The Mary Arden Inn in Stratford-on-Avon

Smallish hot chocolate and half a pint of IPA, £8.35 Won't be going back in a hurry which is a shame because it's a good location.

New enthusiastic manager and it shows. Smartened the place up, beer back on, a warm welcome, great atmosphere. A couple of fantastic events so far, attended in droves, and welll received by the village. More in the pipeline. Well done Ken.

I went on holiday with my mum and dad i was so happy they stayed here as i was very well looked after and everybody i met gave me a stroke or a pat, "yes i am a 14 year old spaniel called Meg" Gavin and Ken were very helpful and very nice to me my room was lovely and where we were there were plenty of nice walks for me . Thank you both so much and hope to see you soon WOOF WOOF

Disgraceful 'pub', do not bother! Four real ale pumps yet no real ale, rude uninterested staff, no food and apparently closes at 8pm. Has a Greene King sign outside yet doesn't appear on the Greene King website? One of the worst we have ever come across and would not recommend at all.

Just fancied a drink but the sandwiches and baguettes looked a good price so we had a ham, cheese and tomato baguette. It was sooooooo fresh and very tasty along with a delightful side salad and pop of dressing. Excellent visit!

Fabulous quaint English pub, with real local pub feel. We recently moved into the village and thought we’d try out our local pub. From the minute we walked in we were made to feel so welcome, by the staff and locals alike. We’ve returned several times since and if you are looking for a wonderful English village pub which sits at the heart of the community this is most definitely worth a visit!

I think that last year this would have been busy at half term but with Covid closures to local tourist places this was empty. Having walked along the canal from Stratford we needed a drink and this place was the first we came across.

10 minutes walk from canal. Dog friendly restaurant. Extensive menu... very reasonable. Efficient and friendly service. Food was well cooked and well presented. Good family restaurant. Would go again.

Restaurant is in bar area. Loud and somewhat interesting language. Dogs will join you at the table. Shame as food was nice.

Ate here while staying in the hotel and was very impressed with the food. Had potato skins for a starter. Well that was what I ordered, what I got was a full blown baked potato cut in half and smothered in cheese and bacon. Really filling and very nice it was too. Home made chicken curry for main. Wow - what a plateful and not only was there plenty of it. it was really tasty too. All sorts of veg added into the curry and plenty of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, naan bread and 2 different dips. I couldn't eat it all because there was so much but it was really good. Pub serves a good choice of real ales and beers, lady behind the bar was very friendly and there were several locals in for a pint - always a good sign I think. Great food, great beer and at a great price. I will definitely be back to try other meals to see if they are as good as the curry.

Stopped in for drinks and crisps, sat outside at the front. Pleasant enough place, not overly friendly but okay for lunchtime refreshment,

The huge room with a gorgeous view of the village green. The cute rural railway station with a burgundy and cream GWR footbridge; the three mile walk along the canal to Stratford; the chatty, helpful, welcoming people working there or the comprehensive breakfast with the icing on the cake being heart shape portions of Marmite. Friend and I were there yesterday. I'm not going to tell you because it's a hidden treasure. Ok, the window is a bit wobbly, the floor a bit sloping and the wardrobe precarious; those sort of things are not a bother to me. It was perfect! Will definitely book again.

The food here was ok. It is not Cordon Blue but they are not charging over the odds for it. I am sure there are better places to go in the area but with the Masons Arms looking very closed, not in Wilmcote

Had been visiting Mary Arden’s Farm, and popped in for a drink. An ugly, tired interior. Four English ales on tap, two were unavailable. Had the well-known Tribute Ale from Cornwall. Very badly kept. Went into rear garden. Picnic tables, okay. Most beaten up, with twisted wood, and didn’t look as if they’d had a clean in a long time. Was really taken aback. I live nearby in Stratford, and most places work hard to provide a good standard. This place doesn’t. Approx 100 mtrs from a major Shakespeare attraction. Complacent????

Grossly overpriced. Even though their menu is less than one side of A4 we were told to put away our own food despite members of our group having complex dietary requirements. Have to have done gold DofE to find the toilet, and have a plumbing qualification to get it to flush. Tried to use staff discount, but were told that it's not a Greene King pub. Clearly I am illiterate (see photos). Would not recommend. Will not be returning. Cute dog though, however cannot guarantee it will be there again because if it's owners had the same experience we did, they will not be setting foot in the building any time soon.

