The Herbalist in Bassetlaw

Waited ages to get served two drinks. Had to ask for my drink after waiting even more time. Asked about bar snacks, no reply too busy. Very expensive, rubbish service staff did not seem organised. Will not bother going again definitely not recommend.

First of all I've often been to herbalist and to dantes on many occasions and really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food and always commended them on reviews but on this occasion today I felt really let down and upset mainly by the guard on the door which is a shame because it's such a beautiful place where I took my wife on our first ever date and a place where we went often for anniversaries, birthdays ect. Me, my wife, my sister and 2 kids (6months and 3 years) was walking through town and a man gave us a leaflet for take out cocktails and snacks for the party in the square. We had originally planned to go elsewhere but since getting those menus, we decided to go into the herbalist instead as we've had such great experiences before in a place very special to our hearts. When we entered I did not notice a guard there and we went to the helpful staff and I ended up spending just under £70 on snacks and cocktails (2 alcoholic, 2 mocktails). We had our drinks in takeaway cups and I ordered our food and the restaurant staff said they'd give us a call to collect it. Upon leaving a security guard was rushing us telling my wife to move (who had a juice in her hand) and was rushing us with a pram and a 3 year old (maybe he should have helped instead). My wife was told she couldn't drink her juice outside and we tried to leave as quickly as we could to avoid confrontation with him with 2 young children. We then got the call to go back and I have never in my life been spoken as rude as he spoke to me, I went with my wife and not the kids this time. As soon as I approached the door he said 'ARE YOU 2 ACTUALLY STOPPING OR YOU CANT COME IN'. I said the restaurant rang me as I've spent £70 on food and cocktails/mocktails and I've come to collect it. He said well thats OK then really sarcastically. I have never been spoken to like that in my life it was discusting to the point where I never want to go back. He was very confrontational and it really was not required to 2 ladies. I did tell the bar staff when I arrived back that I didnt think i was going to be allowed back in and no one responded to me. But the herbalist staff did actually help us with our food outside but unfortunately one of our orders was wrong but I darent go back inside to rectify it incase I wasn't allowed back in by the guard. We ordered a salt and pepper chicken, jd chicken, salt and pepper chips, 2 x lamb loaded fries and the sweet chilli chicken and we got 2 lots of the salt and pepper chips instead of the chicken. We only noticed when the staff left us and I just couldn't face another 'telling off' and me having to justify myself yet again for going into a restaurant I loved. I know if I went back they would have rectified it but I just couldn't face him again. I wouldn't usually write a review for a place so close to my heart but I genuinely have been in tears regarding it as I know ill never return to a special place of memories. Please do not give out flyers for take out food and cocktails/mocktails if you are going to employ guards who are rude to your customers. There's no need at all. A very upset and ex regular customer :(

We were in the area so we decided to stay over after our long journey very welcoming would recommend

Visited last weekend for my Dad's birthday and it is exceptional!! The service we received when booking was fantastic they could not have been more helpful and each member of staff we dealt with on the night was excellent. So helpful and friendly. And the food!!! Wow best Italian we have been too! All 7 guests loved their meal and I would highly recommend the tiramisu. Can't wait to go back!

Really recommend this excellent accommodation. We felt warmly welcomed and our room was spotless, cosy and really comfortable. The location is utterly central to the town centre with a great array of independent shops. Breakfast isn't served but there is an excellent cafe directly opposite. We visit Retford regularly and will only use The Herbalist going forward. Thankyou Herbalist !!

We were most disappointed with our experience. The Risotto was overcooked and mushy, the Pear and Dolce Latte was tiny, and very expensive. The waitresses had not been trained at all, and piled all the dirty plates on top of each other in front of us, and then still left the bottom dirty plate on the table! Very expensive for tiny portions We were told to sit inside, and not outside in the restaurant, which was a pity

Visited for drinks with friends. The choice on the menu is huge! Cocktails were a huge hit! Wonderful atmosphere and great service at the bar!

