Well, the season has changed and this means their policies do as well.
Where my previous review was applauding their ability to handle groups, I should update this to let you know that they only book reservations until 5pm on Fridays. Then its "first come first serve", although I'd like to call shenanigans on that as there were clearly open spots (no drinks on table, no coats on chairs, etc) and told they were being occupied.
I'm still giving this place 3 stars as it is one of the better pubs in the area, but just using this forum as a warning that if going with a group, be prepared to come up with a back up plan.