Went to the Lantern with Family (party of 6) based on a recommendation from a friend. Arrived at 7pm on a Thursday evening and the place was empty. One other table as a party of 7 was booked, but saw no one else.

Our starters included "garlic and mozzarella bread", "smoked mackerel with horseradish" and "deep fried prawns with sweet chilli". The garlic bread was made from those part baked 'petit pains'. The mackerel was obviously cheap vac-packed. All salads throughout the whole meal were just drizzled with plain olive oil and not any kind of dressing. For presentation and taste the whole lot was just basic and unexciting.

For mains we had:
Chicken and Stilton pie. This was OK and enjoyed.
Fish Cakes. This was OK and enjoyed.
Lasagne. This was OK (Cut from a large pan and not cooked fresh).

The chicken fillets were deep fried to the point of having a very dark breadcrumb coating.

The steak and ale pie that my wife and I had was pretty bad. First impressions it had been cut from a tray and it was quite obviously burnt. You know how a pie crust begins to look smoke damaged when it's been in at least half and hour too long? This had a knock on effect that the filling was dry. Dry to point that there no liquid gravy. It was also devoid of anything other than gristly cheap cuts of 'stewing steak'. There is nothing wrong with using stewing steak for a pie, but the chef should realise that it won't be tender by time the pastry is cooked.

When I quietly explained to the waiter/owner that the pie was burnt on the outside and dry on the inside, he immediately said that it was not burnt and that "he sells hundreds of portions and everyone says it is delicious (SIC)". He offered some gravy, which arrived 10 minutes later. It was beyond rescue and neither my wife or I ate much of it instead choosing to eat just some of the veg.

As a group, we decided not bother with deserts as the previous courses had been so disappointing.

When it came to pay, he made no offer of reductions to the bill and continued to argue that the pie was not burnt, to the point where I, quite out of character, spoke up and told him that if he keeps telling me that I am wrong then it'll serve no other purpose than ensuring that we won't be returning to eat there again.

My Wife and I enjoy discovering new quiet restaurants which serve special food that has been prepared with passion and care. Sadly, The Lantern in Martin falls very short of this mark. The food is distinctly average and the customer service is appalling.

If you are considering this place over another, do yourself a favour and go elsewhere. We will not be recommending it and will not be going there again.