over cooked and everything was foul. Out of 5 desserts on the menu, 3 were already sold out and we were at a 6.30pm sitting on a week night!!!!! Will never visit again.

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“My parents are (used to be ) regulars here and have...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 29/09/2010

My parents are (used to be ) regulars here and have often taken me here when I visit them in Felixstowe. Not again. The carvery was aweful,dry meat, poorly cooked vegetables. Other tables were complaining about the food. When my parents (who are in their 80's) also complained , the supervisor (?) was extemly rude and accused them of trying to jump on the complaints bandwagon to get a refund. A truly miserable experience. Wont be back until the management changes.

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“I went to the Shephard and dog last night, it was a...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 22/09/2010

I went to the Shephard and dog last night, it was a big family affair for my sisters birthday, we have been many times before and have been pleased with the meal, service etc, but last night he service we recieved was awful. the waiting staff were very rude and abrubt.We were seated in a the corner with 2 different tables put together that made us feel uncomfatable as almost had to sit on each others lap.
Before when we have been they did a set price for 2 or 3 courses..now you pay seperate and looked at stupidly when asking. children are supposed to get a drink with there meal tho, we were not offered this and only noticed on the menu as leaving.
I dont think i will be again, surly nice surrounding should match nice friendly staff??? we the ammount of people out of work today, surly there are people out there that will do this once a great place to go justice!!!!

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“give a miss next time,had a meal only yesterday Sept...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 11/09/2010

give a miss next time,had a meal only yesterday Sept 10th at the sheppard & dog & was very dissappointed.Been before & its been passable,but yesterdays meal was the worst i,ve had.Vegetables were all under cooked,the cabbage had,nt seen hot water im sure.Parsnips & potatoes were hard on the edges & dry.Yes the surroundings are ok & the price very reasonable,but thats no excuse for the bad food.For what its worth i did complain to the waitress. At least i know where i won't be dining for christmas

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“I agree thoroughly with the comments on here. The...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 17/08/2010

I agree thoroughly with the comments on here. The Greeting staff are extremly rude and brusque. The waiting time unrealistic. The only reason I did not walk out the last time was I had my elderly lesd than mobile Dad with me. We were then seated at one of the high tables and bench seating.....which i refused obviously not suitable for someone who had to walk with a walking frame!Food tastless . The waiting staff as far as I recall were ok.

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“What an absolute DISGRACE. Waited over an hour for a...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by gem611 on 08/08/2010

What an absolute DISGRACE. Waited over an hour for a table, which we were informed aobut. When ordering our food, we were told most of our choices had sold out................. Oh but we have been busy today, was the answer............
My starter was burnt and my main meal was not cooked to my liking (steak).

VERY VERY VERY rude manager and staff. When we left we were informed we were not welcome back there. Don't worry we shall NOT be returning

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“Had to wait over an hour and was told when asked how...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 02/08/2010

Had to wait over an hour and was told when asked how long before our table was ready (buy some crisps from the bar)very rude lady said.They had no yorkshire puddings left and when i asked the chef if there was any more his reply was im sure you can live without a yorkshie mate, with that we left and went to the farmhouse pub.

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“What a dreadful experience. Carvery, food dismal,...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 19/04/2010

What a dreadful experience. Carvery, food dismal, uneatable, not to be repeated

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“I seriously dislike this restaurant unfortunately...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 01/04/2010

I seriously dislike this restaurant unfortunately however my in- laws love it- i fail to see why. The carvery is cheap for a reason- the meat is dry and has clearly been kept on a hot plate for a long time- the veg is dry, tasteless at times still frozen (particularly the parsnips)the roast potatoes should be re-named as half hearted attempted at roast potatoes and you have to wait for ages in the bar when there clearly are tables free. the staff are ok but don't expect them to go out of their way to do anything for you. I will never have the carvery again as I can cook a far superior roast dinner at home. However i am being dragged there against my will again tonight- i might just order a salad- surely they can't get that wrong?!

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