Month: September 2018

Ridge & Furrow - Glevum Way, Abbeydale, Gloucester, GL4 4BL
Date Visited: 03/09/2018 by Dad Lee

The residents of Abbeydale have been waiting for 'the Ridge' to reopen for a long time. It's very early days and the only food menu on offer is still a 'soft launch' version, but some of the improvements are immediately obvious - several flat screens showing live sport now adorn the walls - however the core of the pub has not altered at all. I respect that the new landlords have worked quickly to get the pub reopen and I suspect that in time the little things which are still amiss will be improved one by one.

My main disappointment, as a Dad, is that whilst it was wonderful that the outdoor play area was retained - it is the exact same play area which has sat left to rot for the several years since the Ridge closed it's doors. It's been smoothed down a bit, painted, but ultimately I did not feel that it was overly safe, there were many rough edges and the soft flooring had not been extended around the whole of the equipment.

What they have done well - I think they've realised the down fall of the play area and they've placed a bouncy castle in the garden. The kids loved it. However, I'm not one to go all health & safety, but I did feel like I was the only parent watching my children on the equipment. There were kids climbing up the bouncy castle and throwing themselves off the top. Not even a 'parental supervision is required' sign.

Now, onto the food - again, I want to reiterate that I know it's early days and their menu is clearly marked as a soft launch but I did not think the food was up to scratch. Although very reasonable prices, the quality was quite poor - my impression was that the food was very cheap, bulk purchased fare. The kids meals were £3.95 but did not include a drink, the burger my son had was dry and flat and he left almost all of it. I tried to order a glass of milk for him but they didn't have any milk. I asked to purchase an ice cream, but they aren't doing any desserts currently.

When you're trying to re-establish a 'local' then it's the little things which really count. Early signs are there is still work to do.

Useful Info (all correct and verified at time of review)
Location Website: facebook.com/RidgeNFurrow/
Opening Times: Monday-Thursday 11:00-23:00, Friday & Saturday 11:00-00:00, Sunday 12:00-22:30
Facilities: Food, Drinks, Baby Changing, Play Area
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Aviator Inn - Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton, GL51 6SR 
Date Visited: 02/09/2018 by Dad Lee

What child doesn't like planes and helicopters? Well at the Aviator, you can literally sit at the end of the runaway and watch numerous aircraft land and take off all day long.

With the good weather returning at the weekend, we were able to sit in the large beer garden. The kids menu is quite varied and reasonable at £5.95, including a drink. I opted for the Sunday roast, which was fresh, hot and plentiful. Inside does get busy and booking is recommended so for me, one for a dry day to sit outside and enjoy the airport experience.

Useful Info (all correct and verified at time of review)
Location Website: www.theaviatorglos.co.uk
Opening Times: Sunday-Thursday 09:00-22:00, Friday & Saturday 09:00-23:00
Facilities: Food, Drinks, Kids Menu, Parking, Baby Changing, Free WiFi, Beer Garden

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