Oakland Village Bistro, Bar and Restaurant in South Derbyshire

A great venue just a shame about the poor service & appalling buffet. After visiting Oaklands for many years it is obvious how it is deteriorating! The buffet was absolutely appalling both the quantity & quality with poor service from staff on the bar & lack of drinks available. Such a shame that a lovely venue is ran so poorly!

We have just had our UK wedding reception at one of the function rooms at Oaklands after our wedding in Cyprus. We had a brilliant evening from start to finish. We dealt with Simon all through our booking process and on the night and he was always at hand to offer assistance. The room was spacious and well set out. We used Steve from tech noir as the DJ, he was fab and made it a brilliant evening. Everyone was up on the dance floor for most the night. The buffet was of high standard and plentiful. Most guests took boxes home there was that much left. The bar was well stocked and good prices. We'd definitely recommend Oaklands if you're looking for somewhere to host a function and will definitely return for any future functions.

Sunday lunch with a family member who resides there has always been lovely. The staff always pleasant and only the odd complaint about some food items but on the whole good value for money. I am quite aware everything seems so expensive these days and in Oaklands defence they have not increased the carvery prices for some time. I was under no illusion to 1st of october increase but just wanted to see for myself the difference of size portion and quality . The large carvery is now five pence short of thirteen pounds . yep that is not a typing error...It USED to be six pounds ninety five. So that is pretty much double the price . It says in the residents newsletter that there will be a GRADUAL increase in prices , i am sorry to say in my world that is most certainly not a small increase or gradual. I voiced my complaints at the time along with so many other customers and as a direct result they have lost my regular custom, and i suspect others will follow suit and vote with their wallet or purse.

Walked here today (2.5 miles) for some lunch after looking on Google and it saying they were open. Got there to be told they were not open to the public. Not best pleased.

What an amazing night!! One of the best venues I have been to, too see elvis. The atmosphere and staff were amazing.Will definitely be coming back to watch elton john tribute.

We booked this venue for a wake for our beloved mum, prices were excellent and variety of food was excellent, lots of hot tea & coffee, our family and mums friends were welcomed and the room plenty be enough for 60 plus people, would highly recommend.

i have eaten there on numerous occasions since the restaurant opened. Over the years it has provided good and bad food alike dependant on the chef employed at that time [an on going situation] All they have to do is cook food. simple food. i am not asking too much but apparently i am. Oaklands village [ trident ] seem to employ chefs who are agency workers or chefs who have blatantly falsified their C.V.s. So who is at fault... The restaurant manager, the chef[s] or the general manager. I have only eaten there as a family member is a resident..The lay out of the restaurant however has been ideal.Until now.!!The food has been on a downward spiral and now the lay out has followed suit.It certainly does not benefit the residents many who need mobility scooters,and or residents who liked the sofa arrangement for a drink with friends during the evenings.Its a about reducing staff and increasing profits driven by whom i ask?. its certainly a place to avoid .

Tried Oaklands last weekend and the meal was lovely with lots of it, the quality was also great, the staff were all lovely too.

Was booked here for 2.30 pm as a party of 9. We arrived in good time and was told to wait in waiting area. After a very long 45 minuets ish wait, I asked how mush longer we'd have to wait, I was told table was getting ready now and there was no apology. We was told about 3.30 the table was ready, a whole hour after being booked. We all went to the carvery and yes, you've guessed it, items ran out again, no pigs in blankets and two of the three meats very short boarding on scraps. I told the woman I spoke to about the seating about the pigs in blankets only to be told so what!!!!. I then told the person giving the meat and she said, do you know what time I started this morning? Frankly, I don't care what time you started, we were booked in at 2.30 and by this time it was 3.40, 1 hour and 10 minuets after we should have started. The attitude of the staff stinks, no apologies no discounts for items running out and offering us scraps, who the hell these guys think they are? the carver had to go and get new meats as I refused to eat scraps, and they wouldn't refund so they had to get new meat out. Disgusting hole of a place.

We were told about Oaklands on many occasions, but didn’t get round to going. We sure wish we had, we have been many times now. Sunday lunch carvery has a selection of seasonal vegetables, all the trimmings and a choice of three meats. And you get over your monies worth. We have the large carvery which is £8.99. There is a option of oap, small, large and extra large. The evening meal is just as good, we were surprised with the choices on the menu. Even a specials board. The prices are extremely reasonable, food is cooked to perfection, staff are so nice. It is a pleasure every time we visit. Booking is highly recommended, especially Sunday carvery.

