Punch Bowl in Craven

Where to even start it’s actually comical. Oh and before I start it’s worth just letting people know that when you face the owners with the truth via message or social media their approach is to become defensive, fabricate and imply false accusations to customers as an escape mechanism to deter you from the absolute shambles of a service 😂 I invite anyone who’s thinking of booking to take a look into their social media and reviews below to ensure you see my point in the above statement and give yourself a lucky escape to. The scenario…. Friday 4th August, myself, my partner, two children and our dog were due to arrive in a pre pitched pre paid tent purchased from Groupon. Within that week I had called twice to ask for some information which wasn’t very forthcoming but thought id give them the benefit of the doubt as the pictures online looked good and there was the odd good comment here and there. Friday arrived and we set off at 1:30pm for our 3 hour drive, I called The Punch Bowl out of courtesy to let them know our eta. (Again still no confirmation or correspondence from them). I got through to a person that I though was a middle aged lady but then later on came to realise it was a young man, the young man was very vague and very laid back quoting “your tent is wet through and I’ve been trying to dry it out all morning” “There is nowhere for you to stay” my response “Is this a bloody wind up” and the reply from the man “Nope” in which he persisted to put the phone down. I tried to call back and there was no answer, this was as we were travelling to the place 🙄. (On social media the owner has tried to claim they had let me know and tried to claim I was told the manger was away, this was untrue) I called again and again and it became clear that I was being ignored. We turned around and went back home, the car was fully packed we had purchased shopping, equipment, clothing and booked time off work, the children were gutted as you can imagine on a Friday afternoon it was difficult for us to try and sort something else out. My family members also had bookings 1 relative hired a caravan and the others a pitch for 2 tents they were due to arrive on the Saturday but as we had been treated in this was they were very sceptical about their arrival and tried to call also in which for hours there was no answer. Finally on the Friday night my sister in law had a phone call from this young man who’s said that the tent I was due to go to wasn’t wet through it had accidentally been double booked 😂😭 (And of course on social media they have tried to deny this) So I took to their social media site to reach out to others, it become quite clear what sort of place this was as I have been contacted by a few other people that have had similar issues and I’ve also been contacted by some of their neighbours who have stated that they are currently being investigated for fraud and have had their licence taken off them. I was also accused of all sorts over social media, I was accused of being discriminatory towards their son who is diagnosed with autism, I was accused of bullying, lying and much more…. I have left my comments on their social media site so that others can read it for themselves and see that I have in no way committed any of the above I have clearly put the facts there to insure that this doesn’t happen to anyone else. (Again the comments they have fired back at me about their personal circumstances appear to be an escape for them to try and get out of facing the facts) Also be prepared to get questioned and pin pointed by randomers that live on their site trying to back their corner, it’s actually quite funny. The point I’m making is my time is precious I do not care about the money I care about the inconvenience of having to take time off work, pre plan, the effort of getting everything together, the journey but most of all letting the children down and seeing their faces that’s what this place should be thinking about! I received a text message from Mr.Trayner to ask me to give him a call, I called and was asked what the problem was this was a day later and I was trying to sort a day out for the children so by then after all of the social media abuse I just couldn’t be bothered he apologised (like he had read it from a script) and again said my son has autism but he is a university graduate (as another means of trying to make me feel guilty and escape from the mess they had caused) he said get a refund from groupon and he agreed to take the false accusations from social media (which are still there) Top and bottom of it is save yourself the hassle and have a lucky escape.

Truly awful. Terrible breakfast as part of a Wowcher deal. Not even allowed a hot drink! Greasy blackened inedible food, delivered in the rain across the field without a cover. Not allowed to be eaten in the pub. Please see my full review on the Punch Bowl camping Trip Advisor section.

this place is not anything like what is advertised, felt like we had been scammed.really grotty place ,some people actually live on the site and seemed quite scary, would avoid at all costs,health and safety very poor

The worst dining experience of my life. Hairs in food, foul tasting, dirty oil and the room stank of dog and was filthy….. also the crockery and cutlery was greasy and looked unwashed.

Perfect and cheap campsite, lovely owners, good food, clean toilets, easy access to nearby amenities, electric, water on site, definitely coming back again 👌 for me and family definitely 5 *****

Stayed at the campsite for the night. Really easy to get too from the M6, the owners were very friendly and was given a choice of electric pitches. It never tripped out once which is amazing. Really clean toilets so I will definitely go back.