We went here a few times for drinks but didn't have food because of bad reviews. The bar area is okay but could be a lot better with very little work. I didn't find the staff very friendly but they were competent. In a village that is so much on the tourist trail for Stratford I would have thought it would have been much better

Had to book for 13 people and Tracy was very helpful, even when we were 1.5 hrs late. Nice to do business with her!

Only remaining Pub in Wilmcote. We had friendly service and banter with the regular customers.

Stopped here for some soup, chips and dessert. The soup was good, chips were excellent, but the treacle sponge with custard was other-worldly...omg. Good beer too.

Really great food, large portions, quality to rival pubs in areas with lots more competition. Got food envy at my brother’s tuna and cheese melt but my burger was also great. We ate there on the way down the canal as well. All the stuff were extremely friendly - even when I incorrectly thought I had been over charged. So embarrassed - thank you for the young blonde woman being so nice about my mistake!!!

Called in for lunch. No jacket potatoes of any sort were available. The bacon and brie panini was good, but cheese and onion was disappointing.

Reservamos una habitación doble que era muy agradable para la noche.

We had Salmon Fishcakes to start , followed by Hunters Chicken & the Special Chicken in a white wine sauce with mushrooms with some nice Italian vino ...delicious , but struggled to eat it all due to the large portions

Very clean and tidy rooms breakfast outstanding excellent staff ,good value for money excellent location

Super pub grub, no pretentiousness, simple tasty food and generous portions.Would Deffo eat there again. Cheers!

Atmosphere on entry was not at all inviting. In obvious need of upgrade. Staff seemed either untrained or uninterested. Four or five items on already limited menu were not available. Slow service given the limited range of food available. One meal was fine the other was significantly overcooked (chicken). Priced at gastro-pub level, but basic bar food prices would have been appropriate. Did not seem possible to complain on night given lack of apparent management around the premises

We went to this pub on the first night staying in the village - do not want to beat around the bush ..... It was so bad, I cannot even comment on the food served!

Reliable eatery where you will get just what you need with good service. Good prices in the heart of Shakespeare's country. Be prepared for an early close. Staff were helpful.

Llegué en narrowboat anoche y fui en busca de comida. ¡Me informaron que como solo un chef debería ser un residente para comer!

Förväntningarna var stora när promenerade upp från kanalen. Vi blev grymt besvikna då maten och bemötandet lämnade mycket mer att önska. Personalen blev nästa besvärade över att vi ville ha lunch. När maten kom var den fantasilös och smaklös. Finns ett alternativ i byn som vi kan rekommendera.

Great value and the food was outstanding. Chips were made to perfection. Friendly, helpful service and a beautiful pub!

Good food nice cold beer. Platter had alot of food! Stopped off before going to visit William Shakespeare

Comimos aquí para una cena. Comida tradicional inglesa en oferta. Pescado y patatas fritas, gammon, bistecs, hamburguesas. Sin lubina desafortunadamente. Ordenó cazadores de pollo y hamburguesas y patatas fritas. Porciones muy grandes. Bien cocinado y presentado. Sabores claros. Sabías lo que estabas comiendo. El área del bar ofrece una buena opción en cervezas.

Sat outside for a sandwich lunch & drink before visiting the Mary Arden property which is just over the road. Food was ok but nothing special - this place has real potential given its location but needs some serious investment.

Beautiful setting, just past Mary Arden's house, impressive building, but don't be fooled by sign asserting this pub is "A Brasserie" ... Tiny lunchtime choice hot food offerings & even then beef burger was unavailable. Anaemic buns, awful chips & dead salad Simply dreadful

Our expectations were for staying in a rustic but quaint pub near an historic house.

We stayed for 1 night. On arrival we waited 10 mins before anyone welcomed us and even then it wasn't a welcome it was more like we were a bother. We asked if they were serving evening meals and we were told probably for guests. We decided to find an alternative location. We finally got shown our room. It was basic but ok. Until we wanted to use the shower. It didn't work at all. The toilet made a hurrendous humming noise when being flushed...although they all must have as we heard the other toilets too. The fan was also way too loud!

