"great eating, great place, really enjoyed 5 hours of enlightenment. it would have been good to read about the story as it can be."
Had tried to book about a month earlier but told it was fully booked for a few weeks. tried again and booked for 2 weeks ahead 1st Nov). everything had changed since last visited before lockdown 1 now register at reception, sit on reserved...table (never reserved before), then waitress service at the table and then called up to the carver and served what you request rather than serving yourself. no cakes/drinks at the counter or paying at the counter all done at the table. as ever the food quality and range were wonderful. usually we end up in the summer house' building but this was out of use and the entire place given over to a pre-booked hallowe'en pumpkin patch trail which meant outside...
The restaurant requires booking 3-4 weeks in advance, which can be frustrating. The food is good, but the booking system feels restrictive. I tried to book a table for two Sundays in a row and was denied because I had only thought of the first visit. It seems they suspect people are booking and not showing up due to this policy. We arrived without a reservation and despite several empty tables, we were turned away. We returned 40 minutes later to find that some of those tables were still empty. We suggest trying Sunday dinner at Bellman’s Cross in Shatterford instead, where the food is excellent and the service is accommodating.
We have enjoyed many good times at the Arboretum but not this time. Whilst the arboretum itself was overwhelmed by visitors to see the autumn colours, the restaurant was no busier than usual because until 1pm it is bookings only. Service was covid secure in...that only one table was allowed to the carvery at a time but the whole process was incredibly slow and could safely have been speeded up. We waited 45 minutes for our turn and decided to cut our losses and not have desserts. Some of the meat was dry, possibly for standing around too long? It felt understaffed and we didn't have a sense of anyone really managing operations.
The Sunday roast was cooked well, but priced at £12. The restaurant has a dated appearance, resembling a school cafeteria with wooden tables and chairs. The dessert selection was limited, mirroring a school dinner menu. One dessert, a three-flavor sundae, was served in a tall glass with a sponge at the bottom, topped with red gel and custard that dripped down the side. Priced at £5.95, it was disappointing and overpriced. While I had heard good things about this restaurant, I would not recommend it.
Book a table now
Had carvery lunch, and was not impressed with covid hygiene measures, the woman serving the food had just been collecting trays from the tables, then without washing hands served the meat onto plates, and even touched the meat to rearrange on the plates. And all...of this without wearing a mask. We would have walked out but were with another couple so did not want to spoil their day. Will not go back, which is a shame as it is in a beautiful setting.
We sat by the lake and ordered 2 sausage and bacon sandwiches, a cappuccino and a flat white .Food came out in very good time and was visually appealing with farmhouse bread .The sausages and bacon tasted really good and appreciated the butter in the...bread too.Very generous sandwiches Excellent
First time visiting and we all fell in love. The grounds were stunning. Beautiful views. A great place for the children to blow off some steam. Cant wait to visit again
This restaurant is a wonderful spot to dine in the midst of stunning scenery. It is truly delightful to savor locally sourced meat dishes here.
Book a table now
Normally it’s ok here but for some reason it was off the pace on Sunday, I am pretty sure it’s a one off and normal service will soon return
great eating, great place, really enjoyed 5 hours of enlightenment. it would have been good to read about the story as it can be.