We actually booked a 3 night stay in the rented caravan with breakfast. The reason we did not stay and left within an hour or so of arriving, can be plainly seen from the photos I took of the caravan. Toilet was dirty, basin had a thick layer of what looked like vaseline smeared around it, dirty paper near the door on the floor of the toilet ,the bin in the toilet hadn't been emptied. I didn't look in the shower as i had seen enough. Ashtray still had ash in it , the cups had tea/coffee spots on them , the sink had food particles stuck to the side, used dish cloths on draining board, carpet and flooring dirty and one wall light not working. Besides the disgraceful and unhygienic condition of the caravan as can be seen from these photos , we had no hot water, no key to lock the caravan and the heater didn't work as it was missing the control knob, instead there was a fan heater placed on top of the work surface to heat the caravan. It was too late for us (21.30) to find alternative accommodation with a dog , so we actually spent the night in our car in a motorway service station. Shanti was welcoming and did offer to make us something to eat as it was late when we arrived but after seeing the caravan we declined. Doug came across as unconcerned about the state of the caravan and our security for the night. We wasn't expecting anything special ,the caravan would have been fine if it had been in a fit state of cleanliness but unfortunately it wasn't fit for purpose and after seeing the biggest rat of all time near the back entrance of the pub , I was glad to be out of there .

The punch Bowl facilities is reflected in the price. We do not find this a problem as we were informed prior to our visit. We have been informed when planning permission etc is given they hope too upgrade. In the meantime keep at it, keep giving the welcome that you do. Thank you for your welcome x

I have just stayed at The Punchbowl Hotel for 3 nights and I can’t fault a thing. The family that run it are the most kind and welcoming people. We rented a caravan and it was as described, basic but comfortable. The campsite itself is basic, with 2 toilets and a shower, but it makes a good base for exploring nearby areas. The true high point of our stay though was the food. We had both breakfast and dinner every day, and tried both the western and Malaysian menu and everything was perfect. I would honestly say it was some of the best food I have ever eaten, and you can tell it’s all handmade with love. This is one place we will definitely be returning to.

So I booked a little break for me and my fiancée through group on online on the pictures this place looked tidy and clean campsite looked good when we arrived there pub was closed at 7pm on a Saturday night also waiting 20 minutes having to phone number from website to talk with someone the lady husband arrived showed us to the caravan said everything was working. So when we got into the caravan it was a very run down looking thing but the main point was that made the whole thing unpleasant was the state of the place the sofa bed stunk of sweat also floor was covered in crumbs and hairs toilet filled with paper and urine and shower had hairs all over. They given us a heater which might as well not have even been on with the heat it was putting out when it was -1 outside I tried to put cooker on for a little to try heat the place that didn’t work and neither did the water so we didn’t even stay the night. So they say booked this meal book that then you try to go no response and place is closed I’ve read many reviews they leave on here and there is always a excuse the police was doing this the pipe burst here we was doing maintenance there none stop excuses. I spoke to a few local businesses and people in the village and they don’t have a single positive word about the place and you can find this out yourself by just visiting.

Freshly cooked, delicious Malaysian food, which was an absolute pure delight to sample. Having never tried Malaysian I do have to say that it was both delicious and well presented, I really enjoyed every bite and it was made extra special by Shanti who informed us that it was her family’s recipe. I really enjoyed speaking with Shanti’s son who did a first rate job at waiting on. This is a family run business who work hard to please and we will be returning for a visit

As my previous review was removed on a technicality I am re-submitting it. I had booked our table to eat, and we were staying at the campsite. This is an establishment that should not be trading. Blaming a leak that happened 3 months prior is no excuse for mouldy wet carpet floors, unlit bathrooms and no running water in sinks. Even aside from these issues the pub was very dirty and run down. Police arrived whilst we were dining and took our names and addresses. They advised they were investigating licence irregularities. Proprietor was very rude to us after we spoke to the police. The camping facilities were unhygienic and dangerous to reach One to avoid

Yes it’s a bit muddy and facilities as we were told were minimal but we parked up Gloria and hooked up electricity with help from Dougie. On our first night we ate delicious Malaysian food cooked by Shanti and it was lovely. Family were amazing and could not do enough for us would have got 5 star but our electric stopped working at 8am day we left and I was just making my second brew. Cheap and cheerful with added bonus of lovely food.