Situated in the village close to Mary Ardens Farm, has a Beer garden, we didn't eat here it was in the afternoon and food was not being served, seems like a nice place !!

We had a large group meal and despite preordering the food and the service was very poor. The starters were basically meals on their own. None of our food came out at the same time. When we got food it wasn’t the best, I had...

After visiting the nearby tourist attraction we called in here for lunch on a Sunday. There was a choice of three ales, but two of these had run out. We all ordered sandwiches, chips and burgers from the very limited lunch menu. The average price...

Although in the middle of a tourist hotspot this pub has not woken up to the potential. This is really a pub just for the village in need of a good makeover and new furnishings.

Excellent choice, well cooked, large quantities. I have already given an excellent review for this Inn.

Very quiet pub in very small village, quite olde worlde i guess but comfortable & relaxing. Allowed our 2 dogs in without issue. Very pleasant indeed.

I was on holiday for a week in Stratford upon Avon, and went on the open top tour bus (great fun) and stopped off at Mary Arden's farm. The Mary Arden Inn was close by so we thought we'd go for some lunch. No such luck! We were told there was a wait for food as "we have a party of 7 in" They were the ONLY other customers. How can they not cope with an additional two people for lunch? I'd hate to think how they would get on if everyone on the bus had fancied food. We didn't bother waiting.

We visited this pub and was extremely disappointed the menu was limited but we decided it would be fine we paid £10.95 for burger and chips !! It was very poor waiting time was long , not worth the wait at all . Also the tables were all very sticky and felt it looked quite run down . There was a table of six next to us who had said they waited over an hour for there food and was of poor quality , customer service was not good all in all would never return here .

Popped in for lunch while sight seeing in the area , it's dog friendly and staff were nice and attentive. We had blt and Han salad sandwiches with a bowl of chips all very nice washed with San Miguel and pineapple and lemonade for the wife , might do a stay over next time we are that way

Es un pueblo agradable en un bonito y tranquilo pueblo, donde los habitantes se reúnen y beber. Pero hay un gran número de mesas para comer. Tuvimos una cena allí. El menú es bastante comida típica de pub, pero con algo de variedad y selección de pescado y vegetarianos. inlcluding Todo estaba muy bien preparado, y el personal era amable y servicial. Más agradable y a sólo cuatro millas de Stratford

Inusual pub que parece ser todo restaurante con muy pocos lugares para sentarse si no comer. María estaba en el proyecto así Ale me preguntó si era local. "no sé", dijo la camarera con absolutamente ningún interés en encontrar o discutir más adelante. Experiencia de alma, tratado con desdén.

Sadly this hostelry gets so much tourist trade that they are not at all interested in being helpful to tourists who arrive at 8.45pm when they clearly advertise that they serve meals till 9pm. We were a party of 8, tired , hungry and no other options. Even the offer of some improvised cold food would have been welcome. They did not care. Very disappointed. Avoid if you can.

Spent a Sunday night here. Got in late afternoon, checked in, and went to Stratford to have dinner as the Inn's kitchen was closed. When we returned we got to enjoy a pub full of musicians playing English folk songs. It was a great evening. The room was adequate and clean, and the breakfast was very good. Overall a good experience especially considering the price.

Lovely hotel. Nice staff. Needs a bit of t.l.c.apart from that it was a nice stay..comfy bed..nice bar n lounge..

Been a while since we last visted when it was not too good. Looks like new owners as food is now fantastic - and plentiful. Great selection across the menu and specials board and it tastes so good. I have never seen so much steak in a steak pie and the deserts were just as large and great flavoured.Do not eat for at least a day before you dine here - you will want to empty your plate.

