It is important to remember that for every bad review there are probably lots of satisfied customers. These reviews are the comments of individual visitors to Information Britain and have not been authenticated by us. They should not be taken as the views of Crawbar Ltd - publishers of this web site.

Reviews of Rams Head Inn, Denshaw

Best rates for a Local Hotel

Review by Patrick Dawson on 24th August, 2013

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I hate to admit it but I have been coming to the Rams Head for fifty years ! Going back to when John Michael's mother in law poured beer from the jug behind the bar . This is the place I go when I want first class beef cooked properly . The food is certainly in a class above normal pub food and the ambience and the 'crack ' are of the best . Highly recommended .

Date visited: 24 August 2013

Review by julie barker on 23rd August, 2012

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well the reviews on this page say it all really, i cant stress enough how to avoid this pub.. Staff are abrubt food is tasteless and well over priced!! I dine out alot in Denshaw village and cant express enough to people dont let this bad pub put you off.. The printers down the way is excellent as well as the black ladd.. When our food finally arrived it was cold and tasteless as mentioned.. Staff had no communication skills at all.. after the 3rd attempt of placing our drinks order he finally got it right.. Pub owner was sat in the bar and to be honest was quite arrogant. Would never return or recommend bad, bad business people.. They need a burger van not a restaurant.

Date visited: august 2012

Review by Karl on 15th May, 2011

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Weather:Overcast Time:1300 onwards. Arrived at the pub, not having booked, was met by the Maitre d', having literally walked through the door,who enquired if we were eating with them. We informed him that we had not decided and asked to look at the menu. Having visited the bar area, which is situated directly opposite the gents toilets, we retired to the "compact" lounge, selected a table at which the menus promptly arrived. About 2 mins later a pleasant young man arrived and enquired as to our order, at which we informed him that we had not yet reached a decision. He went away, never to return, as some 20 mins later we had to summon another waiter to inform him that we were ready to order. With the meal we ordered a bottle of wine. The Chilean Merlot at £17 + a bottle. Imagine to our horror that it was the same wine that we had previously purchased at an undisclosed supermarket for less than £5. Ah well, you live and learn. To continue, the starters arrived. My Bury Black Pudding was with salad and croutons. The salad was undressed, the croutons stale and the black pudding barely warm. To add insult to injury, there was not even half of a black pudding, cubed, on the plate. My darling partner had a double cheese souffle, which was on "on the ball" Round 1 to my partner. The mains arrived some 10-15 mins after the starters. Nice little time period, enjoy the wine, little chat and then into the mains. I had a Haddock baked in cheese sat atop spring onions and carrots. Although not earth shattering it was well presented and tasted good. Here it ends as the portion size was a complete joke unless you were a small child or a NOT SO HUNGRY recipient of gastric band surgery. The actual size of the piece of baked haddock was no greater than 5 inches, if that. My Partner ordered the rump steak, rare. It arrived with fries, which we had missed on the menu, and tomatoes. It looked more like a meal from a fast food pub, you know the ones I mean, than a meal served from a "reputable" restaurant. The steak was not rare and was sent back, to which I may add no fuss was made whatsoever. The new steak arrived with the same fries and tomatoes, now just warm, and was indeed rare. Round 2 to me as at least my meal fared better. We decided against dessert as enough was enough. Although not the most horrendous experience we have encountered on our culinary travels, it will go down as one of the most disappointing. We, like most people reading this review work hard for our money and to see it literally go to waste, voluntarily, is sad. The dining experience of the pub left a lot to be desired. Although the waiters were pleasant enough, the atmosphere was not at all friendly, more like one of get them in and out. The fire in the grate was laughable and reminded me of the film Oliver, however I certainly was not going to ask for more. All in all, out of a 10 I would rate the pub and its' grub at around a 4. Please bear in mind that we are local and would recommend, for ambience, value for money and good food, the Hare and Hounds at Luzley, the Wagon and Horses Mottram, the Farrars in Mossley as in our opinion these are far better on all fronts.

Date visited: 15052011

Review by Dave on 10th March, 2011

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A few of us called in for a drink early evening. The Greeter asked us if we didn't have doors where we come from, it seemed someone had left an inner door open, is this the famous grump everyone mentions?. The Black sheep was sour but exchanged without fuss by a polite barman, The Timothy Taylor's Landlord was fine but the beer is very overpriced. Nice small snug. We did not eat.

