The Minerva Brasserie in Chichester

I arrived at the upstairs bar and grill at around 5.15pm. It was half empty and I was approached by a man who I assume was the manager. I asked for a table for two, of which there were plenty. In a rather condescending tone he informed me that they were fully booked. I drew his attention to all the empty tables and was told rather abruptly and unapologetically that they would be occupied later. As it was not yet 5.30pm I think it would have been polite of him to perhaps have said, 'We are expecting a rush at about six o' clock, but you are welcome to a table until then'. After all they serve only drinks and snacks.

I'm only talking about the bar, not the brasserie. I visited on the evening of 26 May. Pre-performance, there was only one poor chap serving at the auditorium end of the bar which clearly was not enough. During the interval, I bought a SMALL glass of red wine which cost £7. I fully accept that prices are inflated at theatres to cover overheads but that took the biscuit, to put it politely. Next time I shall be taking my own.