Forest

My husband and I booked a one night stay on a DBB basis to celebrate my birthday so that we could visit a nearby restaurant for lunch and both enjoy a drink. The afternoon before we were due to arrive (having booked around 6-ish weeks before) we received an email from the manager (Sean) to say that there had been a burst water pipe on the main road and that the bedrooms were inhabitable. He asked us to call to discuss the matter further. He was unable to find us anywhere nearby to stay as an alternative. I was completely understanding and said that it did not matter in the slightest and explained that we could get taxis to and from the restaurant for lunch as an alternative. He offered us a compliment stay another time. I said there was no need given the difficult time they were going through and that it was circumstances beyond their control. He insisted and said they’d love to have us stay on another occasion. We duly went to the restaurant intended (20 minutes walk away) and had a wonderful lunch. We decided to walk down to the Forest Fence and support them at what seemed to be a difficult time for them, and grab a pint before heading back home. Sadly, the heavens opened on the way and we got drenched! When we arrived we were extremely surprised to find a sign saying they were closed all day due to a private event. We went inside and all tables were decorated with white balloons and table decorations. We spoke to a member of staff who claimed to know nothing about a burst water pipe and said they had a private booking for the entire venue. A lady in charge came over and initially claimed that the rooms were indeed flooded but that there had always been a booking in the restaurant all afternoon/evening. I queried how they had accepted our booking on a DBB basis and she became extremely uncomfortable before saying -along the lines of “I’m sorry, yes I’m lying we have a private event for the whole venue” Essentially our booking was cancelled less than 24 hours before arrival based on a lie. We had booked through Off Peak Luxury. I emailed Sean to express my sincere disappointment and how used I felt in offering him sympathy given the reality of the situation. I always emailed the owner of the group “Seafood Pub Company”. Neither have had the courtesy to respond. Nor have Off Peak Luxury. I have been refunded my spend albeit was without those funds for 6 weeks since booking. This hotel/restaurant does not care about people nor the truth. They care simply about maximising profit and don’t care whether they hurt people in the process.

Throughout this place is very very good. Staff are relaxed and entertaining and efficient. Rooms good. But to serve chateaubriand as an evening meal - and to present this so well - was an absolute treat. Breakfast also very good maybe some side plates would be a help! Definitely recommend.

Always a great stay because of the staff including Julie, Lawrence, Sean (the Boss man) and Liam (I hope I got the names right). But rooms are a little dusty and my mugs were both stained and needed replacing. Team makes this a place to come back to again and again.

Went for an evening meal for my daughter’s birthday. The location is great with a lovely garden overlooking the farmland. Great choice of food, excellent, friendly service and fair prices. A very modern and relaxed setting for a nice family dinner.

The service was excellent from Sean and all the staff on duty this day. The food was delicious and fantastic and we were made to feel very welcome by all. This was to celebrate my mother in laws life due to bereavement and we could not have asked for anymore from Sean and his staff!

Back for a second time. Could become my go to pub in this aria.