The Herbalist is linked to the adjacent "Dante's" Italian restaurant. We called in on a Sunday evening and were seated in the pub, because the restaurant was deserted. The venue itself is very nice and the staff were pleasant but, the food was really not up to the standard we expected or paid for. I had the gnocchi and my wife had the risotto. Both had been cooked to death. The gnocchi sauce tasted of nothing but cream and chilli and the gnocchi themselves were overcooked. It was supposed to include Italian sausage but, there was no sign of this The flavours from the risotto were very nice but, it was dried out. Got the impression both had been sitting around for some time. Couldn't be bothered arguing about it, as we were both very tired after an extremely busy weekend. They don't know how to make a decent Aperol Spritz either.

Spent a dreadful night here on Saturday 21st August. We were in room 10, 2 floors above the outside courtyard. There was loud drum and bass music playing until around 11.30 when I got dressed and went down to ask when the music would be turned off. The waiter I spoke to said he would turn it down, which he did for about 5 mins. The music started up again. My husband called down to the courtyard out of the window and asked for the music to be turned down. Again, they did for 5 minutes. At around 11.45 the staff turned their own music on while they were clearing up. This was also very loud and to make it worse they were singing along. We could hear their conversation along with loud banging noises as they moved furniture around. At 1.05 am another, I presume guest, was outside in the corridor wretching and I expected vomit outside our room in the morning but luckily didn't find any. I don't think running what is effectively a nightclub below guest rooms is a good business model. I also felt the room and bathroom were very small and not particularly well equipped for the price, therefore not good value for money

Lovely premises inside and outside. Cocktails were really nice and reasonably priced too. We didn’t eat but the food that came out looked delicious. We’d certainly come back to eat.

Paul the gaffer top bloke put up with the antics. Excellent bar girls. Nice drinks and good location.

Lovely meal at the Herbalist tonight to celebrate my husbands birthday. Service was very good and the courtyard dining area is really lovely.

Absolutely loved our visit to the herbalist. Will absolutely be making it a regular occurrence. Sam looked after us so well, can’t thank her enough. Very personal and fast service. She made the visit!

The young barmaid who served us, I think her name was Bethany, gave us excellent service for the short duration we were there having some drinks. She presented a smile and engaged in conversation with me and my friends whilst serving us our drinks. You Should be proud to have her as staff -

Came to Retford for a "girls" weekend. We had been recommended The Herbalist and were not disappointed! The drinks were both so aesthetic and tasted amazing. The service was fantastic and the food was great.

Popped in just for drinks and dessert. Lovely setting, welcoming friendly staff. Nice coffee and the desserts were stunning. Beautifully presented and very tasty. Only small gripe was when we got the bill, I took out some extra cash as I always do to leave a tip, I was disappointed to see an automatic service charge already added to my bill. I paid it but this stopped me from leaving a further tip. The sad thing was the tip I had intended to leave was more than the service charge. Personally I would prefer to tip based on my experience than have it forced on me.

Excellent service, great food and lovely and clean. Very well organised with a welcoming reception.Looking forward to the warmer weather and cocktails in the courtyard.

1st time here in Retford , this place looked ok , in the square, nice place seemed busy with people eating food, good selection of drinks including cocktails, down side bar very slow serving when a few at it, probably not enough staff as the cocktails seem to take some time to make, had music as well, gave a 3 as I had to wait quite some time for 2 rounds, so went somewhere else ...

I tried to book a room overnight for my husbands 70th Birthday as I had organised a surprise theatre booking at the Majestic Retford. I was badly let down by one lady and everywhere else fully booked, so it was beginning to look like a late night 60 mile journey home, after a long day. Then whilst walking up the main shopping area we were informed there may be rooms available at The Herbalist bar in the town centre. On entering the staff were extremely helpful and nothing too much trouble. The manager personally came over to speak to us, welcoming us with a handshake and saying no hurry to vacate next morning and hoped we had a pleasant stay. We were then shown to a lovely room with en suite overlooking the outside seating area within the bars courtyard. Toiletries were supplied including toothbrush and paste, lovely smelling fresh white fluffy towels, super soft attractive double bed, tv, kettle and a good supply of tea, coffee etc. The deco was lovely and the all the rooms were given attractive names.

