Based on 1.010 opinions finded in 2 websites
Based on 1.010 opinions finded in 2 websites
Nº 146 in 339 in Tonbridge and Malling
Nº 23 of 56 British in Tonbridge and Malling
Opinions
Wonderful Sunday lunch in a busy bustling countryside inn in heart of Kent.
Ian Hardie . 2025-05-18
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Fabulous breakfast, delicious food in perfect surroundings.
Sally Ahlers . 2025-05-18
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We stayed the night at the Carpenters Arms and were there for breakfast. Unfortunately, the food wasn’t great. The croissants were cold and the cutlery and plates were dirty
PCJohnny . 2025-05-05
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Very nice decor,staff very helpful
Alan Richardson . 2025-04-30
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Great village pub. Lovely atmosphere. Thursday night is sausage night. Reasonably priced too.
Melissa Howell . 2025-04-27
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The Carpenter Arms in Tonbridge has so much potential, but unfortunately, my recent experience left me feeling disappointed. While the pub itself is charming, with a lovely environment and friendly bar staff, the food experience was a major letdown. I stayed overnight, and the room was clean, comfortable, and offered good value. However, the dinner experience was far from enjoyable. I arrived at 8:30 pm, well within their advertised kitchen hours, only to be told that they needed to check if the kitchen could still fit us in. That should have been a red flag. When the meal finally arrived, it was undercooked, and the triple-cooked chips were raw and solid. We sent the dish back in hopes of a fix, but it returned within 60 seconds, merely reheated with no real improvement. The food was still inedible, and ended up leaving without eating anything. While I do appreciate that the team refunded for the meal, it didn’t make up for the fact that I didn’t get a dinner. The food here is priced high, but the quality is lacking, which is disappointing for a pub with such potential. It seems the kitchen staff, particularly the chef, either lack skill or, worse, a real passion for food preparation. Overall, The Carpenter Arms could be fantastic with a little more attention to detail and care in the kitchen. Sadly, I can’t recommend it based on our experience, as the quality of the food did not match the high prices or the lovely setting.
Matthew S . 2025-04-26
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Lovely atmosphere, really pretty and cosy. I liked the boared games for the kids(and adults) nice touch. We ordered drink, was disappointed they had no slim line tonic, as om on a low sugar diet. Prawns to start, were big and juicy but no a lot of flavour. Not really anything on maim menu without carbs, was hoping for some sort of salad dish. I ordered the roast beef and stipulated no potato's or yorkies as I can't eat carbs, so they bought me meat veg and a load of bread. Strange! Beef was delicious though, really flavoursome, as was gravy but could have done with more veg to make up For no pirates and yorkies. Was a plesent experience and I will come back.
Millie T . 2025-04-23
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Lovely place to come for dinner or anytime, nicely off the beaten track, but easy to find, staff are absolutely lovely, looking after you, never rushing. Always a good experience, thoroughly recommend, make sure you book for dinner I’d say.
Alison . 2025-04-16
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Everything was slow and dull - the menu has nothing fresh to offer- went for Sampi as didn’t trust them to cook a steak. Service was really poor and it wasn’t busy.
Mark L . 2025-04-13
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Lovely staff, menu somewhat restricted for vegans orvegetarians but the food was very good. We sat outside on the covered terrace and the atmosphere was nice.
hopper3011 . 2025-04-13
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Have eaten here many times and always excellent . There was a large party that descended on the pub which put staff under pressure but service was still good . We complained about our desert as it was awfull however they did refund these for us . Lovely busy pub with great atmosphere
Anne Peacock . 2025-04-12
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Amazing place to go. Lovely vibe, helpful staff, and excellent food. Strongly recommend the roasts on Sundays as well - Even on Mother's Day, a 12:30 booking had us fed and finished within the hour! 100% recommend
Alexa Gates . 2025-03-30
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Fantastic service from Henry. Food ok..crab cakes were a bit odd & gnocchi was too overpowering with the garlic. Needs a more creamy consistency & mushrooms not while but sliced
Sarah Kostense-Winterton . 2025-03-30
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Food was nice ,hot and well presented.Tomato juice not very nice quite weak as if from a carton. Unfortunately 45 minute wait between courses was disappointing, only to be told the person was on their own doing starters and desserts. Also music too loud for the size of the room.