Either the landlord has wrought a transformation or some previous reviewers are embittered and sad. We stayed only the one night visiting Kenilworth on the way to the barclaycard Arena. The room was quirky but well appointed-even to an ironing board and iron.The bathroom was immaculate and the bed very good. We had a meal in the pub area-the pub is obviously a working man's sort of pub,but none the worse for that.The staff were very friendly.I had a brilliant piece of very fresh codand my wife had scampi,which she said was OK but Sainsbury frozen level. Yjree dogs roaming around,which would perhaps have bothered those "slumming" it,but was of no concern to us genuine country people!"The price was very reasonable for the area,and the Inn,evn on a Friday night,was more peaceful than anywhere nearer Stratford would have been.

would never stay here again , the shower in our room was filthy with both dirt and black mould , the tap was broken, the noise was awful. the food was also disgusting never stayed in worse.

Me and my boyfriend walked along the canal and came to this pub on a bank holiday in August after a nice lunch in the hot weather. We were met by miserable staff who looked like they just could not be bothered and a sign outside saying no food today. We were so thirsty we ordered a drink and sat outside but the staff were quite rude and no smile or customer service. After sharing this visit with friends and family I have since heard many similar stories, best part of the pub is the location. Definitely will not return and will take our custom else where to somewhere that appreciates it.

Lovely wholesome home-cooked roast dinner, plenty of vegetables. Beef and lamb recommended. Great family-run restaurant.

Arrived while on a canal trip. Friendly on arrival at 6.45pm, offering tasters of beer before ordering drinks. Food order taken promptly, and we seated ourselves (4 adults) in the dining area at 7 pm when the food was ordered from the bar. Two of us ordered surf and turf. The waiter arrived at the table after half an hour to announce that there was no scampi, with no real apology. I asked why he had waited so long to let us know, and he gave a vague non-committal reply. Not satisfactory at all. The food when it arrived was ok, but only ok. Last time we were in the area we went to the other pub, the Mason's Arms. I wish we had gone there instead.

Stayed for just one night. Informed only one room available. Cymbaline room allocated, it smelt awful, the lady who showed us the room quickly opened the window. The weather was warm and so we slept with all windows open to air the room. We were later advised ( around 10pm ) by the same lady that only two rooms were occupied! Beggars belief.....Why not give us a normal smelling room? I then observed 6 people being told they would not be served food, it was 8pm, the signs clearly advertised food till 9pm. We however put a food order in AFTER the 6 people were refused!!!!! I don't know what the heck is going on however I do know the attitude and service of the managers and one bar staff wasn't good. Food was excellent though.

Arrived at pub at 8.10pm board said delicious food served between 5-9.Arrived at bar to be told due to a back log we could not get any food. Gutted as we were on a narrow boat with no food or access to a shop etc. Very poor service. No alternative assistance given.This is why village pubs are going under.

We called for lunch on Monday 25th July and although it was almost empty it took almost an hour to make 3 Panines and a jacket potato. I think it had been microwaved as my salad was warm and very limp. I don't know where they buy their natchos but they were like cardboard. The pub itself is very tired and scruffy and not very welcoming. The bar lady was ok but as she was taking our order she disappeared for about 5 minutes. It says outside its a Greene King pub but I can't believe Green King would let it get in this state. With its situation this pub could be so much more popular with some Tlc

Dog friendly and barman was friendly so first impressions very good. Offered a free taster of the beers without being asked which is always a good sign. All beers tasted and all good.Ordered food and looked around. Decor in need of some real TLC. Could be an excellent venue with a few quid spent. Main courses good and plentiful but failed in the detail. Small steak in the surf and turf not cooked as requested - peas obviously microwaved. Apple pie not cooked properly and had to be returned. TBH think they tried microwaving pastry... never works. Some good points - some poor. So not surprised at the mixed reviews. Think this pub has great potential but its being wasted. Take a look at "The Encore" in Stratford on Avon for inspiration

One night stay , room was large , upgraded to the Romeo and Juliet suite , bed was very high I struggled to get on bed , four poster bed mattress was way too soft and we both sunk into the middle , but slept very well . Breakfast consisted of cereal , fruit , yoghurt , toast... Help yourself to tea, coffee , juice . Full English breakfast , sausage, bacon , mushrooms, fried egg , fried bread , beans and tomato...for the price £60 inc breakfast not bad ... Would stay again

