Darcy's Brasserie in Sheffield

Stunning setting, beautiful bar, great parking and tastefully decorated restaurant. Unfortunately that’s where the compliments end. Food tasteless and cold; service from bar and kitchen laughable; overpriced drinks; good food spoilt by the chef. I’ve never had anyone suggest eating here so it was a punt and now I know why. What a waste of a fabulous venue.

We have dined at Darcy Brasserie before and I can honestly say the meal we had recently was absolutely superb. Combined this with the service that we had from the restaurant staff, it was a delightful evening. The food was delicious from the nibbles to the main. I would recommend the scratchings as nibbles and the Pork T-Bone for main. The only reason I gave it a 4 star is because it could do with some back ground music (soft background music). Also, the restaurant could do with updating the decor a bit. Overall, my experience was great and I will certainly be returning in the future.

Having been to the sister hotel at Aston Hall, our expectations were high. What a disappointment. The full brasserie menu, advertised online was not available, only the bar menu. The surroundings were gorgeous and that’s where the positivity ends because the food was simply awful. The menu was short and we struggled to find something interesting. However I had a chicken Caesar salad with a side of onions, and my friend had a beef sandwich. My onions were full of grease, as were the croutons in the salad. Both had been fried at too low a temperature and had absorbed all the fat. Hardly any chicken. My friend’s beef sandwich was so chewy that it was inedible. I sent back the onions and the beef. There was no apology, just a hushed discussion behind the bar. We had dessert which was just about ok, no more. Even with these dishes deducted from the bill, it was a staggering £60. We will not be returning, which is a shame because the environment is lovely.

We went tonight for a belated Mother’s Day meal. A table of 4 with 1 coeliac. I did put 1 x gluten free on the booking, unfortunately this was not communicated to the wait staff and after a lot of the waitress running back and forth from the kitchen my husband set off for the nearest supermarket to buy some gluten free bread cakes for the burger. After he had set off it was revealed the burgers were not gluten free as had been stated and ended up with a chicken breast burger! There were several items unavailable or with substitutes and the pate, which was supposed to be gluten free, looked shop bought and the cranberry syrup missing. We were assured the chips were cooked in a separate fryer however within a couple of hours of eating it became evident something was not gluten free. The menu was very different to what is on the internet with several items missing and further items unavailable. All the above said, the wait staff were lovely, very helpful but placed in a difficult situation that they had no control over. Management need to look at a menu with more options, labelling allergens and indicating what can be made allergen free, eg with gluten free bread etc.

Our family Golden Wedding celebrations were booked in the restaurant for February 2023. We were not disappointed the food, service and attentive staff were all excellent. We will certainly be back. Unfortunately the restaurant was not very busy for a Saturday evening. We would definitely recommend that you give this restaurant a try

Went on a Friday night with partner and had a bottle of wine in the bar area which is stunning!Lovely venue.Took wine through to the restaurant which is very modern.I had halloumi chips and mushy peas which I have to say was the best halloumi I have ever eaten!Partner had Mosborough burger which he enjoyed.I tried the double choc brownie which was huge and ice cream.Again the best choc brownie I have ever had!Food was under £40 which was so good we thought.Back to the bar area and all in all a great experience and will definitely be back as we live in walking distance.Thank you to the staff too who are attentive and lovely 😀

Food was excellent the menu isn’t massive but all the food we had was very well presented and tasted great my wife ordered from the bar menu as they had steak but the restaurant menu didn’t service was good a bit slow at times staff all very friendly and helpful ate on 3 separate days

Despite checking the menu online to make sure there was something that I could eat, I ended up disappointed as the ravioli was dry and the mushroom cream sauce was non existent. The sweet potatoes also left much to be desired. Because I was in a party of ten I didn't make a scene, but had I been there with just my wife, I would have complained and returned the meal. it was disgusting and curling up with dryness at the edges.