Me and my friend visited to have the afternoon tea yesterday and it was amazing. Perfect catch up and the owner made an effort to meet us and thank us for coming. It looked, as well as tasted beautiful. You have to pre-book this before by calling.

After caring for my Mum for 3 weeks I so needed a night out and we returned to our favourite place The Herbalist, what an exceptional place to eat In Retford Nottinghamshire with Head chef Sophia you ate in for a 5 Star treat The food is so well cooked seasoned and presented with amazing staff who are so engaging. The atmosphere is so romantic with history around Dr Culpepper I totally adore this restaurant I had wild mushroom and Scollop risotto then the most Devine monkfish wrapped in Parma hamThe wine was delicious and then the desert wine and Cantucci and fortified wine ...... OMG amazing Fantastic staff love this place

Over the last couple of years we have been to Dante's / The Herbalist quite a few times, so that must say something about the consistency of the place. This time we chose to eat in the Herbalist rather than Dantes which can be a bit noisy due to the dining room and low ceilings. I like a buzzy atmos, but at times it is difficult to have a conversation around the table. Anyway the menu is the same as Dantes. We all chose 3 courses again (sharing starters and desserts with a main each) all of which were very good and super tasty. My only slight issue, if I had to be picky, was that my risotto should have come with a poached egg, which actually was a boiled egg and was cooked all the way through, meaning that I didn't get a runny yolk coating my risotto. It was tasty none the less. All of our party thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was nice to be able to chat around the dinner table. Although this night, the bar started to play very cheesy euro pop beats rather than some nice loungecore house sounds - the music all became a bit venga boys - boooo. But we shall be back again soon I am sure.

Not the cheapest but a classy restaurant with great service by welcoming staff. Good food and nice ambience.

My wife had a pizza and i had a tiramasu. Both were brilliant Good staff and helpful. Will defiantly go back.

Went there today, for lunch with my family.Lovely decor, polite helpful staff. Watch out for the step inside, I nearly took a trip!We ordered from the lunch menu, although you can also order from the main menu.Food was enjoyable, all freshly made. Will definitely come back.

We visited the bar for a few evening drinks, we were served by a young man called Ryan. He made us feel very welcome and went that extra mile to make our visit the best it could have been! We will be visiting again in the near further!

We were planning to have lunch somewhere else last Monday but it was closed. My wife suggested The Herbalist, which i had never heard of! We each had a different dish - spaghetti with meatballs and tagliatelle with king prawns - and both were delightful. Will definitely return

We visit the herbalist regularly for drinks but this time we had a meal in the bar, you can pick from Dante’s restaurant also, I had the pork fillet wrapped in pancetta and all I can say is it’s a good job the plate didn’t have a pattern on it as it wouldn’t have done by the time I had finished, it was absolutely Devine, my wife had a bread crumbed chicken breast with pasta which lacked a little sauce and possibly fresh veg but was almost as good as mine and both well worth the money.

We went here for lunch, we ordered a steak sandwich and a steak salad, both where £10 each, the sandwich was lovely but small and the salad was poor, not a lot of steak for the price, my husband was still hungry when we left, I feel the food here is overpriced.

Myself and a friend visited the Herbalist for a drink and 'maybe a bite to eat' on a Tuesday evening. It was very quiet, but that was to be expected and what we wanted, to be honest. After looking at the menu, we both chose a main course. Mt friend had the haddock risotto, which he thought was fantastic. I had chicken breast with king prawns, on a bed of spinach with a red wine and mushroom sauce, and a side of zucchini fries. It was delicious and beautifully cooked.

I have now been here a few times and I must say, Sitting outside in the courtyard area for me is wonderful. Lovely cobbled path with lights, chilled music and just a lovely calm ambience.

