The Carpenters Arms in Hambleton

The once solid and reliable Provenance Inns seems to be in crisis. Having had a poor experience at The Punchbowl at Marton we were equally unimpressed here. I share the previous reviewer’s thoughts. Young inexperienced waiting staff and not enough of them led to unacceptable delays. The steak pie was most forgettable as was the prawn cocktail. With the high price of eating out now you have a right to expect better than this unless you have low expectations. Spotless toilets was the only positive.

Was looking forward to trying this pub and the restaurant. Unfortunately we felt a little underwhelmed. I think it would help by having more waitresses or waiters as the poor girl was running around trying to look after a lot of tables, it just doesn't work. When you end up waiting 20 mins for a drink order then something is wrong. The food was okay which about sums up our visit. First impressions matter and we both left thinking we won't be going back I'm afraid.

Gorgeous pub in great location. We hadn’t visited for a few years but decided to eat here rather than the nearby pub where we were staying. Food and service were excellent and the only reason it’s not a 5star review is that my husband chose the Korean chicken as a main and found the sauce too overpowering. My mackerel starter and salmon and haddock burger were really good and we look forward to coming back soon.

What a fantastic food service and atmosphere. The portions large for me but took veggies home. Unfortunately no room for desert next time have no starter do room for desert. Thank you

I booked dinner, B&B at the Carpenter's Arms for my husband's 60th birthday treat and we really enjoyed our stay. Our garden room was lovely, a massive, comfy bed, stylish bathroom, and even seating outside our room for a late evening drink. The rest of the hotel is lovely, as are the welcoming staff. The dinner menu was interesting and we were impressed with what we chose, the cod for me and the duck for my husband. Altogether a fab stay, we'll be back.

Had a bad experience twice post Covid so not visited since! Heard some good reports and Wow what a difference def 5 stars!

Great food and drink at a fair price . Big thanks to the young girl serving us . Lovely Smile . and a bonus a lot of classic cars in the car park

Good quality food , good service, pork belly was very good, the chicken with cous cous was excellent, wines very nice. Would definitely recommend.

Stayed in garden suite for two nights, absolutely wonderful. Peaceful, relaxing, clean, comfortable suite. Only had dinner not breakfast but food was tasty from an interesting varied menu. Will definitely return

Advertised on the main road, we turned up here at 1.30pm on the off chance they would fit us in. We were welcomed to the restaurant with our dog. They couldn't have been lovelier. Got the dog a bed and made us feel that we were important. Customer service was excellent. Food was outstanding. Prices very reasonable for the quality of food we recieved. We had three courses and everyone was delicious. We will definitely visit again. Thank you all so much. Made a good day even better.

Fantastic location, friendly helpful staff, zero complaints in that respect. We went for a Mothers Day dinner, I had booked a few weeks ago and was really excited about eating there. After eating there I left very disappointed, the options were basically some form of Sunday Dinner (run out of chicken) or fish and chips. I ordered the beef Sunday dinner, the meat was grissly, stringy and mostly fat. Singular carrot! Bland veg, overdone Yorkshire pudding. For a moment I could have been in a Wetherspoons. Wife’s dinner had advertised items missing from the plate, also given a soup spoon with desert. We were both really looking forward to this evening but left £60 lighter for a below average dining experience in all honesty, the table was also that sticky I had to use my knapkin to prevent my arms sticking to the table. Oh and the music, very 1970’s adult movie. Best part of the experience was the drive to and from a lovely village. Based on that experience I wouldn’t eat there again I’m afraid.