I was a little surprised to receive such good quality food. I'm afraid to say I prejudged on entry and thought it would be mediocre pub grub..But my sea bass was soft and succulent. The staff were knowledgeable about coeliac disease and I had plenty of choices...

Called in to have a drink with friends. The place is clean, bar staff were lovely, especially Paul who couldn't be more helpful. Good to see him back.

I visited the restaurant with my husband and Mother in Law after looking at the opening times on the website. It said it was open from 4pm. We got there about 5ish. We were informed by a gentlemen named Paul that they had changed their opening times. When I told them it had not been changed on the website I was told it was not his website and it was nothing to do with him. One of the young girls there then said that if we sat down they would still cook for us even though it was early. We were left sitting there for about 10 minutes before we realised nobody was coming. We got up and started to walk out and were given a very sarcastic byebye from the gentleman named Paul. Nobody had made any effort to serve us. Not even asked us if we would like a drink. There was nobody at the bar so we couldn't even order there.

My friend and i visited Oaklands on Monday 9th July for lunch. We both ordered omelets one ham and one mushroom. I don't know if they were frozen omelets but they both seemed exactly the same size. The ham omelette when opened up had a slice of ham inside it and the mushroom one had whole small mushrooms in it thatlooked as though they had come out of a tin. Wont be going back there in a hurry. Very poor.

great choices even a budget menu too, only thing i didnt like it wasnt hot enough for me.I could of said something but i never this time,if it happens again i will. As its lovely otherwise.

Seven of us regular customers visited for the Sunday Carvery yesterday and saw the new menu. Pro's-OAP price welcomed for carvery dinner. Neg-What has happened to the Dessert choices.The favourites of Sundaes and Banana Splits have disappeared (and Summer has just started) These were most popular at our table and they appeared very popular with other customers. Did you ask any of your waiting on staff when deciding your new menu. I was also informed that the Bistro £5 meal deal has risen to £6-50 a price rise of over 25% in one go, not very well thought out and will put people off visiting Time will tell.

Excellent food and service. Best Carvery we've been to. The Meat and vegetables were cooked perfectly. We've booked in again for next week. The waitress came over and took our drinks order which made a change from most places having to queue up at the bar.

My sister suggested this venue for our large family “get together”. It was easy to find by using Google Maps. The parking in front of the restaurant is very limited but there is a large car park just around the corner. The restaurant area is very clean and modern. There is a bar available which was reasonably priced. The carvery was a choice of three meats and you got 3 slices of your choice. You then help yourselves to a good variety of vegetables. A child’s portion is also available, which my Mum chose.

This restaurant has a Bistro plus a full on restaurant as well. these premises are part of a sheltered complex which serves an excellent lunchtime menu or a more comprehensive mea in the main restaurant. They have a licensed bar and every Friday they provide live entertainment. A hidden gem well worth a visit.

We regularly go to Coal's, at Oakland Village, for Sunday dinner. We like it as it's local, the food is good and well priced and the staff are excellent.

Great food, good friendly service and free entertainment Friday night ... a good start to the weekend

came here for a family gathering. 28 people in total. spotlessly clean, exceptionally friendly staff. great Sunday carvery at really good prices. spent the she visit saying that I could happily move in I!! would highly recommend.

Clean place & the bar staff were lovely. The food was delayed. Food was ok but nothing special. Was a big room with not much atmosphere.

Fuimos a comer aquí un sábado por la tarde, habiendo sido recomendado. El menú tenía una buena variedad de comida y las porciones eran correctas. Las dos señoritas que me atendieron a nuestra mesa fue muy educado, atento y nos hizo sentir como en casa (especialmente nuestra primera visita). Uno de nuestro grupo es un derecho 'Victor Meldrew" pero las mujeres se las arregló admirablemente y contestó preguntas/tratado con la calma y con confianza. La comida estaba bien caliente y muy sabroso. Sin duda volveremos aquí de nuevo. Mi única queja es que la colocación en el lugar es escasa, así que tomamos un satvav.