Karen Wheeler . 2025-03-24
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Great evening meal for four of us. We were greeted warmly as we arrived and shown to our table. Service was good and the food was lovely
Jane Midwinter . 2025-03-22
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Lovely time celebrating a family 80th birthday. Food was lovely and the staff all friendly.
Anna Powell . 2025-03-09
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Disappointed. Normality a reliable place to eat, this time was not up to standard. Waiting staff inattentive, largely elsewhere. Would not recommend.
Clare Acker . 2025-03-02
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We had a gorgeous meal at the Carpenters Arms today for a joint celebration for my sister and step-dads' birthdays! All the food was delicious! My partner had the chilli and lime chicken wings to start, and you couldn't taste any chilli. That was the only thing that we would have changed! We all had roast dinners, and it was all so tasty.. lovely pub, lovely decor, great service and friendly staff.. very busy, which is always a fantastic sign! Would definitely go back!
Fay Hamilton . 2025-03-02
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My husband and I, along with my brother and his wife had lunch here yesterday. The waitresses were very friendly and helpful to us. We enjoyed the food we ordered, which was delicious. The atmosphere was very relaxed and the surroundings are delightful.
Lynda G . 2025-03-01
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A lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and excellent food.
Si Baldi . 2025-02-19
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Lovely visit! Excellent from ease of booking, warm welcome, cleanliness of table and area, lovely busy but friendly atmosphere and menu. There was a great choice, something for everyone to enjoy and the food was absolutely delicious. Everyone enjoyed their food! We were looked after by Henry who clearly loved his job. He made the difference between what was already a great visit and a brilliant one. He knew the menu really well and was able to offer recommendations when needed which was lovely. Thank you for a wonderful visit!
Susan D . 2025-02-19
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Could not recommend The Carpenter's Arms more highly. Beautifully presented, relaxed, warm ambience. Excellent service (efficient, friendly) and great food. Truly a real find.
Barbara W . 2025-02-14
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Second time diners here for Sunday Lunch. Will definitely be back & recommend to others.
Lee Warner . 2025-02-11
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Second time for Sunday Lunch,this time we went with others & they were suitably impressed.Cant wait for the next visit.Youngs pubs always deliver on food quality.
Lee W . 2025-02-11
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Absolutely fabulous all round, lovely staff, delicious food and a very relaxed atmosphere. We will be returning to this very special place!
Vivien A . 2025-02-10
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Popped in for a light lunch, and was delighted as always. We tucked into the camenbert which was cooked to perfection lovely melted cheese very yummy. Along with a glass or two of nice red wine.
Renee Dillon . 2025-02-03
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Really lovely, cosy pub. Great food and lovely staff.
michael perretta . 2025-02-02
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We had an amazing family catch up at The Carpenters Arms. The were 17 of us including a baby, we were tucked away in a private area to cater for us which was lovely. The food was amazing, we were all thoroughly impressed. Great value for money and the portion sizes were great. We will definitely be coming back here in the summer to take advantage of the summer live music and outside space. Special mention to Henry who was our server, he was amazing with a great sense of humour. Thank you!
Hannah Butler . 2025-01-26
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Had a fantastic overnight stay, nice atmosphere, good food, friendly staff and comfortable room, would definitely recommend!
Martin Reeve . 2025-01-26
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Excellent lunch for two midweek at this lovely gastropub in the Tonbridge countryside. Warm welcome, well thought out set menu, delicious food and cosy ambience. Many thanks!
Claire Dunn . 2025-01-09
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The quick answer is "as good as always" - the food was excellent, the service efficient and pleasant and the atmosphere relaxed.