Date visited: 04/03/2011

Review by S Keenan on 10th January, 2011

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Having read the reviews I am sorry I did not find this web site before I visited the Ram's Head yesterday as I may have been prepared for the APPALLING SERVICE received. I had made the reservation by phone the previous evening and was told that children were catered for as I said I could not find a menu for them online(3 out of a party of 7). We were surprised that no high chairs were available. Having ordered drinks the 'manager/owner' asked for our order and I asked what was available for children. I was told curtly that they could have roast meat (we don't eat meat). I said that was not exactly catering for children to be told 'that is the menu, take it or leave it'. I said there was no need to respond in that manner and asked if fish pie might be available at which point we were told that the manager did not like us and please leave and took our drinks away! PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE MANAGER IS AGRESSIVE AND RUDE AND THE ESTABLISHMENT DOES NOT CATER FOR CHILDREN. We went on to another pub and had an enjoyable family meal. I can only consider us lucky to have avoided contributing to this man's living and would like to suggest that others give careful consideration before visiting this pub as this is obviously not one person having a bad experience but a badly trained individual who does not understand the service industry.

Date visited: 9/1/11

Review by Elizabeth Pulford on 10th January, 2011

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DOES NOT CATER FOR CHILDREN AT ALL. APPALLING DISHONEST ATTITUDE AND NO SERVICE We had checked in advance that this place "catered for children" and that we had two at two or younger and one at 6yrs. We were told children were catered for. When we got there and asked for a children's menu or what "half portions" were available we were told ONLY half portions of roast meat were available and if we didn't like it we could leave. When we complained that we had specifically checked that children of young ages were catered for and that we didn't feel that the choice of roast meat only was "catering for children" we were asked to leave. When I pointed out that his assertion of being child friendly was DISHONEST I was told he was used to dealing with "my sort". I can only assume that "my sort" includes confused and disappointed customers. Unless and until you have children who can cope with adult portions DO NOT VISIT WITH CHILDREN. The place itself looks lovely but we can only assume that the fact there were only 2 other customers in there speaks for itself. We will not be going back, not even when our son is much older!

Date visited: Sunday 9th January 2011

Review by valerie on 28th October, 2010

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having read the previous comments I have to ask was this the same place that I visited with my husband, arrived approx, 1.30 pm and from walking in to leaving can not praise the ram and the staff too highly, Paul ( I think) was the perfect link between bar, kitchen, waiters and ourselves, nothing was too much trouble he even brought the owner to our table and introduced us, God knows who the previous reviews are talking about but it can't be the owner that we met, I told him we would be back and we will, also intend to be at his wine tasting night in november (not bad considering we live near York) but the Ram AND its staff are well worth a return visit I only wish we lived nearer because we would be there on a regular basis, The place is in a lovely area and coupled with the great food, very friendly staff and the ambience of the coming festive season I bet the place will be magical at christmas, We will find out, because, we will be there.

Date visited: october 2010

Review by David Cullingworth on 17th October, 2010

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I have read the past reviews with mixed feelings and am very happy that I visited the Rams Head before reading them. The food which We " 3 people " oredered was of very high quality and if I had had more time i would honestly have waited around for Dinner. Everyone was friendly and the atmosphere was spectacular. I am not prone to read the prices as i wish to enjoy the meal which I order, this i did. When I finally decided to leave, " This was after the official closing time " and i must stipulate there was no pressure from the Staff, on the contrary we were invited to take desert and Coffee, I was quite surprised at the bill. Three people with starters and drinks also !!! in the City I would have paid twice the price. I cannot wait to return. Thank you Staff of Rams Head, a very perfect lunch break.

