"We were a party of six for a Sunday roast. Very reasonably priced and washed down by lovely Shere drop ale. Sadly though, the dinner/occasion was spoiled due to avoidable, sloppy service. (i.e it was not busy with diners) We waited a long time for menus, but then for the second time, after receiving our meals, we had to ask the young waitress for our cutlery. I blame this less though on the young lady, who was very pleasant and polite. As with every business, invariably most issues rest not so much with the staff, but with the owners, and/or management, not having control, and setting out clear working practices. We waited, and we waited, and some of us started to pick the food with our fingers. With no waiting staff in sight, I got up to ask a bar tender. I was assured the cutlery would be brought, and eventually it was, after about another three minutes. By this time, the food was luke warm. I think anyone would agree this is TOTALLY unavoidable and inexcusable. Why, this pub doesn't take the steer from virtually every other pub and have a vessel on the table with the cutlery and serviettes in, I just don't know. The food was very good, especially people's lamb which fell off the bone, and nothing was left on all six plates, but the bones. But big points deduction for not being able to eat HOT food! (And the fact the plates were not very hot didn't help either) We asked for the desert menus and then after about 10 minutes I had to grab the waiter. He seemed surprised and said he thought we just wanted to look at them! Well, what do people normally look at menus for!? It is not surprising to read another review saying it seems like this establishment is under new ownership. I know it is not, but this comment observes and reflects the fact there is little hands-on management of this historical pub. Of the many times I have visited the kings Arms, on almost every occasion the owner/landlady appears more on the other side of the bar, seeming more pre-occupied with drinking and socialising with her friends, and seeming intense and wired like she has been taking something a little stronger than alcohol. I and others have commented that this enterprise seems more like a trophy for her, as opposed to being something she has total pride in, and commitment to. It is a real shame, as this has the makings of a really good local pub."