Brian Goodger . 2025-01-07
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Sunday roast review Disappointing Sunday roast, two small slices of beef which would have been fine, but both had the chewy membrane part still attached, which should have been removed if the meat was cooked by a chef who really cares. Yorkshire puddings super dry and the side veg “gratin” was black on top, so inedible. We have been here couple of times last summer and have enjoyed the food, maybe Sunday roast is just not their thing, definitely would not recommend it.
Joanna Zangarini . 2025-01-05
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Visited for breakfast after hearing good things but left disappointed. Wouldn’t bother making the trip there to be honest. Ended up ordering their full English but wish I had just ordered something simpler. Another table was complaining about their breakfast just after I had ordered which is always worrying. Food arrived and you get one bit of bacon which was so burnt it was hard which means it’s been sitting there a while. Burt toast on one side (impressive). Then one good poached egg with one not so good, as well as mushrooms that were ok. one sausage that was the length and width of your middle finger which again burnt on the outside. Beans that were hot but had a skin layer on the sauce so again probably sat under the lights too long. This all for just under £15…. I left some of it and even who I presume was the manager commented saying “That bacons well overdone” Told her about the other bits but didn’t seem to have a response apart from the chefs have worked long hours. It was 9:30am and breakfast started at 8am Shame as I heard good things
Daniel K . 2025-01-01
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Lovely evening. Excellent steak. Nice service. I don’t like the 12.5% service charge.
Peter Brighton . 2025-01-01
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We went today having booked a quick lunch for two. Service brilliant. Food to match .we had two roasts both lovely and thankyou. I had been before and the food wasn't good,this was great .
Mary F . 2025-01-01
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The worst Christmas meal with smallest serving of turkey and gammon I have ever experienced, followed by a micro Christmas pudding. All for £100 a head. Plus drinks, £400 for the three of us, utter robbery...I will never return..
G. Jones . 2024-12-31
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Had a great lunch yesterday for my partners birthday. Service excellent as we had another appointment and told the waitress and they brought our food very promptly.
Christine Pulbrook . 2024-12-31
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Had a great Xmas meal with friends at the Carpenters Arms. Everyone enjoyed their meal in this traditional,friendly,pub. Great service and good value for money,and would definitely return.
Andy R . 2024-12-29
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Another excellent visit, everything spot on helping to make a special family event...looking forward to our next trip already! Thanks to all the team 🙌
David Hodgson . 2024-12-27
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Fantastic Sunday lunch here today. Great food and great service. The trio roast was delicious. Will definitely return.
Gary B . 2024-12-22
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The plan was to give our family visiting from Ukraine a sample of a good Christmas lunch. When we booked about three weeks before no mention was made of the need to book a Christmas meal in advance, nor was there any reference about this necessity when a reminder came through the day before. Thus, as the option had not been mentioned, I didn't think for one moment that there would be nothing festive available on the menu - 4 days before Christmas. We ordered a baked camembert to share as a starter, and when it arrived it was small, with very limited amount of bread. We put the camembert quite plentifully on the bread but still there was about 50% of the baked cheese remaining. Rather than waste it, we requested some more bread and six small pieces arrived for the four of us. It all seemed rather miserly considering this part of the meal cost £20. No side plates were provided so we had to just use our fingers, and use the only knife we each had on the table. We ordered our main courses and were told than one of the only 8 or so choices was out of stock - at 12 noon! When the main courses arrived, no extra cutlery was offered; the cumberland sausages looked nothing like the normal circular ones. but something between the size of a regular sausage and a chipolata, needing to be only cut in three to consume. Two of us had plaice, which appeared like something that had been left at the bottom of the freezer for six months. Our local chippie always has beautiful white fresh plaice at less than half the price, and we agreed that it was not anything like as good as that, being completely tasteless. Credit where credit is due the T-bone pork looked and apparently tasted excellent. The bill arrived proclaiming an option whether to pay the tip, but it had been added already when the credit card machine arrived. Trying to pay just added insult to injury. I had two attempts with each of two cards without success, knowing that my PIN was accurate. I was made to feel like someone who was trying to get away without funds and the waiter's comment about the virtue of himself only having one credit card hardly helped. He also stated for all to hear that there was plenty of washing up we could do. My wife then tried her credit card - with what she knew to be the correct PIN and that was rejected too. Knowing that I had more than adequate funds and was using the correct PIN. I requested another machine. I used the first card and the same PIN and it went through first time. I apologised to the waiter for now having to do the washing up himself. It was all quite amicable and at no time were voices raised, especially as the restaurant tables were all filled. It was not the time 'to make a scene'. We skipped dessert and coffee. It was such a shame as a previous very happy visit a few months before made us confident that our guests would enjoy something really good. Alas, no!
