I READ Malcolm Warne’s Eating Out review on The Clubhouse, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth, which he gave almost full marks, with utter disbelief (D&S Times, Nov 27).

I was taken there a month ago with friends. Staff couldn’t find a sherry! The service was appalling – staff standing around chatting. My main course was almost inedible and my husband’s meal was lukewarm on a very hot plate.

Obviously Mr Warne was recognised and staff realised a review was being done, so all stops were pulled out.

Surely an unknown reporter should conduct local reviews, then perhaps truer picture would be the result.

Jennifer Jarvis, Darlington