Shepherd & Dog, Ipswich Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★☆☆
“Value for money, poor service”
Written on: 23/05/2012 by RClayt (1 review written)
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... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“First vist here........and LAST!!!!”
Written 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... (read more)
★★★★★
“Really enjoyed our meal”
Written on: 17/02/2012 by jacquiebg
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... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Want to be treated like you're just a number?”
Written 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... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Army Barracks or Restaurant?”
Written 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... (read more)
★★★★★
“A Great Find.”
Written on: 06/08/2011 by JasonS98
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. (read more)
★★★★★
“Enjoyable food, and good value for money.”
Written on: 02/08/2011
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... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“The older lady (possibly manageress) who is on the...”
Written 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. (read more)
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
Reply to this comment
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.
Reply to this comment
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!
Reply to this comment
★☆☆☆☆
“well, i just wish i had found this site before we...”
Written 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.... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I went to the Shepherd & Dog with my family for my...”
Written 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... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 37 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“when writing this review I am dissapointed that 1 star...”
Written 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...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Attended the Shepherd and Dog this evening for a...”
Written 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. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“My parents are (used to be ) regulars here and have...”
Written 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. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I went to the Shephard and dog last night, it was a...”
Written 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...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“give a miss next time,had a meal only yesterday Sept...”
Written 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... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I agree thoroughly with the comments on here. The...”
Written 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. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“What an absolute DISGRACE. Waited over an hour for a...”
Written on: 08/08/2010 by gem611 (1 review written)
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
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Had to wait over an hour and was told when asked how...”
Written 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. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“What a dreadful experience. Carvery, food dismal,...”
Written on: 19/04/2010
What a dreadful experience. Carvery, food dismal, uneatable, not to be repeated (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I seriously dislike this restaurant unfortunately...”
Written 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... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 37 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“I really wouldn't bother, the management don't....”
Written on: 23/03/2010
I really wouldn't bother, the management don't. Unhelpful, every request is too much trouble, not family friendly, a real disappointment. The only positive thing is the waiting staff are pleasant. This doesn't make up for the sour face of the old woman who 'greets' you on arrival. Rest assured this is a reflection of her sour attitude towards the customers. Such a shame as this used to be a good place for the family to have Sunday Lunch. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Staff unhelpful/rude, inadequate facilities for disabled”
Written on: 06/03/2010
Staff unhelpful/rude, inadequate facilities for disabled (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“We have had carvery here alot in the past and always...”
Written on: 28/02/2010
We have had carvery here alot in the past and always been very pleased. But since the renovation it has gone down hill alot. Only get 1 yorkshire 1 sausage, 1 stuffing ball. Not enough for the average adult, you have to fill up on veg, in my opinion carvery is not a diet!!!! I would not go back here again. Everything else about th place is fine but the food is the most important and it doesn't tick the boxes. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“just about the worse place i have ever been. very poor...”
Written on: 06/02/2010
just about the worse place i have ever been. very poor service, staff did not give a damn, a case of take or leave it. As it was my gransons 6 birthday
party i did leave it, my family and myself left and went elsewhere
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“The husband & wife/brother & sister (not quite sure)...”
Written on: 06/12/2009
The husband & wife/brother & sister (not quite sure) who managed the 'site' were thoroughly rude, brash, vulgar, impolite, thick, ugly, etc, etc. My friend and I left before finishing our drinks in the bar, btw, which was where we were told to go while waiting for a table (and yes we could see plenty of empty tables!). I warn you all not to go there. Those people should not be permitted to work with food or the public x THE REST OF THE STAFF WERE WONDERFUL
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“We never actually had a meal at the Shepherd and Dog! ...”
Written on: 13/09/2009 by rmwiseman (1 review written)
We never actually had a meal at the Shepherd and Dog! We arrived to discover lots of empty tables yet bizarrely were told we had to wait in the bar. We bought drinks and waited, perusing the menu. There was almost nothing vegetarian, and what there was tended to be cop-out options like spinach-and-ricotta something, or stuffed peppers (mmm, filling). I asked if there was anything else, even like a veggie burger, but was told no, people tend to have the carvery without the meat! Shan't... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Went to the shepherd and dog with my family as it was...”
Written on: 27/07/2009
Went to the shepherd and dog with my family as it was my birthday. When we arrived the place was empty so went straight to the restaurant. We all decided to have the carvary we collected our food and returned to our table to enjoy our meal. The food was cold had little taste roast potatoes were awful,we told the waitress who said that she would tell the chef, who did nothing. It was the worst birthday meal ever and we will never go there again. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Arrived expecting to wait at the Shepherd and Dog as...”
Written on: 30/06/2009 by hungryfor food (1 review written)
Arrived expecting to wait at the Shepherd and Dog as it always used to be full but now its empty and I can see why. Food was cold. Calvery only available, no other choice. Vegtables overcooked and no taste. Had to ask for a decent portion of meat. Trimmings for calvery were dry and had been on display for a long time. No one in the party were told that the price included a starter or a dessert. So they had overcharged. (read more)
☆☆☆☆☆
“juat returned from shepherd and dog ipswich food on...”
Written on: 30/05/2009
juat returned from shepherd and dog ipswich food on carvery cold had been standing for some time as dried up and almost inedible complained about cold food chef replied i will heat it up come back from microwave dried up veg on counter still left as it was waitress ask if it was ok i asked to speak to someone in charge who did not wish to speak to me as they sent waitress back to offer a complimentary sweet and no charge i would have rather had a good meal in the first place (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“ We waited for an hour to go into the Shepherd and Dog...”