John L . 2024-12-22
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I visited with a family last Friday and was incredibly impressed by the staff, despite it being busy they were always helpful. We had one issue with one part of a meal, but it was quickly and efficiently addressed and resolved. The food was excellent and my steak was cooked perfectly, as was the other visitors I came with. Although the cost was quite high, you genuinely get what you pay for - a great atmosphere, tasteful decoration and the quality of food was definitely reflective of the cost. The only thing I would suggest, is that the website has photos of the staff, so they can be thanked by name - but of course only if they have no issue with this, they have a right to privacy like all of us. I've not been to a Michelin restaurant, but I imagine it would be like the Carpenters Arms. Thank you staff, chef(s) and pub manager.
Chris Aylward . 2024-12-17
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Booked our office lunch again this year after a wonderful lunch last year and weren't disappointed. Highly recommend.
Joanne White . 2024-12-12
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Food was very good. Service was prompt despite their being busy seasonally. Seasonal atmosphere with office lunch parties but not so noisy as to disturb other diners
philip nunnerley . 2024-12-12
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Tried to confirm my booking , nobody answers the phone. My confirmation seems to have disappeared and everything is automated. What’s happened to the lovely local pub that you could just ring up on the spur of the moment and book a table. Don’t know if I’ve even got a table BECAUSE NOBODY ANSWERS THE PHONE!!!
Sadie Meadows . 2024-12-11
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The pub was lovely and so cosy , the service was first class , food was excellent , we will definitely be eating there again
Christine Elliment . 2024-12-01
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We both really enjoyed the dinner last night. Haddock and chips with all the trimmings....yum! Really cooked to perfection. The service was excellent, very attentive. The Carpenters generally, in my opinion has really upped it's game. Splendid food and a lovely pub! Definitely worth a visit.
David Gates . 2024-11-30
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Pleasant ambience, friendly service but we found the food rather bland and flavourless which was a shame because the core ingredients were good quality ... just no panache to the dishes.
Jonathan Challis . 2024-11-24
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Staff were busy behind the bar but I think they needed someone to focus solely on dining service. We were sat at our table and then left - not given menus or offered drinks. Had to go and ask at the bar. I ordered the treacle pork steak with fried egg and bubble & squeak but was given a very over done, dry, pork belly. It was revolting but I was hungry so I ate it. I complained and was told I wouldn’t have to pay. Staff seemed more concerned with putting the Christmas decorations up than serving customers. Won’t be going back to eat but the pib itself has a nice atmosphere and comfy decor so good for a drink.
The Besties . 2024-11-22
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Good Sunday roast in a nice pub with friendly staff.
Robert Bridson . 2024-11-18
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great pity that there were so many things unavailable on the menu, and no specials on. Good friendly service.
Ray Tanner . 2024-11-14
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Fantastic, as always. We are a group who go out running and then return for breakfast. Yesterday, there were 17 of us, for breakfast. We were looked after very well; all orders were delivered quickly and our servers were efficient and good humoured. An excellent and very welcoming place to have breakfast.
Ian Walker . 2024-11-08
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We've been coming here for three years now, since we moved to the area. The food is consistently excellent, very nice atmosphere and the service is always good.