We arrived at the Mary Arden wishing to give it the benefit of the doubt after reading the below reviews. We had also been recommended it by a couple of passers by who I can only assume have never ever been to the place!The beer was ok and the log fire was nice and warm, but this is where the praise must end!Our food was nothing short of dreadful, easily the worst we have ever had. The steak was so overcooked cooked it makes me wonder why they bother asking how you would like it (it was cooked a about 10 minutes long to be medium rare as I had asked). Also at £17.95, this is an absolute joke!The Surf & Turf was accompanied by a sausage that had clearly been frozen and then deep fried. The steak pies were both watery and full of fatty inedible meat. Its safe to say that each of the dishes would have scored a generous 2/10.Service was not much better, not once did anyone come and ask how our food was, as I'm sure they'd know the answer!! No one came to clear our plates for 20 minutes after we had finished enduring the food. We had to get up and move to another area, it was a further 10-15 minutes before the now vacated table was finally cleared.For a drink this place is ok but I would swerve the food at all costs.

Having failed to find a parking spot in Henley-in-Arden which boasts many lovely bars and restaurants; my friend and I arrived outside the Mary Arden Inn. Although the pub appeared a little tired on the outside and now time poor, we decided to give it a go. We entered into the main bar area and the man we think might have been the Landlord was putting logs on the fire. He did not greet us but left the fire making and came to the other side of the bar. My friend all smiles and politeness said, we'd like lunch. Still no response from this man!! We were handed menus and ordered a drink. The pub was not busy at this point, we were the first customers. I ordered (as the menu clearly stated) beer battered cod and chips with mushy peas and homemade tartare sauce. Lovely (I thought). My friend ordered locally sourced trio of sausages with mash peas and gravy.Approx 15 minutes later out came our meals. Again, the man (we'll still call the Landlord) was totally 'dead pan' no expression or conversation that you would expect. I would say he had the personality and customer service skills of a 4 x 2 piece of wood!Mine came with no tartare sauce, and when I asked, this guy returned with two plastic sachets of sauce (certainly not home made then!). The fish was a huge piece of cod which had been put skin side up on the plate - so didn't look wonderful. The peas were boiled and not mushy and the salad, which I wasn't expecting, had some sort of dressing on it which tasted like it had been soaked in air freshener! The cod tasted vile - the batter was soggy and had not adhered to the fish and the texture of the fish was like chewing damp cardboard. My friend said her trio of sausages was ok but not the best and to be honest she was starving so ate the lot. The sausages were probably locally sourced but I expect from the supermarket and the lower end brand at that. I ate a few chips and left the fish - at £12.95 that was an expensive plate of chips. The guy came and cleared the plates and asked if everything was OK. I said that I hadn't enjoyed the meal as the fish was inedible and badly cooked. He looked shocked and said he'd have a word - who with I don't know as there certainly wasn't a chef on the premises that day. There was no apology offered or any attempt to make my experience better. My friend then went to the bar and ordered another drink. I didn't realise that she had paid and the guy had taken the full amount for the meal. She came back and told me and I was appalled. I immediately wanted to go up to this guy and request a refund and give him a piece of my mind. However, we left the premises and said nothing. Our reason for visiting the area was in order to collect a new car for my friend. I didn't wish to cause a scene on this occasion as she had recently suffered a spate of ill health and I didn't wish to upset her. Overall my experience of this establishment was one of disgust. Abysmal food and shocking service. In an area where tourism is high, this establishment needs to really up its game. Named and shamed The Mary Arden Inn.

On Sunday 13 December 15, My husband and I and my father-in-law came here for Sunday Lunch. We arrived to a warm welcome and was seated at a nice large table in the window. We perused the Sunday Lunch Set Menu and my father-in-law said he did not want a big dinner as he is 94, opted for a sandwich off the ordinary menu.The gentleman who gave us such a warm welcome came to take our drinks and food order. The food when it arrived was piping hot and well presented and there was plenty of meat and potatoes.My husband had the roast pork dinner served with roast potatoes, stuffing, apple sauce and a selection of vegetables ( green beans, carrots & sprouts). My father-in-law had a cheese and tomato sandwich served with a salad garnish and Doritos. I had the roast beef dinner served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, horseradish sauce and a selection of vegetables. Both meals were served with a large jug of gravy.We washed all this lovely food down with a pint of IPA bitter for my husband, an orange juice for my father-in-law, and a large glass of Chianti red wine for me.My husband and I had desserts, we had apple crumble served with fresh cream and lemon meringue pie served with fresh cream.We concluded the meal with tea for my husband and father-in-law and a Cointreau liquored coffee for myself.The bill for the meal was very reasonable. We will definitely be returning to this very nice inn.