For a while we have visited the Carpenters Arms approximately once a year with various friends for a pleasant meal. 2023 marked our 50th wedding anniversary, and circumstances meant that we were destined to to celebrate the day alone, so we decided to have a two night stay in Felixkirk.  We made it clear when booking over the phone that our second night, Friday 29th December, would be our actual golden wedding day, and that while we did not want champagne or a special cake, we would like some flowers on the table, and were assured that this would be the case. Now the room (number 10 inside) was fine, there were no towels but they were brought up as soon as we asked.  Two surprises at breakfast, a cafetière of coffee, sugar on the table, but no teaspoons, although the waitress brought them when reminded.  Toast was brought but no butter, and the waitress seemed surprised when we asked for some.  I didn't think too much of it, but the second morning it was the same with a different waitress, we needed to ask for teaspoons and butter! When we came down to the restaurant for our actual golden wedding evening meal the waitress said that she would have liked to given us a window table but we would have to sit at one in the centre of the dining area.  However for the entire duration of our meal there were two window tables set and vacant, what was that about? Despite our request when booking there were no flowers or decorations of any sort on the table.  When I asked the chap who seemed to be in charge he said that they were unaware of our request and unable to do anything. Now I do not mean to give too negative an impression.  Since our previous visit the focus has shifted.  This was now a village pub, the bar crowded with locals and their dogs, plus a menu and service to match, and at that level it worked fine, and I would have written a positive review.  Its just not what we were anticipating. Places change, I should have checked first that it was still up to a special celebratory meal.

The Carpenters had a great attempt at providing a Xmas Lunch that was only let down by the skills in the Kitchen and a lack of organisation. Those on the second sitting had to stand waiting for the tables to be ready due too all available seating taken up by youngsters drinking at the bar in preference to diners paying £120 a head. Canapes and starters were excellent and I'm sure the main course also would have been when it was cooked several hours earlier and then suitably dry, covered overdone vegetables including a lonely 2 Brussell sprouts. We would have loved wine but by the time the main course appeared it was too late. The staff were excellent and made up for what was a memorable meal for the wrong reasons.

We were a 'walk in' so we were so pleased to be shown to a table as the restaurant was very busy. The staff were incredibly friendly, the food was fantastic just faultless. We both had the steak pie which was the best we have ever had. I had creamy mash with mine and my husband had fries. I finished with a lovely flat white coffee in fact I would love to know what coffee they use it was just the best. The coffee was a perfect flat white, some people don't have a clue how to prepare one. My husband had a Affogato which he said was amazing including the taste of the espresso so they obviously use a good coffee bean supplier. A great meal and we hope to go back in the new year and stay at what looks like superior accommodation with lovely views over the Vale of Mowbray.

Excellent food in a great atmosphere with friendly and attentive staff. Love eating here and will definitely be back soon. Great to see food served some of which is grown in their own gardens.

Lovely surroundings, gorgeous food, just a shame about the lack of service. Upon entering, we were greeted by a young lad, but as soon as his friends walked in behind us, he stopped tending to us so he could have a chat with his mates. Shocked was an understatement. After observing the rest of the place, this just seems to be the norm. Obviously lots of regular drinkers whom the staff like socialising with, so when people from out the area visit, they are made to feel like a hindrance. An abundance of waiting staff yet it took 10minutes for them to figure out they'd completely forgot our drinks order, too busy talking and not enough work, counted 5 staff members all stood behind the bar chatting amongst themselves. Drinks flat, they did exchange for free, (the eldest male on shift was the only respectable staff member on) patronising apology from one of the girl waitresses though. Noticed how management didn't ask how everything was upon paying as she knew the answer she'd get. Relying on your food will only get you so far sweetheart.

Absolutely fantastic pub, gorgeous good both nights we dined there. Exceptional staff very welcoming, to both us and the dogs, staff remembered our drinks from the previous night. Cannot fault anything. It was all a beautiful experience!

Thank you for an amazing Sunday lunch. Absolutely fantastic food in a beautiful location. Really nice pub inside and out. Look forward to returning soon.

Dropped in on spec and decided to dine, absolutely superb meals tor all of us, great menu selection and super friendly manager snd staff definitely will be back, highly recommended

We booked a table late Saturday evening for Sunday evening and managed to get a table which was great! Couldn’t fault the service, friendly and attentive. We had two waiters who kept checking everything was okay. The food is absolutely outstanding! Even the kids menu was delicious. Will definitely be returning!