Written on: 17/04/2009 by Sandii (1 review written)
We waited for an hour to go into the Shepherd and Dog restaurant and were just about to walk out when our names were called saying our table was ready. We were greeted by a lady in the restaurant, who showed us to a poorly positioned table and said the waitress would be with us soon. More time elapsed, my husband was getting more and more irate so we dedided to walk out of the restaurant! We will definitely NOT be going back I like to be treated as an individual and I felt I was on some... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 37 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“When we went into the sheperd and dog to put our name...”
Written on: 22/03/2009 by thatcat
When we went into the sheperd and dog to put our name down for a table we were not told we would have to wait 1 hour and 30 minutes for a table. If i would have been told this i would not have waited. When we asked how long the wait would be an hour later the staff were extremley rude and not helpful at all. When we asked why we weren't told the wait would be that long they said they didn't give waiting times, when 5 minutes before this she told another couple it was 1 - 2 hour wait? i... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“My husband and I visited the Shepherd and Dog...”
Written on: 31/12/2008 by cherylfinchuk (1 review written)
My husband and I visited the Shepherd and Dog Restaurant with two of our friends on 27th December 2008.
We decided to go for the bar menu as we had over done it on roast dinners over the Christmas period.
The menu looked lovely, I choose the salmon on risotto, with garlic bread as a side dish and my husband and our two friends choose Caesar salad with Turkey, pancetta, croutons and anchovies.
When the meals came out i did think that the meals looked very small, then my friend pointed out...
(read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Our party of 10 booked in for our christmas dinner on...”
Written on: 20/12/2008
Our party of 10 booked in for our christmas dinner on tuesday 16-12-08 we have been going to the Shepherd and Dog on many occasions for meals. But i must add this time was so bad it made me want to give you our feelings. The meal was not very hot-no plate to put our bread and butter on-no coat hangers but told Health and Safety would not allow any - I am sorry to say that i don't think we will be using the shepherd and dog again unless we are assured it will be worth our while. After all... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Went to the Shepherd and dog on a sunday with 5 of my...”
Written on: 19/12/2008
Went to the Shepherd and dog on a sunday with 5 of my friends had a really lovely meal from the carvery even though we did wait for nearly an hour at the busiest time, however we felt it was spoilt at the end of the meal when it came to the bill and there was an extra meal on there that we didn't have but were told that we had to pay for it because it had been made in the kitchen and not taken out even though we didn't order it. How ridiculous can they be to say that when we didn't order... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“will not be rushing back as one member of staff...”
Written on: 17/11/2008
will not be rushing back as one member of staff appeared very rude and unhelpful to us, seemingly because we had a young baby with us, who was not allowed to be in a buggy but had to have a highchair or a car seat, we used a car seat and were then moved from the table we were allocated because they said we were blocking the fire exit. I felt this staff member's whole manner and attitude was unacceptable. (read more)
★★★★☆
“We have been going to the Shepherd and Dog for a...”
Written on: 14/02/2008
We have been going to the Shepherd and Dog for a number of years. We go back because of the friendly atmosphere and the quality of food. Yes, on a sunday it can be busy, but the food is well worth the wait. Be prepared for a wait at busy times on a sunday, but the wait will be worth it (read more)
☆☆☆☆☆
“I came to Shepherd and Dog in Ipswich with my wife and...”
Written on: 12/08/2004 by Dan Murphy (1 review written)
I came to Shepherd and Dog in Ipswich with my wife and children for the carvery on father's day. I was looking forward to it, as I enjoy a good carvery with plenty of meat. We were escorted to a table in a far flung corner, separated from the rest of the restaurant. When we went up for the carvery, a rather grumpy looking chef appeared who went to great pains to slice the meat as thinly as possible. It was literally transparent. We were given two meagre slices each. After being to many other... (read more)
Shardonnay's Response to Dan Murphy's Review
Written on: 09/01/2006
hmmm... I visited the restaurant and had a lovely meal there it was delicious. The only reason I haven't been back is because, for me it isn't the easiest place to get to!
Reply to this comment
Neil Franklin's Response to Dan Murphy's Review
Written on: 27/06/2008
I completely agree with Dan's review, myself and my family had a terrible meal at the Shepherd and Dog. I am currently in the process of complaining to their head office as i was with treated with such distain.
<br/>
<br/>The portions are now controlled with an almost militant nature, and a chef who serves is very rude. We simply requested a addition piece of stuffing and were told in no uncertain terms that that was no longer possible. How on earth can you call that a Carvery when 3/4 of your meal is controlled, I felt its more like a soup kitchen.
Reply to this comment
overview
Top 5 Suffolk Restaurants
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
• The number of reviews
• How recent the reviews are
As rated by real users
-
1. Swan Inn, Barnby
49 reviews read latest review -
2. The Three Horseshoes, North Cove, Beccles
12 reviews read latest review -
3. Beau Thai, Lowestoft
12 reviews read latest review -
4. Pizza Piatto, Beccles
13 reviews read latest review -
5. Bekash Tandoori, Ipswich
6 reviews read latest review
Latest Reviews in Suffolk Restaurants
-
Swan Inn, Barnby
"It's Fine Fish Resturant" Read More
-
The Red Lion Sturmer, Haverhill
"Great food and wine - well wor..." Read More
-
96 Chinese Restaurant, Ipswich
"So delicious" Read More
-
Bekash Tandoori, Ipswich
"I love Bekash, no other Restau..." Read More
-
Swan House, Beccles
"A romantic little gem in the h..." Read More
Latest items in Suffolk Restaurants
See more ▼
- You are here:
- Review Centre
- Eating Out
- East Anglia Restaurants
- Suffolk Restaurants
- Shepherd and Dog, Ipswich
- Overview
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.