Despite enquiring about vegan and dairy free options (I have a dairy allergy) the meal and choice were very poor. I was told via Fb messenger there would be ‘several options’ for all courses, and to mention vegan/dairy free when when booking. We did. And phoned up to confirm the day before and mentioning again. Turned up on the day they had no record of our booking - despite it being confirmed. And vegan/dairy free options was either Houmous - a starter, or mushroom or pea and mint risotto. I and my husband both chose the different risottos. To say they were both bland was an understatement. Kids had curry which was a very small portion for an adult meal. with what are shop bought mini naan breads and a side of greasy onion rings that even they couldn’t eat. Really disappointing. All three kids loved the puddings though, but there was no dairy free/vegan option. There’s no proper pepper or pepper grinders just salt and pepper in pots - that they sell in Poundland. Even Wetherspoons has more options than this. And honestly their food is nicer. We paid £90 for a sad meal for us all, which apart from the kids puddings were below average for taste. If you can’t cater for vegan/dairy free or other dietary requirements that’s fine it’s not a problem. Happy to go elsewhere. But please be honest about it. I just felt like it was £90 wasted and far from a fine dining experience as expected. But really in this day and age with trained chefs, who cant knock up vegan options or puddings etc. It’s really not that difficult. I’ve had cheap greasy spoon cafes make more effort and produce better food than this on the spur of the moment, never mind with a weeks notice.

Our last two visits have been terrible. First one we were served with raw liver that had to go back and then yesterday meal arrived with black chips that went straight back only to be returned with what can only be described as soggy chip shape potato. My sister and myself had gammon that was tough so we left it and orders of pork arrived with one roast potatoe (no veg and the fish with 2 pieces of leek that was hard to eat. Staff were apologetic and refunded the gammon but bill was still over £80 for what was awful food. Needless to say we will not be eating here again.

I am compelled to write a short note because I was not only disappointed with my food, but pretty cross about it too. Ordered a crab tartare starter - thought looked super - quite a lot of shell and without flavor. However, acceptable just about. Next - ordered rare sirloin with fat chips, tomatoes and mushrooms. Was looking forward ... goodness me! Fat chips indeed fat, with nice seasoning on outside, but rock hard inside. Could hear the knife cut through - opaque colour; just think raw potatoes and that's what it looked like. Am guessing double-cooked, but clearly, not enough! The steak ... well, rare is rare - acceptable would be medium rare ... but it was well done, gristly and hard to cut through. Called helpful waitress - she agreed with both. I was so hungry, just asked her to get better chips and struggled on ... was a terrible piece of steak and almost inedible. Surely, a chef can get that right ... the next chips which arrived were almost exactly the same as the first lot. I don't normally complain and was away on business, but truly, it was awful!!! Really awful ... the Maitre d' was helpful enough, offered me free coffee and did not charge for the meal. Quite right too. Turns out the chef is leaving ... good! Maybe reason for lack lustre effort. Oh, the tomatoes and mushrooms were lovely!!!

Treat yourself to a meal at Darcy's Brasserie. The restaurant is located in the Best Western Hotel. High Street, S20 5EA. The restaurant is very modern, clean, and spacious. The food is good and well presented but the wine is rather overpriced. The staff are helpful and very friendly.

Visited herre several evenings whilst staying at hotel ,they menu had a great range of choices ,including gluten free courses.

We haven't been to this restaurant for a few years and decided to give it a go we took the last parking space there was a function so the place was busy .The restaurant was the same as we remembered it .We were offered the set menu we did not care for the starters and thought the mains were uninspiring Our steak and lamb dishes were acceptable and the one dessert a chocolate tart was pretty poor.On the plus side the staff were very attentive and pleasant ,the 6 chips I had and the tender stem broccoli we shared were delicious .With 2 glasses of wine the bill came to £71 .We have had better meals in nearby pubs for a lot less and the Hotel Van Dyk is not far away and offers better prepared and tasting food and the restaurants are lovely .