As a family we have eaten a fare few times pretty much from when the place opened and have seen the ups and downs of the business they have a two 8.50 menu or round about that and they ala carte menu as well being run by the chef's the food had started to pick up and you can see more of joe public eating there they had started to serve a nice bread rolls before your main meal regardless if you had a starter or no which was very good these little things which made if stand out but after a few weeks of doing this they have stopped doing them so this was so disappointing the food is good over all but why would stop doing them so chef's you shouldn't mess with a good thing let's have them back

Llamado por algo de comer, ya que el lugar nos dirigíamos había dejado de servir comida. No era demasiado hambre y optamos por las dos comidas por 8 libras. 50 menú. Qué bargian, deliciosa comida y un excelente servicio lo recomiendo encarecidamente una visita.

Vine aquí para un asador con nosotros 7, 4 adultos y 3 niños. Los niños estaban recibiendo raciones adulto hasta el punto que no podía comer de todo. Cuando el último dos adultos subimos a servirte, que se había acabado de toda la carne, excepto...

Después de haber estado varias veces creo que las opciones de menú son excelentes si usted quiere simplemente un sándwich, comida principal, a un flan - o dos! El personal es amable y servicial. El aparcamiento es a veces un problema para los discapacitados que no pueden caminar desde el estacionamiento, ya que no hay muchos espacios que me pone peor a veces.

great sunday lunch would recomend booking we arrived and managed to get a table but was busy so i think we were early and lucky

We booked for twelve of us for the Sunday carvery. We were made very welcome by the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. Our meal was lovely and enjoyed by us all. We would recommend a visit here. Thank you.

We have been several times now,as a couple or with friends & in a group of 20 car club members.The welcome & service has been 1st class.Having tried many dishes we have found the quality of food very good,and for very reasonable prices.The restaurant & furnishings are very nice , well maintained & spotlessly clean.We cannot believe it is usually so empty meaning the ambiance is slightly spoilt.

We have been eating at oaklands for a few years now and we have seen many chefs and managers come and go. The feeling I get is that they don't care. Just slap it on a plate and send it out regardless of wether or not it's actually edible. I have had some decent meals here in the past but the bad is now overtaking the good. Listen to your customers as they talk with their feet and if it don't look or smell right don't expect us to eat it. If you want our custom you need to up the steaks quite literally. I'm sure the lady at the railway pub across the road can show you what a decent plate of food looks like.

The location of Coal's Bar and Bistro is a bit unusual. But should that put you off? Well I guess it was my curiosity that made me go. I am now very happy to share my experience with you. So what is so unusual about Coal's Restaurant ? Well it is located in Oaklands Village. Oaklands Village is a modern retirement development built by Trident Housing on the edge of Swadlincote. It is unusual in that it embraces the concept of being a community. This is a facility that is available to all rather than simply the elderly. It sounds great in principle so does it work? I admit that I was quite apprehensive in going for a carvery Sunday Lunch there. I'm not sure why and I can see that my reaction was quite irrational. However, my partner admitted that she felt the same so I guess that this is an issue that the venture will have to work hard at to overcome. The building is very modern and stylish. Although there is a roadside sign for Coal's Restaurant I must question its adequacy. We honestly struggled to find the restaurant as it is not immediately obvious where it is. We eventually resorted to knocking on the door of a flat to ask a resident. He happily gave us directions whilst mentioning that he thought a lot of people got lost trying to find the restaurant. So perhaps the signage could be improved. A large clear wall sign eventually let's you know that you have found Coal's Restaurant and the main entrance to Oakland's Village. You enter through a large smart glassed entrance with automatic doors. A spacious and light airy reception area greets you. It is all rather upmarket hotel like. There is a reception desk but Coal's Restaurant is clearly indicated to the left. Everything is very smart and clean, smooth modern lines dominate. If you didn't know otherwise, you would honestly think you had just checked in to a very pleasant hotel. If you feared hospital or nursing home type smells, then put that out of your mind right now, for this is just like any other modern hotel bar or restaurant. The bar is again similar to something you would find in a contemporary hotel. It is functional rather than warm and welcoming. However, there are two handpumps serving Marstons Pedigree and Coors Doom Bar bitter which was a surprise. The usual lager fonts are there too. The bar seating area is pleasantly comfortable with lots of natural light flooding in from big full length windows giving you great views of the gardens outside. The whole effect is extremely relaxing. The adjacent restaurant is large and spacious with wooden tables and comfortable dining chairs. The chairs are upholstered in a variety of plaids and checks and the overall effect is to give the restaurant area a nice welcoming feel. It is all laid out in a fashion that creates a warm, pleasant ambiance. Large glass doors open out to an attractive patio and I imagine that this is available for alfresco dining on warmer days. We went for the Sunday Carvery which is available in large (£6.95), medium (£5.95) and childrens (£4.50) sizes. Starters and deserts are also available at extra cost. I had Whitebait to start which was freshly cooked and enjoyable. The carvery consisted of roast beef, pork and turkey and all the expected vegetables and accompaniments. My only complaint would be that the meat wasn't very hot which I guess is a carvery heat lamp issue. The vegetables and Yorkshire Puddings were perfect though, although I thought the sage and onion stuffing perhaps lacked a little something. For desert I had Millionaires Ice Cream Cake which came with a little jug of double cream. It was really enjoyable and made a nice end to my meal. My two friends had Spotted Dick and Custard but they both thought the suet pudding was a little disappointing. Service is pretty good and the staff are friendly and polite. Prices are very reasonable and the surroundings are excellent. There was so much that was right about this experience that I have no hesitation in recommending it to you. Yes, it was an odd notion knowing I was going to eat in a Retirement Village. I am happy to admit that I was apprehensive. To be honest I don't know what I expected, but whatever it was, it certainly didn't happen! I would definitely go again and next time would probably try the evening menu.

