Blackbrooks Garden Centre Restaurant in Hastings

This is the 2nd time I have visited The Duke and the experience this time was not as good. Unfortunately, the waiting staff seemed very disorganised and were not very attentive when taking the order. The cutlery, serviettes were not brought out all at once but they kept coming backwards and forwards. One of the party had the gnocchi and when the waiter asked if we wanted anything else, ie, sauces, etc, they requested some parmesan cheese. The waiter returned to say that we could have parmesan but there would be an extra charge of £1 ! I have never in all the times I have visited restaurants have been asked to pay extra for parmesan cheese. We then asked to speak to the manager, who came over and said she would have to speak to the chef as she was a temporary manager. I am not sure what that had to do with making a decision on whether or not we had to pay for the parmesan. I pointed out that a member of the party was having the fish & chips but had requested at the time of ordering that they did not want the mushy peas or tartare sauce. We would certainly not have expected to receive a reduction in the price ! The temporary manager then said she did not want to argue about it so would bring a portion of parmesan for no extra cost. I was a bit annoyed as there should have not been any argument at all as surely a small grating of parmesan should be free anyway, or the price incorporated in the cost of the meal !

The best spot in the whole of Hastings, completely wasted. Such a shame.

Lovely little local, great vegan burger, well priced and super welcoming from the staff, even on a quiet Monday afternoon.

Muffin Break are generally good. This one is fantastic. Great guys running it and serving. Had a ham cheese and tomato croissant...never thought of that before 🙂👍 Latte presented perfectly. Soya milk. Toilets are excellent too.

I've been visiting Combe Haven and Mash and Barrel for many years, and I always look forward to being served by Chris. His consistent high-quality service is unmatched. He remembers our preferences and is always kind and understanding to my daughters needs. A great asset to Mash and Barrel. Thanks Chris. Keep being Amazing