Went there on a Groupon to find lights on but doors locked. Had booked but when I phoned to say we couldn't get in we're told they're closed. When I argued that they I had only spoke to them the previous week we were let in through a fire door and told that they were having issues with the water. Inside there was a booth with people waiting for meal and about 20 people in bar area. Bar had no beers on tap or spirits or soft drinks. We were given a menu which was literally by a single thread of a string and when I asked for another menu I was told it's the only one they had My sister in law went to the toilet and came back to say there was no water and she had to use sanitiser to clean her hands The waiter asked me if I had been told they were shut. 'That's my dad, he's so rude' he said. While waiting for our food there was a loud banging on door and the landlady rushed over to tell us to say we were friends. We heard some commotion in the bar area and then a couple of policemen came over and asked who we were and whether we had paid for our drinks as the property had no licence to sell alcohol. They took our names and addresses and said we might be called as witnesses. They stressed that we had not done anything wrong. We left hungry having not eaten.. I know the food have had great reviews which was what attracted us to the pub but the experience was surreal. DO NOT GO THERE if you don't want a visit from police during your meal but might be good if you like Fawlty Towers

We went for 3 days over New Year. We were made very welcome, the food was lovely. The hotel needs some work doing to it when I went to the ladies I could have done to have worn my wellies the floor was so wet my husband said the ceiling in the gents was falling down. That said we still had a good time Ash had us in stitches he is just a lovely lad. I wish them well with their renovations and hope to visit again

The family that run the pub/restaurant are so attentive to your every needs! The family are very welcoming, the atmosphere whilst we dined was really enjoyable (they had live music and a fire)- it was the perfect way to welcome in the nye. The food...

Just had a lovely chicken dinner and pud, I had an English pud but my husband had a delicious steamed Malaysian dessert, I did have to sample his as well as my own but both we good. Oh and I'd definitely recommend the milky coffee...

We visited for a 3 course meal yesterday after discovering this place through a Groupon voucher. My partner is Malaysian and I was excited for us to try a taste of home food in such an unexpected corner of the UK. And boy did they...

Went for a meal with wife and daughter last night and what can i say apart from you cant get much better than this. The place itself is like what pubs were when i was a lad and many generations before me, again totally made...

Well what a place owners brilliant food fantastic and for the pitch price great value well done dougie and family see you soon marc

We hadn’t had the chance to visit for a while but managed a short stay last week. Dougie, Shan and Akshay could not have been more helpful. We had forgotten to pack some essentials and they kindly lent us what we needed. We tested a...

This hidden gem of a place is my favourite 2nd home... The owners Shanti and Dougie are so welcoming and can't do enough for you ... The food is amazing I would recommend the Malaysian food ... Yes its basic but they do state that...

I had the misfortune of booking a ready pitched tent at this horrendous, hellhole of a hovel and on arriving, instantly regretted it! The entire place resembles a local tip, although not quite as clean or well organised. There are huge piles of refuse everywhere,...

It is a shame that there isn't an option for zero stars! Overgrown, rubbish strewn, fly infested dump. Broken tap. Skip full of stinking garbage right next to pitches. Electric cables linked in to many others, stretching the length of the site because only one...

Utterly amazing just can’t rate it highly enough. Lovely chef/ owner. Asked for takeaway vegetarian recommendations and two different dishes cooked in the Malaysian style. All cooked fresh for us. Never had food like it. In a totally good way. So full of flavour so...

Reading a couple of the negative reviews, i find it quite unbelievable they are always happy to help

We were booked to stay 4 nights in a pre-pitched 8-man tent as a family of 7 but ended up only staying 1 night. The owners were very friendly and kind and offered us use of their other pre pitched tent as well due to...

The food was fantastic proper made full of flavours and good portions and a good price I would have paid more and thank you for putting the extra garlic on for me lol thank you for a great meal

What can I say this was our first time staying here and the owners are brilliant, nothing is to much trouble for them. My wife and I stayed at the bank holiday weekend and we had a fabulous time, I can't understand why some people...

Ate here when staying in High Bentham, we didn't fancy pub grub so this was the only local alternative that offered a point of difference. I'll be honest the pub could do with a bit of TLC but I believe the new owners are gradually...

Had a fantastic time at the punch bowl and the proprietors made you feel so welcome and a friendly place to be and the food was amazing with a good variety of choices Thank yous so much will definitely be travelling back down to hopefully...

where to start? No Alcohol license, no insurance for campsite, no performing rights licence, food was terrible when we last went (last year) fish and chips was terrible, just about sums up this dump site

Where do I start..my family where staying and my son treated us to a takeaway. We all had pizza's...my son had the cheesburger one which consisted of a cheap fatty greasey small burger cut into 4..(no doubt the owner will say they don't do and...

