Cricklade House Hotel & Restaurant in Wiltshire

My family and I (two adults and a child) recently visited Whatley Manor for afternoon tea 09/10/23. Unfortunately, our experience fell far short of expectations, prompting this review. Despite booking a regular afternoon tea, we were charged £43.50 instead of the confirmed £37.50, citing a festive surcharge. Disappointingly, there were absolutely no noticeable festive elements to justify this added cost. Upon arrival, we were seated at a stark white, unadorned table, devoid of any seasonal decorations or even water glasses. The music being played just after we arrived wasn’t festive either. Our initial drinks and food were served promptly but for £140 (the entire amount of food in the attached photo), the value was awful. It consisted of three stale items, the Battenberg slice if you’re interested, accompanied by minimal service (no follow up on food and additional drinks and we had to go and find staff to ask to pay the bill) and a complete absence of the promised festive ambiance which after all was what the surcharge was for. Overall, this was an expensive and unsatisfactory afternoon tea experience. We have since had the festive surcharge refunded which we appreciate but I wouldn’t go back again or recommend the afternoon tea as an experience I’m afraid.

Have a lovely stay here with friends, booked a triple room. The room was spacious and very comfortable, we booked an evening meal here and the owner was very helpful with the Thai menu as I'm unable to eat spicy food and her recommendation was delicious ( pad Thai noodles with chicken). Lovely breakfast and the owners were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely stay again 👍

I have a dairy intolerance and was served a meal with butter, slaw and mayonnaise after I had told them about my intolerance. The meal was taken away and I was served a Ham baguette with most of the meat inside being just fat and I found spread in the roll. The mustard turned out to be mayonnaise with mustard seeds in it. My family member asked for Fish and chips yet she was served Fish with French fries. I ended leaving the cafe completely disgusted and will never return.

Someone recently wrote that staff were paid above average wages, I would like to tell her they’re paid minimum wages, and all too often they’re employed as temporary so they aren’t entitled to the annual bonus, sickness or holidays, although even the bonus has been non existent in the past two years either.

Had a great flat white and breakfast of avocado on sour dough, very nice and staff were friendly with fast service. food almost came too quickly!