A really good experience at the Carpenter's Arms. Very familiar with the area between Thirsk and Helmsley and have been hearing good things about this place for many years so popped in. Lives us to recommendations. Assistant managers on duty and both were friendly, welcoming and informative on the venue, food and drink and accommodation. Food of a very high standard and very reasonably priced. Will be returning soon. Well done Carpenter's Arms Felixkirk.

pleasantly suprise!! Our unplanned trip to Windsor was finished here, the pub is very climatic, good selection of beers. The most importand feature of this place is the Tunnel that use to was linked with Windor Castle how cool is that. Food was very nice. Definetly we will be back

We booked here months ago after booking a weekend away for my birthday and we couldn’t have been more disappointed with the whole experience. To say we booked well in advance, when we arrived it was like we were forgotten about straight away. The table wasn’t ready so we were asked to sit at a table round the corner from the bar and to wait. 40 minutes went by and we had to go to the bar to ask about our table which we were asked if we just wanted to stay where we were. By this time we were hungry so agreed. Menus got brought and after another 30 minutes we once again had to go to ask to order food. We ordered 2 pies and were told they take about 25 minutes in the oven which we were fine with. We also ordered more drinks at this point which never arrived. The pies arrived 30 minutes later with no drinks, and to say we were informed about the time they take to cook they weren’t even hot inside. We were so disappointed with everything and felt completely forgotten about which ruined what was meant to be a lovely evening.

July 23 2023 Very disappointed to be turned away midday on a rainy Sunday when I called hoping for a good lunch . I hadn’t booked but felt as I was just one lone lady , that the reply of - kitchen is at full capacity and ‘ sorry we don’t do walk ins’ was a bit uncalled for . ? It did look busy I admit , but the bar area could surely have accommodated me . .. and how hard would one more plate have been . ? If there had been several of us I could have understood the rebuff but where was the good old Yorkshire hospitality ? I’m not a local but I’ve driven out And eaten alone with pleasure a couple of times before in the recent past .. but feel that I’ll be thinking twice about driving up the road again in case Im turned away ..

we booked Sunday lunch on recommendation. Our waitress needed to be trained in hospitality. She started taking away our plates when our grandchildren were still eating their dinners, when she was cleaning the table of 2 that had left next to us she just wiped the mess left on the table to the floor with her hands, no cleaning the table with a damp cloth. Also for some strange reason asked to take all our unused cutlery from our table to be put back into the cutlery trays without washing!!! . Our table was all sticky and if that is how you clean the tables no wonder. For the money you charge the service and cleanliness is something to be desired. Needless to say we will not be returning.

Based on reviews, a highly recommended choice and not disappointed. Friendly, helpful staff, spacious dining area and amazing views. Choice of beef, pork or chicken Sunday roast as well as some options. All nicely cooked and presented. Sunday roast, couple of drinks and dessert for less than £30.. bargain

We visited the restaurant a few months ago and had a very enjoyable time, the service was spot on and food very tasty. We were really looking forward to going back…wished we hadnt! No warm welcome, staff seemed to be focused on ‘other things’ and didnt seem that bothered. Mix up with a wrong dish. Coffees were badly made and un drinkable. Wanted to speak to a Manager but came to hear he was ‘in the office busy’ We wont be back. Poor.

Extremely poor service with a manager who had a very bad attitude. This is an ongoing problem with this pub which we have visited on many occasions over the years but shall not be returning.

Lovely fayre with quality, provenance local ingredients. All our meals were delicious particularly my provenance ‘beef burger’. Beautiful setting and very nice staff too.

I would love to review the food here but sat for half an hour with a glass of water and we were totally ignored ! The place was not exactly busy just no staff ! Might give it another go when i start seeing better reviews on here about the staffing problem

This is lovely pub/restaurant serving excellent meals The service was really nice and we would definitely recommend and go back

Nice place ruined by lack of midweek staff, all at college apparently. 2 servers for 70+ covers meant long waits. The asst manager was there, and as he was off duty, declined to handle our complaints. He seemed happy to leave the whole place in...

Came here on Sunday lunch time for my 70th birthday celebration. They were late serving us through no fault of their own (there was a 90th birthday before us-obviously a popular place for celebrations) but they couldn't have been more apologetic about it. All the...

The location is lovely and the food was exceptional and truly outstanding. Unfortunately, a star has been deducted due to less than satisfactory waiter attention. Despite the restaurant being particularly quiet, the service was incredibly slow and disappointing.