Date visited: Saturday 16th October 2010

Review by Gaynor on 20th September, 2010

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This was our second visit it was my daughters 21st and we took a party of 6. We chose this resteurant as on the first visit the food was excellent, we found the owner quite surly and unfriendly initially but we thought he may have just had a bad day.... However it became clear on the second visit that he just has the wrong attitude !!! He created a tense awkward atmosphere with his presence and attitude to other members of staff.....Basically he wanted us to order and wanted us out!! No time for customer care or polite pleasant conversation it was clear we were dealing with a propieter who was non chalant and stagmated in his work... The food was also dissapointing we were served the equivalent of Macdonalds fries with our steak which was totally unexpected in an establishment of this stature the steaks although all cooked to different likings were all tough and tasteless ...The fish was the best and the deserts were also good but the main problem with this place is the Owner he is most definetly unhappy in his job and that shows!!!!!

Date visited: 19th september 2010

Review by Ian on 27th March, 2010

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We visited the Rams Head last night and had a most delicious meal with a warm and friendly service to match. Its such a pleasant experience to visit a restaurant with high standards and individuality.Far better than some of the souless large company owned food factories that surround us these days.

Date visited: 26/03/2010

Review by Jenny on 19th December, 2009

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My husband and I were at the Ram's Head Denshaw the same night as Sue (review 22.11.2009. I too was appalled by the aggressive attitude of the Landlord and restaurant Manager his son. We booked at table for 6 pm we got our started at 7.45pm we complained to the waitress show said she should have gone at 6pm and he (the landlord) is always doing this not putting enough staff on. His attitude the the party afore mentioned was so upsetting especially in the presence of young children we left after having just our starter at 9.30pm still waiting for our main meal. He threatened by husband with physical abuse and was verbally disgusting. We dine out regularly and I am prompted to write this review as I have never in my 46 years been treated or seen other people treated in such an appalling and disgusting manner. I would warn people to think twice before going to this restaurant.

Date visited: 22.11.2009

Review by Sue on 22nd November, 2009

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I have never written a review of a restaurant before, but i am SO ANGRY AND DISGUSTED at the way we were treated by the owner of this place that I feel I should inform as many people as possible. So here goes: We arrived at 5pm with our group which included 4 young children. Table was ready but no menus. Time between ordering and receiving food was about two hours. On complaining we were told that that was normal. Manager very rude to other customers who also complained. Eventually found the owner who shouted at us, aggressively slapped his hand close to my sisters face and told us to get out, threatening that if we didnt pay up he would prosecute. We were so concerned about his behaviour we called the police. Please do not go to the Rams Head Inn in Denshaw, it is absolutely appalling in my opinion.

Date visited: 22/11/2009

Review by Chris on 13th April, 2009

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We hadn't visited the Rams Head for quite a few years and decided to give it another try. The service was efficient and indifferent. For starters, I had a nondescript chicken liver pate with insufficient toast and a paltry amount of sauce. Mrs Chris ordered the terrine, which came with a few leaves of salad and a tiny amount of sauce. On to the main courses, Mrs Chris went for the game - I think pheasant and venison. I opted for the mallard with plum sauce. My duck was simply the worst I have ever tasted. It reminded me of a goose we cooked once after leaving it in the back of the freezer for 3 years. The meat was bitter and tough. Mrs Chris's main course was little better - it simply tasted like cheap cuts of meat. The veg was acceptable, but my side order of chips was over done and tasted as though it had been kept warm for a long time. Overall, the only thing to be commended was the setting. The Ram's Head used to be a great beer drinking pub that served good food. Now it seems to be a deli with a not very good restaurant attached. Nearby you have the Alpine - which provides good value reasonable quality food, The Junction which provides great beer and reasonable food in a somewhat characterless atmosphere and several other options in Denshaw, Delph and Uppermill (I think our favourite would still be The Swan in nearby Dobcross). Alternatively, there are some great restaurants and gourmet pubs over towards Ripponden. Either way, I simply cannot see why we will ever visit the Ram's Head again.