My wife and I ate here today. We had two courses. I had an onion soup for a starter which was beautifully prepared and presented but over salted in my view. My wife had a plate of breads with olive dressing - this had far too little oil. the breads were outstanding. My wife had a prawn pasta dish, for a main which had perfectly cooked pasta and a superb sauce. I had " wild boar" pasta which was a pork mince dish so the meat element was disappointing the sauce had far to much pepper to be able to taste any meat. The service was a good quality although the waiters do not understand menu elements pronounced in the Italian way. We enjoyed our meal but I have to wonder what it would be like in the evening given the gin garden and cocktails being served. I would go back. But probably not for an evening meal.

It seems to be a theme of this establishment and Dante’s to be nearly good but missing the mark. Service can be very hit and miss as can the food. When they get it right they really get it right but it is not consistent and it seems that you either get ok service or ok food, not both.

What an outstanding Bar this is.

As soon as you enter The Herbalist you are taken back to a different era. It is clean, well presented and the staff are lovely. We were a group of 10 and pretty much everyone's food came out at the same time, a minute or two delay for the pie but it was worth the wait. It all looked and tasted delicious. The staff were attentive but not over the top. I definitely intend to make a return visit, perhaps with family next time.

Went in during Charter Day and was very surprised. Great food and atmosphere. Will definitely pay a visit again

A very clean well organised eatery. The staff are very courteous and well organised. It is a small quiet place that serves good food with quality over quantity. The prices are very reasonable it comes across as a little up market. We were there in the evening and thoroughly enjoyed all aspects we will be back

Won't be returning - drink 3 x the normal price. Staff chatting a lot instead of serving the customers who were growing in numbers around the bar,

We looked around Retford for where would be a good place to have a hen party, we finally settled on The Herbalist and we were not disappointed . The staff were very lovely and attentive the food was lovley. They gave us the back area to ourselves which was spot on if you want a private party , i left them with instructions of how we wanted the table to be set and decorated and they didnt disapoint us it was lovely so well done to you all . Ps hope we didnt leave to much mess xx

Had a very lovely lunch here when my husband treated me for Valentine's day. We'd neither of us visited before, but always eager to try new places we thought we'd give it a go. It's pretty small restauranty area which, along with the rest of the pub has been given a thorough woody makeover. The service was friendly and prompt. We were delighted by the choice of unusual gins and very much enjoyed the fact that they were paired with specific tonic waters to bring out their best. We each had two courses, a starter and main, all of which were well presented and delicious. My main of halloumi kebab came with the kebabs hanging from a hook above a plate full of salad and pitta breads! We'd never seen anything quite like it before - I did wonder if I was supposed to eat it with my hands tied behind my back apple-bobbing style which would have been jolly, but not very ladylike I guess. Anyway, we very much enjoyed the lunch and would happily return.

Rude! Un inviting! Not aloud entry with smart trainers on but told otherwise on Facebook site, but my comments where removed on there because I guess negative feedback and criticism is not welcome. Only wanted a drink at 7pm on a Saturday night for my birthday with my partner to be refused entry. I wore the same pair of trainers in York 2 weeks prior and not one word was said by any door staff! No wonder everywhere in retford dies after 6 months. REALLY overpriced average cheap food, KFC just over the road that is also terrible but at least you can get through the door. I think I saw 3 people through the window lesser dressed than myself! STRONGLY ADVISE YOU STAY AWAY! JUST RUDE STAFF AND OVERPRICED FOOD!

Good drinks choice but won’t be back for food. Ordered a sandwich and fries for lunch. Very little filling, removed half the ciabatta. No dressing on the salad. Advised the waitress and no apology, offer of a drink or reduction on bill. The ladies are also ridiculous! You have to straddle the toilet to close the door they are so small but this is also difficult due to the sanitary bin.