Visited again with my Mum and dog had a lovely Sunday lunch the starter of Korean chicken was great followed by fish and chips for me and pie for Mum

We had the pleasure of enjoying lunch with our friends recently. The food was beautifully cooked and presented. The staff were attentive and nothing was too much trouble. All I can say is thank you for our delightful lunch and we are looking forward to...

We had a Superb meal, 3 courses and you couldnt fault anything. The price was very reasonable for the quality of the food. Besides the excellent food the staff were lovely. Attentive and friendly. Nothing was to much trouble. Thank you very much. Well be...

Having not visited The Carpenters for a good few months following a poor visit we decided to revisit for Sunday lunch. I have to say, it did not disappoint. Other reviews still seem to suggest there are issues with staff and slow service but that...

From walking through the doors to leaving the whole time was first class! Great happy friendly staff were very welcoming and polite. Offered good recommendations and had a laugh with our son. The food was really enjoyable along with the service would definitely return. Not...

Waited 40 minutes for our starter. We was offered bread and butter because of the delay and also a pudding at the end . When we did get our starter it was very good but by this time we was past carrying Could not fault...

Welcome ? What welcome ! We decided after 3 weeks in the lambing shed to treat ourselves to a meal out. We hadn’t booked as we didn’t know till the last minute if we would be able to get away. We walked in and by...

We had been planning to stay over at the Carpenters arms for months, we love eating out and staying over in nice places and due to the excellent reviews, chose the Carpenters Arms. We managed to get away for the night just before New Year’s...

We called in on the off chance they maybe have a table for Sunday lunch. On arrival we were greeted at the bar by a lovely gentleman. We ordered a drink and then asked if they had a table for two. We were shown to...

Booked a table for my wife and I for a Valentines Day Meal. When we arrived there seemed to be some confusion as to where we were sitting. That was resolved and shown to our table. Was offered table water but then no one came...

We drove 40 minutes to try somewhere new for dinner. It was a lovely pub with a warm welcome and friendly staff. Service was extremely poor. We were missed for drinks orders, tables around us served and orders taken who came in after us. Once...

Visited today with a friend and 2 children. The food was amazing. The staff were lovely and very friendly. What a great find. I would definitely recommend this pub.

We had an average trip here. Called in for Sunday lunch but the service was not great. We were dealt with fairly quickly on arrival and shown to our table. It was reasonably busy and didn’t wait long to have the order taken. The drinks...

Friendly staff and great food. We visited with a family group to celebrate a birthday. Staff were attentive, helpful and friendly. The menu is fairly wide ranging catering for all but the most difficult palate. The food was well presented and perfectly cooked. All in...

The staff were friendly and cheerful and the service as always was very good. The food was excellent and the setting is perfect, not the cheapest around but still great value as you get what you pay for. Whenever we are in the area we...

We had booked to go to Yorkshire Outdoors and decided to stay the night before at The Carpenters Arms, as we had an early start and it’s five minutes away. We booked for an evening meal and breakfast. The black pudding sausage rolls were delicious,...

A mixture of disappointment. My partners meal was luke warm and over priced food for a country pub. We did tell the waitress when collecting the plates that the food wasn’t warm and she didn’t respond and just smiled. Overall the place itself was a...

Promises so much but fails to deliver. Awful music. Some food tepid. £20 belly pork with no vege. Not good enough.

We were here for a couple of days to celebrate my parents 60th wedding anniversary and it was perfect. First things first, the team were superb from the bar staff, waitresses, manager, cleaners absolutely excellent, so friendly and great at their jobs. Secondly the rooms...

Superb surroundings, real fire, attentive and friendly staff. And the food!! Oh man, the food is amazing and what a fantastic menu. I'd also add, unobtrusive chilled music at just the right volume. They also do B&B in this perfect part of the world. We...

We eat here twice in May and loved it. So we decided to revisit when we were back in the area. Our visit this time was awful. The atmosphere was ruined by a noisy party who appeared to be unchecked by the staff on duty....

A beautifully decorated, high quality pub and hotel that exemplifies the very best of rural pubs in the UK. More importantly the warmth of the welcome and the attentiveness of the staff were matched by the quality of the food and drink. Lunchtime haddock and...

Delightful pub and restaurant. Great selection of beers, food delicious and comfy inviting interior. Got recommended this place and was not disappointed.