As part of our visit ,dinner and breakfast was included in our stay.The choice was very good,and the meal was excellent.Attentive staff and a nice atmosphere.Dinner served from 6 onwards.Good variety at breakfast catering for all tastes.An enjoyable experience.

Superb food and unusual fusions as well as the classic favourites, lamb with sweetbreads, burgers to die for, "chips" that my husband says are the best he's ever tasted, good sized portions, and puddings that are worth waiting for. The staff are lovely and helpful. We have been here many times and found every time to be of the same high standards.

A lovely atmosphere great meal excellent service a hidden gem with super choice and good value for a quality meal 🥘

Fuimos a Darcy's con grandes expectativas, nos sentamos a una mesa con cubiertos, pedimos nuestra comida, pan y aceitunas, seguidos inmediatamente por nuestros entrantes (1 minuto máximo), así que realmente no disfrutamos el pan y las aceitunas, Comencé a comer mi cordero kofta y estaba crudo, no raro, crudo (me ofrecieron bebidas gratis). Los platos principales estaban bien, pero dos grupas eran un poco gristly. Uno al revés la tarta de chocolate era encantador.

Comforable area may be a bit chilly near the windows. Had the set three course menu with coffee. Reasonable service and food.

I've spent a couple of weeks at this hotel in 2017 - any many, may weeks in the past 6 years - and eaten in Darcy's every time. I'm happy to say that whilst staff have changed over the years, the things that really matter have always been consistent:

Menu reasonable and execution thereof not bad, but could be better. If you stay more than 3 nights, it would be difficult to find something different to choose from the menu as it was quite limited.

Reservamos para cenar dos noches mientras se aloja en un paquete, dbb - aunque el precio inicialmente la mayoría de las comidas tenían una buena tarifa y el menú era poco imaginativo nada diferente. Dicho esto la comida no era buena. El servicio era excelente y el personal era encantador y amable. Si algo faltaba en el menú era un curry como dos de nuestro grupo estaban deseando uno y me pareció algo básico en el menú opción, pero creo que esto era debido a un paquete de reserva en el hotel. La habitación en sí es espaciosa y mesa no demasiado cerca uno del otro, también personal parecía extiende el cliente aparte que era agradable. Todos a comer allí de nuevo, pero quizás un menú distinto y no un DBB.

We enjoyed our meals but a curry/chilli choice would have been good. Had the lamb chops on first night but they werent available 2nd night .

Reservamos la habitación Oak para 14 mujeres. Gracias Lauren por ayudarme a planear esta noche. Magnífico servicio, lugar y comida

La comida era excelente y nuestro camarero Andrew hizo todo lo posible para que sea una noche realmente buena

Decidimos tener comida, ya estábamos aquí. Mi sopa era increíble, mi compañero tenía un jamón hock y pollo stack que encontró un enorme hueso en el cual él desanime acabado.

Hier versucht man mehr zu sein als man ist.

When again and stayed in the hotel, hotel great bedroom great food great, love that place. Would stay there again. Went to the tram place in derby had a great day out

On checking in we planned to venture out locally but opted for dinner as well. Great menu try the calves liver

Always a pleasure.Food is always lovely, fresh and good quality.The hotel grounds are clean, well kept and very welcoming.

Two families came for an evening meal. The service was polite and attentive. Unfortunately the food was not of the same standard. Three of us ordered the duck, it came on a bed of noodles with water as the sauce. A little piquancy would have brought it up to standard. The portions were also quite small. We were brought no wine list. It's not what I would expect for the price.

Great food could not fault it, excellent service, bit more pricey but not a lot dearer than the pub down the road and you get what you pay for.

Well the tables were extremely clean and well presented and it was nicely decorated. The starter I had was the chedder cheese soufflé which was out of this world, ive only ever had a chocolate dessert soufflé before but id defintely say it is something I would order again. Moving onto the main course I chose the rump steak and traded the hand cut chips for mash potato, the steak came to medium rare perfection however I did need to request the garlic butter sauce which Im sure should have been offered. Nether the less it was a very good meal. The salted carmel and chocolate tart was amazing it was complemented by a butterscotch sauce and raspberry puree highly recommened. Only thing what let down thr experience is we wasn't asked how our meals were at any point so I was abit disappointed.