We had booked a motorhome stay for 2 nights, Shanti and family very welcoming. We had a lovely meal in the pub on the first night, we chose the Malaysian menu which was great. Shanti and family were very attentive and couldn't do enough for...

Arrived friday to a lovely welcome from the owner's. Remembered us from last year , We had a lovely weekend! Brilliant atmosphere on the site with lots of couples and families throughly enjoying themselves. We all enjoyed ourselves that much we will be bk next...

Went for a quiet drink - didn't have Guinness, didn't have Pinot Grigio, didn't have cheese & onion crisps. Got alternatives and sat in the beer garden as it was a lovely evening. Couldn't hear the sheep or church bells, as someone jump starting a...

Had an amazing family weekend staying in our campervan with family who all stayed in tents. Enjoyed the disco and karaoke in the bar on Thursday 2nd and had a wonderful Malaysian meal in the bar on Friday 3rd. Shanti, Doug and Akshay were their...

Went in expecting usual pub food - found two distinct menus - the usuals, burger, gammon, pie etc, but also a list of Malaysian food. My wife isn't a fan of spicy food, so went with a burger - and described it as one of...

I have just come home today a party of 15 ppl 8 adults and 7 children! I read the reviews and thought oh ek, but I can honestly say we have had the best time, the owners absolutely left us too it with a wave...

We have just put our caravan on after a coupe of visits in a camper van just after the new owner had bought the place” you know when the place is right for you straight away and fell Ii. Love with the place the food...

We highly recommend this pub for its delicious home-cooked Malaysian food. The rotis were fantastic. If you have room for a dessert do try the gulab jamun-these are cooked fresh by the chef and beat any I have eaten in an Indian restaurant.

Basic but fully enjoyed our mini stay even got a bottle of wine left and it happened to be my birthday which was lovely

I really would stay away from this disgusting place, initially the exterior resembles a dumping ground or fly tipping spot gone wrong, and upon venturing inside it gets worse!Oh how we long for this place, (which did actually used to be a fantastic pub with an amazing beer garden), to again return to how it used to be. But alas, it appears that the current incumbents are set on continuing with a policy of serving off beer, in dirty glasses, from untrained staff,in food stained clothing whilst crunching around on a floor covered in many previous patrons detritus!The staff (the resident family) quite obviously need serious and extensive training in basic bar duties, cleaning, customer service, personal hygiene, and elementary food hygiene standards. It was so poor, one might imagine that they they didn't possess a alcohol license or indeed any food safety or hygiene certificates!?And if you do happen to highlight any of their many deficiencies to the 'landlord' he becomes defensive, aggressive, extremely rude, and begins rambling down a path of blaming YOU the customer for whatever may be wrong!!?In conclusion STAY AWAY from this strange, disgusting and unwelcoming oddball hellhole!

Wonderfull warm welcoming old school pub greeted by an open fire and super friendly owners. This pub isn't a 5 star but its an honest pub who is trying there best to make it work,open fire ,Malaysian food which is amazing,dog friendly and a campsite...

Great family friendly and dog friendly pub, lovely food and welcoming staff. Would highly recommend!

Found this little gem a few months ago , never tried Malaysian food ,but wow the food was amazing, owners really friendly, have been back several times since and had Christmas dinner there yesterday, absolutely perfect.plan to go for new year .love this little place...

We’d visited this pub as a family a few years back, so decided to revist one evening, walking from Bentham intending to have a few drinks in the beer garden. On arrival, we went inside the bar, no staff were around. On reading the many signs & paper sheets over the bar it seems they do not currently have a license to sell alcohol, so are doing ‘glass hire’, which they can conveniently fill with your choice of alcohol! Still no staff, so we headed out to take a look at the beer garden, this had shrunk in size somewhat since last time and had 2 cars parked in it. There’s a very large campsite in field at back. Decided not to stay, so walked back through bar, still no staff or customers. All quite odd really, looks more of a clubhouse for a campsite.

Food fantastic as was the beer both served by very friendly hosts Will definitely be back

Heard that this pub are very rude if you suffer from any allergy or food intolerance...

New landlords and Dougie and shanti made our Brit stop stays the other week very welcoming, Dougie working very hard on the site facilities to nearly if not complete now and shanti did us a lovely Malaysian takeaway to take to our sons local static van, can stay on car park or field, they are working hard through these hard times, well done to them.