Having been recommended by a friend I arranged an evening meal for myself and some friends. A special occasion as it was a birthday celebration. From arriving at the well appointed bar and restaurant we were greeted by Ryan and welcomed into the restaurant. Friendly,...

Came for 3 nights with my husband and dog. We were in room 10 which was lovely! Very clean and well presented. The garden was lovely and perfect if you want to sit and have a quite drink in the evening. The hotel was extremely...

We tried to book a table for 2 at 5:30pm to be told the restaurant was full and there was only 5:00pm available. We arrived the pub for a drink outside before the meal. The outside terrace is very nice and great views. We eventually...

Oh dear another pub in this group which underperforms. Not on the staffing though. They are excellent , Well trained , friendly and efficient . But the food is very second rate. I would guess most is supplied from a central food production facility and...

We visited for lunch as part of an advertised special event which included a visit to Mount St John gardens. The gardens lived up to expectations and were wonderful; the lunch was fine, albeit service a little slow. It would have been good to have...

This establishment has left the best impressions! Hospitable hosts, we arrived early doors and were welcomed with open arms and a big smile from the lovely gentleman behind the bar, Ruby the very attentive waitress who served us was such a delight and extremely professional,...

What a great place…even with a road closure it was worth visiting. Lunch was fabulous, and the Vegan platter was outstanding. Bar maid was a delight and kept us amused whilst we waited for family to arrive. Will definitely be back.

Visited for lunch with family and was very underwhelmed. The setting is gorgeous, the bar and dining room absolutely lovely and a really warm welcome from the chap behind the bar. Unfortunately this is where the good bits start to drift off. The young waitresses...

Second visit to this lovely pub with rooms. We stayed in garden room no 5 Great room with a seating area and a place to sit in privacy outside Beautiful appointed bathroom, with quality products We ate both evenings in the restaurant Food was delicious...

We came for a light lunch on a Sunday having been disappointed at what was available in Thirsk town centre. On arrival we were at first disappointed to learn that sandwiches were not on the menu on Sundays but the host was quick to suggest...

The Carpenters Arms in Felixkerk is such a special place one wants to keep it a secret but to do so would be unfair to both this establishment and future customers. Our first experience here was lunch and it was amazing. The welcome we received...

We found The Carpenters Arms by pure chance on the last day of our holiday. It is signposted off the main road and we are so glad we made the detour. The staff were friendly and welcoming and the food was absolutely delicious. We tried...

Booked a table for 6 pm, seated straight away, 10 mins later waiter came with wine menu, further 15 mins before came back for wine and food order. Ordered a picky while you wait choice to have as didn't want starter at same time. Wine...

My wife and I stayed for two nights at the Carpenters Arms and had by far the best and most relaxing break we have ever had in the UK. The rooms are finished to a high standard and were extremely comfortable. The garden greatly compliments...

Great staff, hotel was great and the food was first class we will be back Rooms have great views and where very comfortable, nice relaxing area

Visited site with my wife on a Sunday evening for dinner. Staff were great and food was excellent. So good in fact we booked again for later in week. Just as good second time around. Setting was lovely and would definately recomend. When we are...

I had visited the carpenters arms over 20 years ago when the previous owners had the pub. I had taken a trip to Thirsk a few weeks ago and since we were close to the carpenters me and my wife decided to revisit. Friends of...

Been coming here for over 25 years and it just gets better. Service, food and atmosphere excellent. A lovely way to spend the evening. Just love the place.

We felt really looked after by Paul and his team at The Carpenter's Arms. Proper Yorkshire hospitality. The menu choices are a bit, erm... unorthodox, but I put that down to creative and exotic chefs in the kitchen. Well cooked but as others have put,...

Went as a group of 6 to celebrate my mums birthday. The food was as excellent as always, its in a beautiful location and booking the table on line was very easy and quick. A special mention must go to all the staff, both behind...

A party of four and I dont think any of use liked the food. The menu is rubbish !! How any restaurant can serve up such a pathetic choice on every course is beyond me. I had a prawn cocktail starter which was very poorly...

We had a table booked for 12.30 and arrived on time. Our food order was taken at 13.00 and food served at 13.40 ie well over 1 hour after we arrived. This gave them sufficient time to burn the toast which was black on top...