3 of us had an evening meal. Nobody offered to take our coats which we had to hang on the backs of our chairs. Potato & Leek soup was gritty as if leeks had not been properly washed. Pork was rather tough and accompanying apples so hard as to be inedible. Fish and chips was Ok but nothing outstanding. Overall food was mediocre and very overpriced. Would never go there again.

Excellent location, great staff. The starters were good, the mains were average. My friend and I both had steaks which were £20 per meal which were disappointing, not cooked correct ,very fatty & not tender. They did to be fair only charge us for one of the steaks because of this. We spent a lot of money on food & drink and felt the food didn't have that wow factor. I would return for drinks, but the food side would have to improve for us to eat there again.

took friends for a meal at Darcy's we had starters, cheese souffle,thai fishcakes, asparagus with hollondaise sauce for mains we had fish and chips, pasta and pork loin was fab, dessert to follow and we were stuffed i had the choc and caramel tart great. the staff we friendly and attentive,will visit again

The food was excellent and the service as well! Quick service and the staff were friendly, checking if we needed anymore drinks and if our food was okay. Food was delicious, we had a main and dessert. The blueberry cheesecake was gorgeous! Would highly recommend.

Had a three course dinner on a Groupon voucher and it was very nice indeed. The starters were really great I had the Duck confit and my wife the prawns, both were very well presented and very tasty. For mains my wife had the lamb and I had the ribeye steak. Both were cooked to perfection served piping hot and plentiful. For dessert my wife had the cherry pie and I had the blueberry cheesecake, again both were plentiful and delicious. The staff were all very freindly and helpful. This was an excellent meal and great service.

Evening meal 3 course what good value & presentation was impeccable fine dining a hidden gem Everything fresh & homemade a wide selection to choose from in the beautiful Mosborough Hall

great food and drink, steaks are very good worth the extra well presented and staff very friendly and helpful

Visited Darcy's new years eve, service was appaling food not much better, champagne on arrival and coffee and truffles as advertised were never offered, was expecting a nice relaxed meal then celebrate new year how wrong we were, no choice in how your meat was cooked it came rare when I complained I was told I should have requested it to be cooked well done 3 weeks ewrlierwhen the food orderwas placed. The meal was like a race no sooner had you finished 1 course and the next one was in front of you we had to ask for a break before dessert. Staff were obviously wanting to finish early at 10pm were clearing all tables making diners feel like they were in the way, by 11pm couldn't take any more and left, there were only 6 people remaining when we left probably hotel guest's. Worst new year ever.

My honest advise would be- try somewhere else. We visited here and had the most rude welcome we could have received.The customer service is non-existent. And this hugely impacted our meal throughout. The food was "okay" nothing spectacular. For a better service and quality of food I wish I had visited the mossbrook down the road. TERRIBLE! First and last time we visit.

We had a meal here last night, and it was really lovely. A pretty quiet place with lovely service and friendly waiting staff. The food was perfect portion size and delicious, although my daughter ordered duck salad not realising it would be cold and quite pink for her tastes. I had cod in pancetta and it was gorgeous. Would definitely come here again, it takes the taste card so the original £88 bill was reduced to £44, so a great price. The only thing was, that I wish they had a light in the car park as I was wearing nice heels, and as it had been raining the puddles and muddy spots weren't visible, other than that, great!

Great setting,Great food, generous portions and reasonably priced. Staff are friendly and professional .

We love Darcys at Mossborogh Hall. The food is always good, the homemade chips are my husbands favourite, we go often and haven't yet had a bad meal, I don't anticipate that we will either,which is why we return time and again.The service is informal and the staff are friendly and pleasant, The only thing I find is that sometimes Darcys can be empty so not a lot of ambience in the resteraunt , but again we don't feel uncomfortable by this fact ...maybe people don't realise what they have on their own doorstep .