Work in progress. Looking good, great place for walks and fishing 👍

Very friendly people give them chance their idea for the place is exciting. Beware of the big bear basher he seems frightening but he’s very cuddly and friendly. Will certainly be growing back.

A very basic campsite. The owners are working hard to improve the facilities during this difficult time. Electric hook up and space. Next to a railway but not that busy.

Taken my previous post down due to new management in dec 2019 Haven't been in since lockdown began so will post another review when we return

New owners of this pub and campsite this year and I think they will need time to get the pub and campsite upto a good standard as at present they are very poor ,but good intentions Good luck

Since new owners took over it seems to be poorly run, beer garden resembles a builders yard owner lacking in organizational skills, customers pulling there own pints

Not many amenities for overnight campers, no loo roll in the loos, dirty, overflowing bins, poor food presentation. Won't stay again

Really filling pizza, staff made sure to give me a doggy bag for the excess pizza :)

Nice pub and campsite next to the river

Lovely location, nice Landlord lovely pub.

Not what I thought, Brit stops.....neet to check the standard of the places that are advertising 🤔

Plenty of space for a peaceful pint

(Traducido por Google) Pequeño pub brillante precio razonable y excelente propietario hecho realmente bienvenido no puedo esperar a volver (Original) Brilliant small pub reasonable price and excellent landlord made really welcome can't wait to return

(Traducido por Google) Buen pequeño pub (Original) Good little pub

One of the best pubs we have been to . Very dog frendly. The food is amazing the staff are very frendly. Dereck the landlord couldn't be more welcoming and spoilt the dogs . Highly recommend people visit.

Great Pub, Bar Manager and food Allowed us to stop over in our Campervan on their carpark

Lovely village pub. Only had a drink but special boards looked lovely.

It's closed on Mondays 😞 camper van parking is beautiful by the river. 😍

Delicious Sunday lunch followed by homemade apple crumble and custard. Washed down with nice pint of Guzzler in the beer garden😁

Great pub, friendly, good beer and lovely food.

Cosy country pub, very good food, good beer and rustic open fire, well worth a visit.

Loved it.. very good fish n chips.. Caravan & camping club site at rear.. out of season £10 on field or campers free off grid in front car park if you eat and drink in pub.. Derick land lord was very polite and talkative. Good stopover

Very friendly landlord and staff . delicious home cook food. Recommended.

Awful. Just left 45 minutes after ordering! We were told there was a 20 to 30 minute wait which we didnt mind. After 40 mins we were told there was only a small portion of one of our orders, we could order something else but that would incur a wait!! We politely complained to the manager who didnt apologise and took for the tea we had.😱 lots of other places to eat in this area. Give this one a miss.

Love it, nice local pub serving great food at a reasonable price made to feel welcome

Landlord very friendly. Good pub food.

Very freindly welcoming pub good beers looking forward to sampleing the food.😁

Lovely welcome, very friendly and loved Frank the dog. Gave him a sausage and some crackling, Frank was in heaven. Good, home cooked food and good value. Old style pub with open fire. Loved it.

Good food, good prices, good atmosphere.

Christmas Eve family meal great landlord great service good prices and the food was great 👍

Good country pub serving great food with a proper landlord

A lovely place to always visit. Nice landlord & nostalgic !

great food and a good atmosphere

Lovely food. Lovely staff. Great traditional pub with a proper landlord

Excellent food and very friendly welcome

Always welcoming. Excellent beer.

Nice food very nice atmosphere.

Lovely place, great food and great atmosphere

Great location on the river, lovely people, good menu, good selection, good prices and what a spectacular campsite with electric ! Wow!😊

Great informal place to eat, consistently good food

Monday evening both pubs in the village are shut. Doesn't matter how good they are or the food is if they are shut. Rubbish pub for that reason!

Would recommend to anyone. And a great host serving the ale in a very relaxed atmosphere. Ross and Anna

Nice traditional pub. Good beer garden, dog and sprog friendly. Great choice of food and drink. Car park.

Traditional country pub with good range of food and drink. Stunning beer garden at the rear. Very friendly host and patrons

Probably the best food in the area

Great pub, real ales, friendly landlord, great meals, nice beer garden, sometimes need to book for meals can get really busy.

Terrible terrible pub bar man turned 12 of us away 2 days running for food will not go back

Good location, old fashioned, OK food.

Friendly landlord, no real atmosphere on weekday lunchtime. Food very good pub fayr beer a bit bland. Seems perhaps an older persons place.

Great food, great pub, great landlord