Smithys in South Derbyshire

Went today to have coffee the cafe was so so busy. We have been quite a few times and never had a problem. The staff are so nice and work so hard nothing it to much trouble for them. Feel for the staff at times as people are so rude to them and shout at them. there is no need at all!! They all do their best for everyone. Give them a break!!!

Brilliant Sunday lunch .Thankyou ! Anne-Marie.

Lovely place, staff were really nice (even though we had a very noisy 2 year old with us) and the food was spot on. Would definitely go again.

Stopped here on the way home on Sunday. Only about 12 other people in. Rushed when we were ordering. Haloumi sizzler brought out instead of Haloumi wrap. So we had to send it back, no offer to give us the price difference back. Waffle fries sent out instead of skin on fries ( said we would just keep them.) however realised they were rock hard and all stuck together. Garlic bread side and on both lasagnes was burnt and tasted of old oil with black bits stuck to it. Both lasagnes burnt underneath and covered with a 2.5 cm layer of thick cheap cheese meaning that was all you could taste. When the Haloumi wrap finally came back out the had forgotten the cheese on the chips we asked for when ordering. Stood with it at the bar for a good 5 minutes waiting for a member of staff so they could add it. In the end it was the chef that came out and took it. When it came out for the 3rd time the lettuce was all burnt and the Haloumi rock hard. They must have but it under the grill or hot lamp to melt the cheese. Daughter ended up just eating the chips which were anemic.Chicken gyros was cold ( it says on the menu free replacement if your skillet isn't sizzling) it wasn't even whispering never mind sizzling! But at this point we had given up. Partner ate the 6 tiny pieces of chicken that he managed to find swimming in juice in the bottom and a few of the chips but said it didn't taste right. Even The onion rings were burnt and when trying to cut them they pinged across the table. The only thing that was edible was our youngest daughters chicken dippers and peas as her chips were also undercooked (how do you mess up chicken nuggets, chips & peas?!) So we left hungry, nearly 70 quid down and never to return.

The meal and location lived up to their reputation. This was a chance visit, but we were so glad to have made it. The service and everything else were smart and relaxed.