Food lovely, service terrible! McDonald’s hand you your food better than here, young girls need training. Reaching over people, not smiling, no responding to requests for a drinks, turning away when it was clear what was requested.

Fabulous food, sadly let down by very poor service. Slow to bring drink stater and mains Drinks took 20 mins to arrive after ordering Bread cam 20 mins later. Starter and child’s meals 30 mins later Mains came a full 40 mins later. Waitress had...

What a fantastic place to stay we stayed Sunday and Monday night and ate there both evenings and the food was absolutely gorgeous .Our garden room with private patio was beautiful and well appointed we really have nothing negative to say about anything. All staff...

My partner and I dined here while on holiday in Yorkshire, we both had the beef burgers and my partner (who likes to try a burger in every pub we visit for dinner) said this is the best burger he has ever had! And he...

Came for a few drinks with friends after work, lovely environment, great drinks but the lady on the bar with the green ish hair, I think her name was Jenny? was more than unwelcoming and actually really just quite rude. Would have thought she didn’t...

This is a lovely venue for eating out on a warm summers evening. The venue has a wonderful raised veranda where the views are spectacular and where they can accommodate either a pre dinner drink or full dining. No complaints about at table service but...

Evening meal and breakfast included in the room rate. Glad it was. Excellent food. Not too busy when we were there in a Saturday night, booked in at 7.30pm. Lovely premises and very warm and cosy. We ordered starters of prawn & crayfish cocktail and...

Best Sunday Lunch Ever!! Make time to go here on a Sunday…….great beer, dog friendly, lovely setting! By far the best Sunday roast we have had from a pub/restaurant and plenty of gravy! You will not be disappointed.

Greeted very warmly, fantastic attentive service, despite the busy evening. Food was amazing and the environment was beautiful. Good value for the level of service and standard of food. Highly recommended.

Went here last weekend with a group of six and I had the Korean chicken , Yorkshire chicken and the sticky toffee for my three course . The chicken dish was the best chicken dish I have had while out. Everyone’s meal was flawless. I...

Visited last night a party of four, firstly love the new decoration throughout wonderful. The food was absolutely gorgeous, we had the chicken dish so tasty. Every course was outstanding. The staff were great had such good fun with our waiter first class food, first...

Great stay, lovely room with big bath, separate shower, fridge, hanging space, gas fire, patio doors. Food was good, we had dinner bed and breakfast. We went out through the day exploring and generally sat beside the fire playing cards and enjoying refreshments. What made...

Went today for the first time with my family having travelled up from Wales. We were left waiting for over an hour before being served what was a very cold roast dinner with extremely salty gravy. We were so looking forward to this meal but...

I'm not one to normally leave reviews but felt it was necessary after today's experience. Arrived at 12:30 for Sunday lunch, waited until 13:50 before it came out. The waiter, although apologetic, did not know why it was delayed but he just said they said...

The Carpenters inn was recommended by a friend who is also a Toff . We are in debt to said friend . We live in Saltburn and have travelled down on the A19 often to see relatives in the ripon \ knaresborough .Never did we...

A beautiful dining room, and we had a table by the huge window with views of the garden and across the Vale of Hambleton. Attentive staff. Really delicious food- two of us had pork and the other the steak and ale pie. Really first class...

Staff where excellent when my nanna was taken ill at the restaurant couldn't do enough to help and really supportive and understanding. Food was great too.

We have been going to the carpenters arms for years but this sadly was the worst experience for the ‘best pub in North Yorkshire’. We were seated at a table near the radiator and fire and it was boiling-this wasn’t the waiters fault, just our...

Beautiful restaurant and setting. Such a shame about the rest. Food was OK but not exceptional - mains were very small portions except the haddock and chips. Waiting time was appalling - main took almost an hour to arrive and puddings took half an hour....

We booked for a celebration dinner and the dining room and the service were fine. The food I would not class as al a Carte as it was nothing special. The wine was good but prices high. Will not go again as have had better...

Putting aside the very nice restaurant and enclosed log fire, we were less than impressed by our dinner. My wife chose the pumpkin soup priced at £6 to mitigate the cost of the 8 oz Ribeye (at £32) she chose for her main course. The...