Pretty rubbishy to be honest.Over cooked car very, inedible veggie meal, soggy chips. Need I go on? It may have changed hands as it changed its name.

Friendly atmosphere, nice and clean building. We were looked after and enjoyed the buffet. Great for a party for an older person.

I had my work Christmas lunch at Oaklands village Derbyshire 17th Dec.Everything was perfect. the food.... best meal iv had in years ! The service, staff , atmospher nothing was too much trouble.Thank you all for a great lunchI will definatly be back . A Merry Christmas to one and all..A very satisfied customer . Shropshire

Our friends booked a table on 5th Dec for an evening meal for four people on the 11th Dec at 7.30pm. We arrived and went to the bar to ask to be seated at a table, we were told the restaraunt was closed, even though they found our reservation, with, contact phone number in the booking in book.We were told all this, by a young waitress. The management could not be found.It apears that they had a small party in another room. So they cannot cope in the kitchensWith more than 20 people at one time. We will not be going there again and will not recommend it either.The evening was not a total loss, we went on to Prezzo and had a great meal there.

My son had his wedding reception at OaklandThe evening was fantastic and many thanks to Alison and her team for such attention to detailThe buffet was excellent and given free room hire with an excellent bar staffed by attentive peoplePlease consider Oakland Village for any function you may be holding since it is truly wonderful experience

Had lunch here yesterday. Very disappointed with choices. Sat in Bistro area and found it very noisy and chaotic near serving area. Could not have conversation at our table due to level of noise. Would have sat in Restaraunt area if we had known there was a largegroup arriving all to be served at the same time. The Bistro Staff were very helpful,but felt there were not enough of them to cope.

Went there on a Tuesday evening we was the only ones in the restaurant so service was excellent. enjoyed the surf and turf.bar staff very accommodating.will definitely return

liked the food, didnt like the service - not enough staff on for the amount of people eating we were in a party of 22 and sat in a great long line - that could have been organised a bit better

Went in for the £5 lunchtime meal at 12.30 and the couple before me had the last meat out of the tray.Bearing in mind that the lunch is available from 12-2pm. The waitress took the tray into the kitchen and no explanation given to when a tray of meat would be replaced.After 25 minutes it was repaced, however, the covers had not been put back on the vegetables during that time consequently the meal was not as warm as it should have been. During this delay,people were going up to the counter for their puddings and were waiting ages to be served as the two staff kept wandering off, one to serve other orders and deal with the bar orders. More staff need to be on duty at this time of day as every one in the queue was moaning about the delay.

surprised to be invited to a meal at a retirement village, but it was great. Lovely relaxed atmosphere, food fine, beer and bar fine. Good value for money.Staff were very attentive.Impressed with how clean everywhere was.Just could have done with one more staff member on for the amount of people they had dining on the night.

This is our second year for family of 16 Again a wonderful day, will be there for 2015, many thanks to the polite caring staff we enjoyed our lunch and our relaxing day.TY

Went there on a Wednesday lunch, and had the meal deal for £5, I had the roast chicken which consisted on a pasty piece of chicken and stuffing and help yourself veg, on tasting my meal the potato had a dreadful twang, really didn't know if it was SMASH or not, and te veg were old, the pudding however was hot and just about edible, but would not rush back!