Date visited: 8/03/09

Review by Wild Pig on 31st March, 2009

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Its been a very long time since I have had a resturant experience so bad that it has prompted me to sit and write about it on a website. The last was in Italy but hey the sun was shining and the weather was fantastic (and I knew I was being robbed) Well what can i say 6 of us went there last weekend for my wife’s birthday. What we had planned was nice quiet evening with a bit of banter and some good food. The experience started by having to walk in to the restaurant through the 'Deli' to look at the very over priced food. (Was not interested in the deli had come to a ‘restaurant’ to eat!!) We then had to wait for some time in the corridor from the deli to the restaurant while groups of people ordered in front of us. (Waited about 7-8 mins) Once we arrived in the ‘Waiting area’ (A small area in front of the bar with the blackboards on the wall and waitresses brushing past taking drinks to the tables felt like we were in the way!!) we were told that we were to order drinks from the bar then order food from here. The gentleman in question then proceeded to disappear for a coupe of mins then return and then almost look amazed that we had not decided what we wanted to eat, it had only been 2 mins!!! After being hurried in a way in which his body manner demanded an answer, we placed our order, and were hurried to our table. (Just so happed to be outside the kitchen doors) The table was laid nicely but was sticky to touch almost as if it had not been cleaned properly. We sat down and ordered wine, a bottle of £25 wine for myself and my wife (We were not driving!). Couple of beers and some soft drinks. They were bough back sharply and served out. I’m sorry but if you order wine in any restaurant that is worth its money they uncork in front of you and pour the wine and let you taste it. This was dumped at the other end of the table to where we were sitting and the waitress promptly vanished. (I really hate it when they uncork and bring it to you opened) then within 10 mins our starters had arrived, blimey! (Cant complain about speed) they got 5 out of 6 right, apparently garlic bread had turned into garlic mushrooms! So were sent back, then the ‘manager’ arrived and asked what was the problem, told him, and he looked at us as if we had the nerve to complain!! Garlic bread arrived shortly after. Everyone enjoyed the starters which were very nice. AS soon as the starters were finished the empty plates were whipped away, not even asking if we had finished. Very, very rude. (Never saw anyone who worked there with a smile). After 15 -20 mins the mains arrived, we had ordered 4 rump steaks, and two lambs. The lambs were presented brilliantly and looked tasty, those who had the lamb said it was fantastic. The steaks however were another story. The waitress who brought them out did not know which was which. We had to guess by looking and the sauces that we had ordered. Then when they had been put down, we had to swap the sauces around, because they were with the wrong steaks. SO….. £12.95 for a ‘Pub’ rump steak (there must have been 25% fat with mine with stringy meat. Tasted average) with an extra £2 for chips (Greasy and over done) to say all 4 were all rump steaks they were all different sizes and thicknesses. I’m very sorry but I felt I was being robbed whilst I was eating my dinner, not a pleasant experience especially when you know your hard earned money is being wasted. So I decided not to have dessert, my wife had the cheese platter for £5, so a handful of biscuits and 3 really small cheese bits which were nothing special she felt really disappointed with her dessert. During the evening a table on the other side of the room had complained and had been given a very short sharp reply buy the manager dressed in black. (don’t think he was the owner) and so when I paid the £180 bill I was asked was it alright I begrugginlgy said it was average, to which I got the dirtiest look form the manager. To sum up the place is ‘Pub’ through and through (No bar though), a variety of small rooms that have tried to be dressed up nicely to look like a restaurant. The staff were short, sad no service with a smile, and not particularly interested in what they were doing. The food was horribly over priced, for what you got and its trying very hard to be a gastro pub, but in my opinion failing miserably. I would suggest they reduce there prices by 20% to fall in line with other much better pubs in the area and try to provide a much better service if they want to survive through this recession. I was thinking of going back in a month’s time to see if this was a one off but after rereading the review i have just written i think i might go somewhere else.

Date visited: 21 MArch 2009

Review by phil tucker on 8th January, 2007

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The food at the Inn was adequate but under no circumstances would I return due to the unwarranted aggressive behaviour of the proprietors towards a motorist asking for assistance. It was not so much that they refused to give assistance as the totally unacceptable manner in which they did this. It was raining and foggy, the motorists car was overheating and he had come in to ask if he could have some water. This was given by the bar man but the landlady intervened and demanded that it was given back, the landlord then also waded in. Both of them were extremely aggressive, with the landlord threatening to throw the motorist out as well as threatening physical violence. Other than asking for water the motorist had done nothing to provoke this. On top of this the landlady then proceeded to deliberately give what turned out to be false information about where he might be able to get water within a reasonable walking distance. Visibility was between 50 and 100 metres so it was not possible to see down the valley.

Date visited: 6/1/07

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