I had a pretty decent Sunday lunch here over two years now, but today wasn't my first visit since- I had a fairly disastrous mid-week meal here earlier this year with friends. We all had fish and chips- staple British pub fodder- but it couldn't have been more disappointing. The fish was dry, the batter dark brown, and every so often we found black chips which had very obviously spent a little too long lying in the fryer.
All credit to Prince Regent though, as the comment card we filled in was acted upon and today's lunch was a freebie. Sound simple? Well, almost simple. Firstly they wouldn't take our booking for lunch because of a group booking, but on second phone call they decided they could. The pub turns out to be only averagely busy when we get there. Next, the helpful manager is a little undecided as to what the deal was when we arrive. Our original party had been five people, and now we have diminished to four, but he tells us that the freebie would be for two people. Now we are beginning to think we were wasting our time. No such thing as a free lunch? Obviously not.
The food itself is decidedly better than last time. My pork cassoulet is plentiful, with big chunks of chorizo and pork, albeit the latter feels like it might be the reincarnated leftovers of a previous Sunday roast. The accompanying bread is brilliantly fresh. The spinach and lentil burger is true to form, with not a cremated chip in sight. A few extra chunks of cod would make the fish stew a little more worthwhile. The sticky toffee pudding is a generous portion indeed, but unfortunately it is stone cold. I am reluctant to complain (again) but enjoy it nonetheless.
We broker a deal that the main meals and soft drinks are complimentary, and fork out for our Sierra Nevadas and desserts. Without doubt the Prince Regent has a fantastic location with plenty of foot-fall. I'm sure it will remain busy, but I suspect the number of customers who return might dwindle. Like my sticky toffee pudding, I'm left feeling luke-warm.