My aunty and I decided to have lunch out in Retford. I showed her the herbalist, saying it was a nice place for a drink and very nicely done out. Whilst there we asked if they did food and the young lady behind the bar couldn't have been more helpful. It was a Tuesday lunch so was very quiet but suited us perfectly. We both ordered the halloumi kebab which came hanging from two skewers, served with salad, chips and some pitta bread. What a plate full! But was so nice that we couldn't leave any! The quality was brilliant, service great so would definitely recommend.

Popped back to Retford to see some friends and pick up a pizza from Valentino’s while we were waiting we went to the Herbalist for a drink.

Attended with my fiancée at the start of January for lunch, i must say one of the nicest bars I have been to in the area. Staff were very friendly and knowledgable. Good and proper beer selection, whiskey and gins.

We discovered this place not very long ago but fell in love with it immediately. It is a great and cosy place with superb quality dishes and they also serve amazing afternoon tea.

Fantastic food and Claudia was a great help organising my event. Friendly staff and lovely atmosphere

A lovey bar with a good atmosphere. We had drinks in here before and after going for a meal at Dante’s which is across the courtyard. Nice selection of Gins available with fever tree tonics. Good atmosphere, good gins and good customer service from bar staff.

Can't say how fab it was to spend the afternoon here. Our Gin afternoon tea for two was amazing!The Gin was perfectly presented in a gold fish bowl size glass with the correct accompaniments and using a variety of different flavoured fever tree tonic appropriate to the Gin. A fab selection of sandwiches, patisserie and warm scones with clotted cream and jam were beautifully presented with a pot of loose leaf tea of your choice. The service was exceptional and nothing was too much for our waiter, Scott. Can't wait to return and work our way through the large collection of Gin there is available. Highly recommend this gem of a place in Retford.

I had a unpleasant experience here due to hearing the staff being rude to customers unnecessarily right next to me at the bar. I wrote a review last week which was removed maybe there was too much detail so I'm keeping this one short. Lovely surroundings but it's a shame the staff are not more professional.

What a lovely little gem of a bar in Retford, I’d ignore any of the bad reviews they’re obviously made by the odd disgruntled customer let’s be honest the majority of folk are quick to put a review up if they’ve had a poor time, but for the many thousands that have been through the door and had a great time often don’t review it they just keep coming back.

My Mum and I had lunch here this afternoon. We were greeted by a really friendly young man at the bar. The young lady that waited on us was very friendly and so helpful when we decided to be greedy and order the cheese board with additional Cheese. What arrived was amazing!! There was so much we had to take some home!!

If you wish to visit this establishment be prepared to be met by a rude member of staff.i wish now i had his name tho he claimed to be the manager well u need customer skills as ive never had anyone speak to me and my friend the way you did last night.because u was asked a simple questiin it was met with replies of arrogance and rudeness.you are definetely in the wrong trade and you need to learn some manners

don't visit this place if you are not prepared to be judged for your appearance. me and friends visit this bar regularly and on this occasion we were turned away as somebody in the group was wearing trainers and a polo shirt. as we were being turned away other people walked into the bar wearing trainers and a polo shirt.... and noticed a few other people wearing the same attire. nothing worse than double

Upon arrival we were greeted by a member of staff who assisted in finding a suitable place to sit in the adjacent courtyard area which provides an al-fresco dining experience.

Heard mixed things about here and thought i would nip in after doing some shopping, staff seemed friendly, we both had fish and chips as didn't want too much as me and my partner went in quiet early around 11:30am...

Ok place and the courtyard area is great but that for me is where the positives end. Feel it is a poor imitation of the Botanist and the menu is basically a lift and shift!! Staff seemed to lack attention and interest in customers. Ok for drinks

We came in here for lunch having never been before during a recent stay in Retford. I enjoyed our visit, our waitress was very attentive and our order arrived promptly. The food was nice, but maybe a little pricey for a lunchtime menu. We tried the sandwiches and they were quite good.