Although we live locally we had never been before. I have a taste card so did have to book but they were not busy and we could easily have found a table. The young people who served us were fantastic, very friendly and attentive. I had the chicken which was nice but not outstanding especially as i asked them not to put the jus on the plate as i don't like mushrooms and it came with the jus on, as i was not able to taste the mushroom I didn't complain but it is those little attentions to detail that matter to me. My husband was disappointed with his meal and thought there was a lack of imagination when it came to the vegetarian options.As one of us had to drive we didn't order wine but had a double gin each which after using the taste card cost more than the food!!I would go again as the food was ok but only using taste card.

Went last night for our wedding anniversary. Had to mention at time of booking that I had a Tastecard (TC) which wasn't a problem. On arrival we were asked if we wished to be shown to the table straight away or have a drink in the bar. We chose the latter and perused the menu over drinks. Once ready, we were shown to a nice table for two in the restaurant. I mentioned to the waitress that it was our anniversary and next thing we knew she appeared with a complimentary glass of Proseco for us both. We both had starters, yummy, followed by delicious rump steak. The portion sizes IMO were very generous, I couldn't finish my steak and chips. We saved £26 which I thought was great seeing as the TC only cost £30. I would have rated it 5 stars but a couple of drinks appeared on the bill which we hadn't had, however, these were deleted from the bill as soon as we mentioned it. Overall a great night and we'll definitely be back.

Visited Darcy's on 26th February for evening meal on Taste card at 18.00, on arrival into the Bar area we were welcomed and shown to the restaurant. Again we were warmly welcomed by Georgina and shown to our table. We were the only couple in at that time but it didn't feel uncomfortable we had a lovely table near the window, the music was a nice mix of lounge tracks and to be honest we welcomed the calmness to talk and plan our future holiday.Throughout the evening we were served by a lovely young lady with blond hair (sorry didn't capture your name) together with a young chap who served our drinks both very polite attentive, nothing was too much trouble.The food, we had 2 courses both very well presented hot and tasty, I had the chicken which could have done with more of a jus as a little dry, my partner had the burger which was cooked to liking, was delivered as requested and very succulent. We really enjoyed our evening and will be returning with friends thank you for making it so.

Poor afternoon tea , served on very wobbley cake stand. Sparse selection of sandwiches. Large dry scones, served with a bowl of clotted cream and jam, between eight people. Expected individual servings. One waitress serving between bar and restaurant.

The service and staff were fine the meal for the money just ok large chunky chips fish and mushy peas and a drink each £35 then a drink at the bar pimms& a larger £12.50 but expensive although we had a very pleasant stay

Booked a night out for the first time in ages for my wife and I. A great night the food and service at Darcy's were first class. Thanks everyone involved in making our night special.

My husband and I visited Darcy's Brasserie with some friends for a treat using our "tastecard".We had a drink in the bar before being shown to our table. Upon being seated the waitress advised us that there were a number of items unavailable from the menu as they had "sold out". Fair enough if you are busy and have sold out of something but two starters and four main courses seemed a little odd! (Including "handmade beef burger" despite steak still being available._Before our starters arrived we were advised that the duck that my husband ordered would be served with "fondant" potatoes instead of the "dauphinoise" potatoes it was meant to be served with as they had "run out" of dauphinoise potatoes! Again we found this a little odd. Perhaps the food is not made from scratch as we would have perhaps assumed.When our starters arrived they were well presented and pleasant. Our main meals were tasty but the presentation was slightly lacking this time. My pork belly was delicious but upside down - i.e. the crackling was underneath the pork in the gravy. I think to disguise the fact that my crackling was over done. My husband enjoyed his duck dish but felt the plate had been "thrown together". It took a while for our plates to be cleared but the staff were pleasant. We ordered a cheeseboard to share for "dessert" which was plentiful with celery, grapes and chutney. We were advised to just shout up if we required more cheese biscuits which was nice. Overall the food was nice and the staff polite but not exceptional. It is quite expensive so wouldn't have wanted to pay full price. I think the restaurant is used to catering for existing customers (i.e. those stopping at the hotel; the restaurant is part of the Mosborough Hall Best Western) and was a bit overwhelmed to be fair with there being so many visitors on that particular day.

