The Carpenters Arms

Food Quality: Consistently praised for being fresh, hot, and well-presented, with highlights like Sunday roasts, homemade soups, and generous portions.

The positive - plenty of parking, attractive inside and out, friendly and helpful staff. But the service was incredibly slow and the food was over-cooked convenience fare from the freezer and cheap commercially made sauces. All the starters on the main menu are breaded or battered. Satay chicken skewers were disappointingly dried up, with a sweet sauce. Beer battered fish was curled up on the plate, it was so overcooked, and despite waiting so long, was sent back to the kitchen. Sticky ribs weren't sticky, only the sauce poured liberally over them. The lasagne too appeared so overcooked it didn't look appetising. The only plate that got a thumbs up was the burger.We didn't have dessert. We chose the Carpenters based on a recommendation, and perhaps the kitchen was just having a bad day, but sadly we won't go back.

Back to Basics This is a back to basics accommodation, don't forget a towel and toiletries. Overall the stay wasn't bad, things require a refresh and the staff (and food) in the pub are very good.