Balint Hamvas (cyclephotos) . 2024-11-02
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Review: My husband and I popped in here on Friday evening for a relaxing glass of wine and possibly dinner after work, and we were so pleased with the experience. The atmosphere was lovely – cozy but lively, and the music was at the perfect volume to still have a conversation. A huge shout-out to Anna, who was working behind the bar that night. I'm quite particular about my red wine, and since my husband doesn’t drink alcohol, it can be tricky finding somewhere that has great quality wine by the glass. Anna was exceptional! She took the time to chat with me about red wines for a good 10 minutes and even let me sample a couple of options to find the right fit. She recommended a Rioja that she clearly loved herself, and I ended up ordering two glasses with dinner – no upselling, just pure enthusiasm for the wine, which was perfect. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and we’ll definitely be back! Thank you, Anna, and the whole team for a great evening.
Jana Farmer . 2024-11-01
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Wonderful atmosphere and very pretty outside and inside. Food was great.
Sue Ryall . 2024-10-26
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Really good restaurant and atmosphere. Great location for breakfast meetings and the staff were brilliant when we visited and
Michael Harris . 2024-10-18
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Did the Sundays savers deal as a little night away and absolutely loved it. The food was incredible and the room was really nice. Staff were lovely as well. Would highly recomend the whole exoerience.
April stephenson . 2024-10-14
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They say that they probably serve the best Sunday roast in the world and my dinner companions would agree. All served by charming staff
Deb Christopher . 2024-10-09
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The meal was excellent and only bettered by the service, thanks to Phoebe for rounding off a great experience!
Seb Bryce . 2024-10-06
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No lock on the gents toilet for over a week now and the bar! do not put your arms on it you will be sticky or have a dirty shirt
gary hodges . 2024-09-30
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Lovely restaurant with good service, great food and atmosphere.
Sue Harris . 2024-09-23
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The food was superb, but I wonder there had been some staff issues. We were there for 2 and a half hours but probably spent an hour waiting for the various courses to arrive. Maybe a waiter or two had called in sick, but it rather took the shine off the experience.
Tim Woodman . 2024-09-22
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An impromptu lunch with my daughter. Really friendly staff who made us feel so welcome and looked after. The food was amazing, so tasty. Can't wait for our next visit.
Karen Barker . 2024-09-21
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My family and I haven’t been to the Carpenters Arms for a while and was recommended the new menu by a family member. We ordered the roast, when it arrived the beef was over cooked and the veg was diced and looked like it was cooked from frozen. My partner had tempura crab burger that was deep fried and looked unappealing. The service was slow they forgot our desserts, therefore we were waiting over 40 mins for these.
Charlotte Lark . 2024-09-09
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What a lovely experience! We've just moved to the area and it almost feels as if we've found a second home in the Carpenter's Arms. Can't wait to return. Such friendly staff, a really beautiful environment, great food, great coffee - what more could you want? And our dog had a lovely time too!
Sam Haywood . 2024-09-05
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Amazing service on 1/9/24, excellent food. Staff were helpful and informative but not intrusive and allowed us to eat without checking in every 5 min.
Rachel C . 2024-09-02
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Lovely meal and first class service. Thank you Sophie.
Colin Shew . 2024-08-30
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Friendly welcome got our party four adults and three children. Kids menu , brunch menu and lunch menu so plenty of choices. Fish cakes were good and the pork sausage were excellent. Service from our Italian waiter was great. We would go again
Chris . 2024-08-30
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Stopped at this lovely homely pub to finish off a lovely dog walk after the bank holiday. Really yummy food, very quick service. Thank you to Maddie who was very attentive with us. We can’t wait to come back!
Faith Willeard . 2024-08-26
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Sammy our waitress was delightful
Steve Herbert . 2024-08-25
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Food was incredible. Given great seating. Katy was absolutely incredible. Went above and beyond with the service and really made the experience special.
