Babar Elephant at Fence in Pendle

Arrived at the restaurant just after 5pm, as the very first people there and we were really looking forward to the meal with having been before and finding it excellent. Service was prompt and we managed to order within 10 minutes. However, that was the last time the service was acceptable. The starter arrived some 40 minutes later at 6.10pm, after the table next to us got theirs even though they had only arrived 10 minutes earlier.As with our previous visit, the food was excellent and we promptly finished our starters and once again where presented with an extraordinary long and frustrating wait. A table of approximately 10 people arrived on the other side of us and within 3 minutes of sitting down all of their food was served?? I could only imagine that they must have pre ordered and that they must have been regulars, however we were still sat waiting after what was now more than an hour after ordering.I decided to ask a waiter where our food was and he shot off to check. Some 10 minutes later, he finally reappeared from the kitchen but failed to come over to inform us of when we could expect our food and instead just leisurely strolled around the restaurant!I did manage to secure his attention again and asked politely, did you manage to check on the food? He once again went away into the kitchens whilst we continued to watch people coming in and collecting bags full of takeaways and other tables that had arrived some 30 - 40 minutes after us getting their food.Finally some 10 minutes later and at 6.50pm, the main meal arrived! Again, the food was fantastic, but we were all somewhat disappointed at the lack of service. I believe that many of the other tables were regulars due to how the staff interacted with them and therefore, and wrongly, were prioritised over our meals!This was a celebration of my mothers 74th birthday who had requested to go here as she enjoyed it so much the last time. Unfortunately, part of her meal was missing and it was too late to resolve it once we had noticed as we had all but finished. Annoyingly, we were then charged for the missing item on the bill, plus they overcharged for the drinks as well, adding several on that we simply hadnt had.Whilst paying, I was asked if everything was ok and I responded by complimenting them on the quality of the food but felt that I had to mention the lack of service / exceptionally long wait. His response was that they were busy as it was a bank holiday, which I could have accepted, but we were the very first people in the restaurant and the first to order! Secondly, with it being a bank holiday, wouldnt you prepare for that by having a sufficient uplift in the number of staff for the evening?Overall I was disappointed and surprised, not only at the lack of service, but the incorrect charging and the poor excuses offered as a defense, rather than an apology.I think they need to review how they prioritise the orders that they receive and how they are processed as something obviously went drastically wrong with ours. We eventually left the restaurant at 7.15pm. Over 2 hours for a 2 course meal for 4 people. Not good at all!P.S. The opening times on the website and Facebook are wrong. Got told they are in the process of trying to update it.......that's funny.......looking at other negative reviews it seems they have been saying that for 3 years??

Called without booking tonight.. It wasn't a problem... Not seen Aftab for over 10 years he still runs a Cracking restaurant....Great food staff and atmosphere... cheers Lee ... see ya soon hopefully before 10 years has past 😉

Fabulous place. Staff excellent, friendly and customer service second to none. Food fresh, hot, tasty and served on great dishes, all helps to add to a fantastic experience.

So we went yesterday for the first time and wish we found it sooner the food is by far the best Indian food I've ever had we went with my 2 children 1 of them being 4 years old and the staff there was so good with him even if he did just eat a plate of chocolate flakes the still did there best to keep them happy very friendly people and we will definitely be going back 10/10

First time here and impressed. Late Tuesday and the only people in the restaurant so no atmosphere but the food and the service were great. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Will defo come here again but will obviously try for a Friday or Saturday evening.

Gorgeous food and wonderful staff. Highly recommend.

Good food well served. Friendly staff. Excellent, highly recommended.

Food was lovely and most of the staff were friendly - one waiter let the team down by looking like it was an effort to be there. He seemed annoyed that we were not ready to order our food, impatient when we hadn’t finished eating and removed plates before we’d even swallowed the food! The place was very busy with people queuing up outside and the bar seemed hectic with people standing. Perhaps not taking as many bookings would make for a more relaxed and pleasant experience.

Gorgeous food, friendly staff and great service 👌

Could not have asked for a better meal. From the moment we walked through the door the staff were friendly and couldn't do enough for us. The food was delicious, there is plenty of choice on the menu and more than just your usual selection of Indian cuisine. I'll definitely be returning.