We ate from the three courses for £21 menu. First class food, beautifully cooked and well presented. Compliments to the chef!! The tables are well spaced so you don't feel as though you are too close to the other diners. The staff are attentive but do not hover around making the diner feel uncomfortable. The dining room has a pleasing atmosphere. All in all a very enjoyable evening

Amazing mouthwatering menu, great tasting and none of the small portions that leave you hungry.service is next to none, and everyone is really polite and attentive

went for a meal here for the first time in several years, the staff were nice, the service was good and the food was lovely. Steak cooked just right and decent portions, will visit again

Roomy, good lighting, nice simple food , we stayed on the DBB hotel package so found it great value ..everyone found something on the menu they liked , some steak, some fish, overall very good , no complaints ..it's no fancy downtown restaurant , but as a hotel inhouse bistro, its perfectly fine

I may be nitpicking here, and I have been to this restaurant before and found it quite good but I do think there are waitress staff issues. We found the waitresses may require more training as my plate was placed to me by passing it in front of my husband. I was not too impressed by the terminology they used, like 'sweetheart' and found this to be too over friendly and unprofessional. I like to chat to the staff but I would rather they didn't use terms of endearment. All in all the food wasn't too bad.

I stay regularly at this hotel and always look forward to dining in the restaurant, whether that be on my own or with business colleaguesThe food is consistently delicious, the service first rate and the overall atmosphere spot on. Looking forward to returning soon

The food was lovely the steak was to die for & the warm parkin pudding was just like it was when my mom had it as a litle girl

The food was excellent and we really enjoyed what we ordered. Unfortunately the staff couldn't wait for us to leave and though this was a special anniversary meal we felt very disappointed. The tables around us were being cleared and set for breakfast while we had just finished our starters. We could clearly hear the waiting staff complaining about when they would be going home and even talking about other guests of the hotel who were looking at the restaurant menus.

Set in Mosborough Hall Hotel its a great starting point to a night out around Mosborough. it's a little pricey so unless you have the money you'll only have one drink in here. The atmospher is lovely and its very relaxing with comfortable sofa like chairs.

Food was cooked fresh with a standard and a la carte menu. Booking was easy and fitted around out plans, staff were excellent, attentive but not over bearing.

I always eat at Darcy's when staying at the hotel - which has been many, many times over the last 18 months. The food has always been delicious, or excellent quality and reasonably priced. The service has always been great.Whether eating here on my own, or with business colleagues, the experience has been faultless and anyone who has joined me has been impressed.

There is nothing to dislike, just a pleasant setting with nice food. The restaurant is in the older part of the building and is not over fussy with the decor, but gives a nice ambience to your meal exprerience.

Staff uniforms looked grubby and ill fitting especially the ladies jackets.Disappointed with Darcy's restaurant the place could do with a good clean,filthy floors,windows,mirrors.Cutlery not too clean either. Main courses at Dinner highly over seasoned with salt. All staff encountered exchanged pleasantries and were efficient. Grabbing cutlery off tables at end of night did not look too hygienic either but nothing that a bit of training couldn't sort out.

Lovely bar with big comfy sofa's so you can really relax. Glass fronted so you can see out onto the gardens.

Excellent food (esp £21 gourmet for 2) and friendly attentive service.Lamb rump was as good as it gets!

Very relaxed and comfortable. The food was good even though there was insufficient beef available for the party.