Scenic25559936921 . 2024-08-24
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Stumbled across this pub on my dog walk with my parents and the staff were so accommodating particularly the lady behind the bar called Maddie. We ended up staying for food and it was excellent. Will definitely be coming back. Thank you!
Jemima Roberts . 2024-08-20
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Great Sunday lunch. Beef was excellent!
Charlie Steel . 2024-08-19
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We received poor service here yesterday at lunch time. First off, one of our starters didn’t arrive. It came with the mains, so we sent it back, as it should have come with all the other starters. Next, the roast chicken for 2 people came on just one plate with all the vegetables, yorkshires and roast potatoes. We had to ask for another plate, but when it came out, it was cold and wet from the dishwasher. Had to ask for extra gravy too for the roast. Presentation of the chicken sharer wasnt great. Lastly, someone asked for mustard with their roast beef, but had nearly finished the meal before it arrived. No one asked at the beginningif we wanted any sauces with the mains. Food is good, but service let the experience down. Manager didn’t seem bothered when we complained. However, we received money off our bill. Nice pub and garden, but need better front of house staff.
Charlotte0592 . 2024-08-19
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Breakfast outside on the lovely terrace in glorious weather. The food, as always, delicious. Our server, Will, was extremely friendly and professional despite being very busy.
Wendy Jane J . 2024-08-17
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Our lovely server, Hannah, was so attentive and friendly. We had such a lovely evening :)
Katie Connor . 2024-08-16
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Been here twice and this was my second time. Came back because my first experience was positive. Overall the place works well, ok staff and decent food. Shout out to the chef as everything I ate was great. The rooms are spacious and well served with all you need. Could do with some music or radio at breakfast as it was too quiet and people were whispering, create an atmosphere. They have the best sourdough bread. Two no things stood out for me on this 3 night stay. Sophie the waitress/bar tender etc. Sophie’s non- technical skills are simply amazing. Her situation awareness was second to none, it seemed at times like she had eyes in the back of her head. She covered up others mistakes amazingly well so much so that the customer may not of even realised. On countless occasions across my 3 night stay she did this. Body language, not rushing, smiling, pausing and distancing, trust me she has it all. Local higher end restaurants, hotels or even private exclusive places you would do well to observe Sophie, she has it all. My second key observation. The place on one evening was busy as it was a quiz evening. That’s great and says a lot. So I go to the restaurant area and order. As I do this a group of 3 arrive unaccompanied to a table near me. One of the 3 was in a wheelchair and disabled. The 3 sit down and order drinks. Before I carry on just think how difficult just achieving that is. So the 3 settle and a few minutes pass. Then a group of 4 arrive and get escorted to the table that the group of 3 are now settled at. So we have a stand off. After some uncomfortable moments for all the worst happens. The group of 3 people which includes the wheelchair customer are requested to relocate. Wrong, wrong and wrong. So the management got it wrong, those 4 that arrive (all able bodied got it wrong) as they became bystanders to this and didn’t intervene (shameful) and the system got everyone wrong. Ok, this was a moment and doesn’t reflect my overall experience but guys (management) handle this stuff better as it matters more than your quality of the soap as this is a people issue. So awesome praise to Sophie and management up your game with your people thinking.
Simon Grove . 2024-08-16
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Sammy was very attentive and friendly. We had a lovely dining experience, and can’t wait to come back.
Jessica Jarmyn . 2024-08-16
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Absolutely lovely place for dinner on a Friday evening. I had the fish cake which was delicious but the chefs recommendation of crab burger for my partner was a bit dry and heavy on the batter. Service was great thought and the staff were really friendly and helpful, especially Hannah! We will definitely be back!
Carly Keeler . 2024-08-16
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Fantastic food and ambience. Thanks to the wonderful Hannah with her excellent service!
John Lark . 2024-08-16
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Had a wonderful meal this evening, great food as ever and excellent service from Hannah. Will be back!