Went for a meal after work with friends and ordered the mixed grill hanging kebab. Presentation was ok but the meat was barely cooked, including the chicken and pork, which had a completely raw smell. It was not browned on the outside at all, and there was no seasoning either, so totally tasteless. I should have returned it I know, but I did point out the raw nature of the meat which was left on my plate to the waitress. She said she would tell the chef, but there was no response. Not good. Also, picking up on a point made by another reviewer, we were laughing at how shamelessly the friendly young staff (the only positive) were filling every glass to overflowong with ice. Management instructions methinks.

On entry to the pub/restaurant which is tastefully decorated and has a nice lay out we had a number of members of staff 'jump' on us to get us to our table. It was a case of straight to your table rather than 'would you like to have a drink at the bar first?'.

First visit to this restaurant. Ordered drinks then food. After a while the waiter came to our table to apologise for our wait. He explained that the chef was new & was working on his own in the kitchen. We were asked if we would like complimentary soft drinks, but we decided on a plate of olives instead. OK, we did wait quite a while, but the waiting staff did keep coming over to us to see if we were ok & were so apologetic. When the food finally arrived, it was excellent...a Herbalist pie and a steak & stilton salad. When the bill came, the 2 pints of Peroni we had while waiting for our meal were also complimentary.

Drinks expensive, staff too inexperienced, service extremely naive in the way it considers that throwing money at the decor and lots of pretty bottles will impress. Food reasonably priced but let down by delivery and lack of cohesion between kitchen and table. You should not expect customers to pay top-dollar for inexperienced and uninformed staff.

Lovely to sit outside for drinks on a warm evening. Lovely surroundings. Excellent for Retford. Staff very attentive. Highly recommend.

Booked a family meal, youngest 1 year up to 92 years.

Been here three times now, nice place but drinks quite expensive. Unfortunately this will be our last visit as whilst finishing our second round of drinks shortly before closing time we were approached by 2 doormen/bouncers and told to quieten down. We were most surprised as we were just chatting and laughing, at first we thought they were joking with us.

My first visit after a recommendation, and what a treat it was!

A quick stop at The Herbalists before moving on for dinner. Must say what an unexpected surprise it was. Staff were attentive and helpful, ambiance was very relaxing. Will definitely call again and possibly try one of there delicious looking meals.

Was interested to see how the White Hart had changed and was more than pleasantly surprised. We only had a cheese 'sharing platter' but it was excellent and the service was very good - staff pleasant and happy to help. Recommend a visit, maybe a bit pricey for some but worth it!

Well what can I say, went to buy drinks and my friend waited at the table and staff tried to kick them from our table. You have staff talking about you while you're right next to them. Sorry, but I will not be coming again and would not recommend it at all. For what it masquerades, it is completely unprofessional.

Lovely lunch, we opted for the warm steak salad with Stilton and a salmon with veg and a portion of sweet potato fries and some homemade chips. There is a great cocktails and gin list. The service and staff are excellent and very polite.

Really nice decor, feels welcoming inside. We sat in the garden and had our dog with us. We were made to feel so welcome. Staff really could not do anymore than they were doing. The food was excellent. I had the burger & my partner had steak. We ordered the dog sausages with gravy. Of course we took our own bowl for the dog. A couple of criticisms to put to management and that is for the price we would expect the fries to be included with the steak not as an additional side order & cost. The glasses were full of ice which in necessarily dilutes the drink. Overall enjoyed it & would recommend especially the cocktails.

Not done one if these reviews for a while.

We had been looking forward to visiting our new local and reserved a table for our wedding anniversary lunch. Unfortunately after waiting an hour we had to enquire where our food was... It came 5 mins later and was v.dissappointing. The pie was nothing better than a Gregg's pastor and the chicken burger bun was solid like it had been defrosted and gone hard and crispy. Was not happy with the price for the quality neither. Such a shame

Excellent. Friendly staff, attractive seating areas, interesting menu. No time for food but the two cocktails we ordered were authentic, not full of cheap ingredients like some bars serve. Slightly higher price reflected the quality, we look forward to returning and recommend.