We came here on curry night (wednesday). I had a chicken korma and my husband had a lamb tikka masala. Both very nice and superb value (a curry & a drink = £5!) Our son had chicken nuggets chips & peas with an ice cream sundae for pudding for only £2.99. The restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and staff are gd. Our only niggle was that when it got busy later on they forgot to offer us the desert menu. I would recommend you to go earlier in the evening rather than later if you dont want to wait too long. But all in all we were impressed and have now booked my husbands 30th bday party at the function room here!

Visited here with some friends as we heard on the vine that the food was suppose to be good.It is a retirement village with a small restaurant? We was finally seated in a dull area. st next to a person who clearly needed a bath and or they lived in the retirement village not sure?The service was very slow, the food had been warmed up in amicrowave as there was a outer rim grease line. The chips did a 360 degree bend and tasted very fatty which meant the fat needed to be changed.My pudding well i did not know you could over cook a sponge pudding and custard in the microwave. Well you can as my pudding was and after 3bites it broke my back tooth a £300 bill to and from the dentist. I would have had been better off going to the local chip shop than here. Avoid and find a better place to eat as this is not it.

I have visited Oaklands a few times for food with my other half, however I must admit that the experience we had before Christmas was slightly off putting. However we visited for food after hearing from a few friends that it has changed. I would recommended anyone who has not visited Oaklands to give it a try, the staff are welcoming and friendly and the food is up there with some of the best. Definitely better value for money and very filling.

Went tonight for curry night well was shocked .how nice it was I ad the lamb balti was full of flavours the lamb melted in ur mouth .rice was so nice and fresh also popperdom was nice CNT go wrong for fiva pluse a drink .husband ad chicken jalfrazie said it was really nice children's meal good price for 2.99 with a pud and drink .the maniger was really nice and help full made u feel very welcome would recommend this place

We'd heard some great reviews about this carver and decided one Sunday to pop along. We were lucky to get a table thanks to excellent staff helping us out. The restaurant is really airy and bright; very comfortable to eat in. There was plenty of choice in the carvery, and it made a nice change for lamb to be available. The food was all very good quality, and didn't taste like it had sat in the warming plate. I was most impressed by the value for money of the restaurant and it is great for Swadlincote to have a good value carvery.

This bistro cum restaurant us sited in a retirement village, and has a lovely, safe and cosy atmosphere. The restaurant meals are surprisingly good and although not cheap ...worth the money. If you fine on the early bird at 2 for £9 it is excellent value, and far surpasses any 2 for 1 pub grub because it is all properly home made. What lets it flown is the lack of professionalism, from running out of basics like bread and chicken to staff who can take 10 minutes yo bring condiments to a meal that is now cold! Car very also good value, but again expect to stand and wait - as no management organisation can mean that there is one member of staff in the kitchen to serve a full car very booking and cook anything else required.

Came to have our Xmas meal with our work place on 14th December paying £25 pp which included 3 course meal and disco. The meal was great however there was no disco. No reason was explained to us we had to sit in the reception area. Very poorly organised I do not recommend this venue at all. This was our Christmas works party which happens once a year and was ruined due to no communication.

Visited last Sunday for a family meal, and all seven of us enjoyed our meal. Carvery was very good, great roasted veg! Dessert, well Banoffee sponge with toffee sauce was to die for what more can I say! Excellent food and value!

Three if us ate here. Two of us ordered jacket potatoes which were solid in the middle, cold and in edible. The beans on mine were watery. My husbands meal was no better; also cold. The atmosphere is non existent- it's like sitting in gods waiting room! I wouldn't say this us a venue to be enjoyed by anyone from the outside at all. It certainly doesn't host a good drinking environment either! I can see, however, why it would be good for the residents.

Food is really nice always diffrent veg meat lovley also cheap yorkshire pudds could do with improvment also littel diff veg instead of couggetts and things bit mre basic veg

After a 3 hour drive we stopped here for food, being quite hungry I decided to have sausage and mash, and my friend had lasagne and chips, the mash was like rubber, it was obviously packet stuff, the sausage was nice and the onion gravy was nice, but no veg, we didn't get table checked at all and complained about our food, all we were told was oh I'm sorry but it's not normally like that, my friend used the toilets there and to say they are smelly was an understatement, they stunk of stale urine, and were so bad she had to hover over the seat to use them, for saying this is a new build its not that pleasant

Do yourself a favour and go for a meal at this bistro Food is first rate and excellent value for money. Do not be put off because it is situated within a retirement village. The restaurant is well designed and worthy of any top class establishment. Try it and you will not be disappointed.