Phil Oakdon . 2024-08-14
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Elloise was allocated to our table, very pleasant and attentive to our needs. Had a very nice evening
Sharon Deborah Walster . 2024-08-04
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Great service from the amazing Izzy
Mark Freed . 2024-08-03
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Service from Izzy was outstanding. Really welcoming, spoke us through the menu and helped wherever she could.
Charlie Fox . 2024-08-03
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Lovely relaxing evening. Food was great and friendly staff especially Elloise :)
Zoe Webb . 2024-08-02
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Really loved our first visit to the Carpenters Arms. Excellent food despite a slight misunderstanding about our order. Will was so nice. He’s a real credit to the pub. Friendly, respectful but also funny. Such a nice guy who gave us a lovely welcome and explained the menu jovially. When next in the area we will be back!!
Bill Butler . 2024-07-30
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Poor management and awful waiter; Antonio. I was at a birthday dinner with my friends and I had one of the most awful dinners in terms of service, from our dedicated server. We were seated by what seemed like a flamboyant Italian server, pleasant and seated us. At first it all seemed fine, but it very quickly went downhill. We were not allocated to our correct table as the table was dirty and hadn't been cleared by the section the waiter was looking after. After 20 minutes we ended up getting a drinks and starters order. We ordered some bread, and all that came out was bread and butter, forget the plates or cutlery. We didn't see Antonio again after our 'starter' was served. Subsequent to that and after a lack of care, going in and out of the restaurant to ask for cutlery and drinks, Pheobe was there, and we were instantly relieved. She was attentive, apologetic and obviously over worked due to a lack of work on others parts. This mis-management was clear to us. The waiter who had been assigned to our section was; absent, rude, non-attentive, sarcastic, and ultimately didn't care; about service, his job, or his colleagues. Your staff is a reflection of your establishment, and if it were based on him, we would never return. Management need to have more visibility on how their day-to-day establishment is run. Pheobe was the hero of our night, she was everything he failed to be. I couldn't recommend her highly enough. The assistant manager on duty was helpful, and after some conversation she was amenable to amending the bill accordingly, but I did not have the confidence that the matter would go further. Your place is as only good as your staff; and Pheobe was excellent, especially based on the limited support and pay available to her.
Stef Garner . 2024-07-26
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Have been coming to the Carpenters Arms for years and recently dined in one of the outdoor pods and was shocked at the lack of service. We had no cutlery or plates, I had to go into the restaurant twice to ask for them and ended up waiting inside until somebody could give me them. The Italian man who sat us at our table at the beginning did not offer us drinks, bring the cutlery or even come over to check we were ok once he had taken our order. Yet we could see him strolling around empty tables like a spare part. When we asked him for some condiments he said “I am busy” to which a lovely girl named Phoebe went and got them, along with our drinks. We expressed how disappointed we were and she got the manager for us who apologised to say that they had been short staffed. This does not warrant the rudeness and lack of service we experienced from the Italian waiter. Will not be returning until we are confident the service and overall experience has improved as the Carpenters Arms was once a great place we dined at regularly and it has significantly gone downhill.
Lauren Baker . 2024-07-25
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Went for dinner with friends last night to celebrate a couple of birthdays. It is one of our usual ‘go to’ pub restaurants and we have been a lot over the years. Feel very disappointed with how downhill it has gone. Upon arrival we were brought out to a dirty hut as to which we were then moved on to another one which still was not set up. We had especially booked a hut for private dining. Once our hut was cleaned it was not set up with cutlery etc - so when it came to eating our starters we had asked for side plates which were never delivered so we ate off of napkins. Also one of us had to go in and get cutlery ourselves after asking a few times. The waiter serving us had a very poor and rude attitude - he started off very jokey and then became very rude and unattentive. When we asked for sauces he replied with ‘I’m busy’ which was unacceptable. He never checked in on us or asked for further drinks etc. There was a wonderful young waitress, think her name was Phoebe. She recognised our table and went above and beyond for us. She was running around after her own tables inside and shouldn’t have had the extra load on her shoulders. We were very impressed with her service however and I do hope this is recognised on her behalf. She made sure we had drinks and sauces and even had a general chat with us - extremely friendly and brilliant at her job! We spoke to the manager who was apologetic which we appreciate - also made us aware they were understaffed which we understood. But regardless of this - the waiters service should never had been as poor as it was. It will give the pub a bad name and reputation. The manager did reimburse our drinks as compensation which we appreciated. I just hope that his attitude to his job changes or he is spoken to about this - otherwise you may find further unhappy customers going forwards. Sadly I don’t think we will be returning anytime soon.
