Was chienne having a bad hair day? I love this place and eat there at least once a fortnight because I really like the buzz and busy atmosphere. The steaks are the best I've had anywhere in the world (duck is good too). I read in the pamphlet on the table that the Ball and Chain serves something like 130,000 meals a year. (I checked again last night) They can't all be wrong. And hey! Anywhere else you pay extra for salads and other bits - you can help yourself to as much as you like in this restaurant. I have never had a problem with staff and a few of them recognise me every time which is nice.