We were staying there for one night and decided to invite the family over for a 6.30pm dinner .The glass framed external bar is attractive and the hotel is well lit in blue . It was very pleasant but slowish service which we didnt mind as we were chatting .The food was modern stylish and reasonably priced .Good wine list . The restaurant was in a modern style in the old part of the house. The panels had been painted all matt white which wasnt my personal taste and the excellent ancient walk-in fireplace was full of logs instead of a roaring fire which would have been more to my taste on a cold November evening .

Went for a family meal for my birthday on Saturday night. The cocktails in the bar were great not too expensive for a good quality drink. The Mosborough Martini was my favourite! We ate in the restaurant which was pleasantly busy and had a nice atmosphere. The food was delicious. My only comment would be that the Summer Gourmet menu was offered as a set menu and it is October not very seasonal or appealing with a limited choice. Also the starters were lovely but the parfait my boyfriend had was bigger than the piece of bread served with it - he had half of mine served with the mussels and still could have done with more. Perhaps a bowl of bread with starters would have been better. The service we received was excellent and the staff very friendly and attentive. Overall it was a lovely meal in a beautiful setting (loved the paintings and Mckee artwork) and I will be returning again!

Poor food, badly cooked, overpriced, service slow and staff young and badly trained

Food was outstanding, as was the service, the restaurant was rather busy and there was one girl waiting on, she is a complete credit to the hotel (think her name was Gemma? ) Very nice atmosphere I would deffinatley reccomend!

Good food with good service in old manor house! Nice full breakfast not bad price

Visited for lunch with parents and we all enjoyed our meal. Service was very good, food was really nice, well presented, and good portions. We used a discount voucher and still received really welcoming service. Its a nice modern restaurant within a very old building. Although we didn't sit for drinks the bar (featured in their promo photos) it looked lovely and modern. Will definitely return. The prices were reasonable for the good standard of food we received. There were lots of larger parties dining with children while we were there so they obviously don't mind children.

Food on the valendine menu was sub standard and whilst we were told there wasn't a different menu and we had to have the three course set meal, other diners were given a la carte menus to choose from. Appalling management policy. Waiter was however brilliant and deserves to work under better management who will take responsibility for their decisions rather than sending the waiter out to pacify angry diners who have asked for the manager.

Food poor in the evening, breakfast excellent and very good service, prompt and hot with cooked breakfast.

We thought we would go and savour the delights of Mosborough Halls advertised afternoon tea, so strapped in the little man and set off at a leisurely pace through a crisp December afternoon. On arrival, the refurbished bar area looked as splendid as ever, and very festive. We sat in the bar and after getting a high chair, ordered the champagne afternoon tea, (after some marginal arm twisting from my wife). The selection, at first glance looked quite sparse, featuring some cucumber fingers, salmon and egg sandwiches, some home made scones and huge quantities of strawberry jam and clotted cream, and then some miniature christmas pies and cheese cakes. But actually, I couldn't have eaten any more afterwards, so clearly, the christmas mindset had set in and my eyes may have been bigger than my belly! The sandwiches were very tasty, my son loved the smoked salmon (not so keen on egg...). The homemade scones were delicious, with more jam than I could shake a jam spoon at, again, my son loved them to the point we had a very sticky baby. The cheesecakes were sublime, a chocolate one was absolutely divine, really rich dark chocolate taste, but with a great texture, holding itself aloft for the eating! So once finished, we left satisfied, in a warm wintery glow, and slipped gently back down the hill to a cosy house.

It's been a few years since we first tried the food at Mosborough Hall, and we decided to give them another go. The grounds and buildings are characterful and nicely located; the decor is good. The food ingredients come from local sources - all listed on the menu, which is great. However, the service in the restaurant is lousy, it caters for families, so if you're a couple wanting a quiet dinner, then the screaming echo of kids resonating around the place might not be for you, and above all the food was sadly average and on the high side price-wise.The chef has got the right spirit, but the choices on the menu are uninspiring, and overall we found both our courses to be a little oily. I wouldn't deny that Darcy's has potential, but at present, I don't plan to return.