Emily Perry . 2024-07-25
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My friends and I booked a garden pod for a friends birthday, on arrival we were shown out to our table which was covered in food and plates from the previous person, so we were moved to another pod, and had to wait whilst that pod which was also dirty was cleaned so that we could sit down. The service from our waiter was extremely poor, we ordered bread and starters which were brought out but with no cutlery or plates. We had to request these twice without ever getting them so in the end we ate our starters of off NAPKINS until my friend finally went in and got cutlery herself! We weren’t checked on by the waiter, and literally forgotten about. We had to chase the basics like drinks, cutlery etc. The only positive was when a waitress (Phoebe) took over, who was already running around like a headless chicken inside serving other tables that our service improved. She was brilliant and worth her weight in gold. We did ask to speak to the manager about the service we received and we were compensated for this, which was appreciated as the service definitely dampened the mood of what should have been a great nice with friends. We were told there were staff shortages which we appreciate however the restaurant was far from busy and you had the staff - it just some clearly pull their weight more than others. This did used to be a great restaurant that my friends and I have attended numerous times over the years, however sadly I don’t think we will be returning.
Hannah Phipps . 2024-07-25
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So I stayed overnight due to working in the area. When I got to my room I was unable to gain access to the WIFI on my work laptop so I was unable to complete my work for the day. But to top things off went to the restaurant for some dinner ordered the burger. Luckily for me I cut the burger open took a couple of bites to then see something fall from my burger. To my horror it was a worm!!! The female waitress was very apologetic but a live creature in my food…. And I was still charge full price
Kent Mansbridge . 2024-07-23
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Had avery enjoyable meal with family.
Paul Russell . 2024-07-23
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A really good meal and a brilliant atmosphere. I went with 2 mates not seen for over 40 years and Service was brilliant Food was excellent Price was good for what we got.
Peter Brace . 2024-07-15
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This place is very nicely decorated and you can see a lot of thought has been put into this. Food is very nice and we stayed over one night in one of their very nice rooms. The only downfall was when we went for dinner we were seated in one section that was empty and had been sitting waiting for someone to take our order of which I had to go and get them to come round, seemed that the person who showed us to our table had not told the restaurant staff we were there. All was good after that so not too much to grumble about. Breakfast was very nice and service spot on. We are planning on returning as it’s a hidden gem
Jamie Woollard . 2024-07-15
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Served by Phoebe, super friendly and helpful! Very lovely young lady. Will return soon!
Lauren Hodge . 2024-07-14
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We were very disappointed. Service was very slow although the staff were very polite, but we waited an hour & half before our starters came! The food was average but very expensive & the service charge extortionate! We used to frequent a lot before it was taken over & loved the menu, but we will not rush back again in a hurry.
Jack whoah . 2024-07-13
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Phoebe was a very attentive waitress, great food and lovely place to go
Katy Winton . 2024-07-12
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Lovely evening. Our server Phoebe was very kind making sure we were happy. No complaints. The atmosphere could not have been better. They also have a quiz night, we didnt joint this time but will hopefully be back.
Amy Carter . 2024-07-12
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Barman Will extremely friendly, good service & took a good photo of our group for our memories
Tracy Miller . 2024-07-12
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Hannah was our server and was very welcoming and accommodating with our menu choices!
kay dungworth . 2024-07-09
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