Stopped by for lunch with a business colleague - the pub was his choice, not mine! The building itself is nice, with some quaint old buildings around it. The beer also seemed pretty good. We both opted for the chilli con carne, which was really not very good. I remember reviewing the chilli at a pub in Staffordshire last year and commenting that (although I am not a good cook!) I could have done better myself. The same goes for this one. Not very substantial, not cooked for long enough, needs a greater variety of beans and better meat.

We visited here whilst on a mini break to Stratford, we were staying in the area. We went for dinner and it was delicious, lovely Cajun chicken, big portions. Left happy, even if £13 is a bit steep for pub grub. We visited again, and it couldn't have been more different. The food was abysmal, fatty, congealed and made me feel really ill. I complained and explained I wasn't paying for my food. My husbands wasn't much better but he had eaten some of his so we paid. We will not return, such a shame as it could be a lovely pub.

We were on the canal moored up here .went here for a meal. Very poor . Better eating houses in the area . Ever had chilli in lasage or fried scampi in batter with steak and call it surf and turf . My curry was supossedbto be med not any where near . Told chef leaving at half past eight so would need to order .if he was a chef I am gingus khan save you money and go somwhere else

After having a very busy morning shopping etc. we decided to try The Mary Arden Inn for our Sunday lunch. We had heard it was under new management.... yet again, and we just wanted to see what it would be like. There was a very nice feel to it when we walked in. Everywhere was clean and there was some comfy sofas as well as pretty runners on the dining tables.The ambience was completely different from the last time we ate here, and the staff were really friendly. We ordered our Sunday lunch of roast lamb, and when it came it looked and smelt wonderful. There was lots of roast potatoes, plenty of meat, several different vegetables, and a yorkshire pudding. There was also a lovely mint gravy.Everything was beautifully cooked. It was a lovely meal, and well worth the price of (I think was) £9.95.The Mary Arden Inn has had so much negative feed back, because of previous history, and we could see that the new owners are really trying to make it work. I really hope they are given the chance, and supported by both the locals and passing trade, as they already seem to have the vision to make it a successful place once again.

Visited on an ad hoc basis and arrived mid afternoon when the chef was off duty. Although the landlord was working the pub on his own he went out of his way to prepare an excellent platter of food for our party of 6.Greatly appreciated and tasted delicious. A good pint on tap as well.

Seriously overpriced for what you get. My steak and ale pie with mashed potatoes and peas at £13 was tough and had a lot of gristle in the meat - I eventually gave up on it half way through. The roast beef lunch at £13 was small, with just one small slice of beef (surely a microwave job)! When the food was brought, we then had to wait 5 minutes for cutlery! Then salt and pepper.....It's clear it's not run particularly well and the staff just don't know how to be with customers. It's not that they didn't care, just that they didn't know how to be with customers.Two large Pepsis at £3.50 each just rubbed salt into the wound. Finally, it wasn't particularly pleasant to come across two staff members and the chef smoking cigarettes at the back door right next to where we were getting into our car - it felt like we were interrupting them! In summary, given the quality of the food it's hard not to feel ripped off at the poorly run pub that must rely on the tourist trade for customer -It can't be repeat custom.

Words can't express just how bad our meal was here . When you walk in the bar has a lovely cosy feel to it , such a shame the food lets it down .My partner ordered soup to start , which was clearly Heinz tomato soup ( fine if you weren't paying £5) which came with several pieces of white sliced kingsmill bread ! For mains we ordered steak and ale pie , all the edges of the slice of pie were rock hard from being in the microwave too long , and came with mc Donald's style french fries We paid £25 for this meal , we would have had better food from the nearest motorway services .

Visited here today for birthday lunch with my visiting sister and 2 friends. Service was slow ( 2 hours from start to finish) no excuse for this as there was only one other couple in the pub! I'm pretty easy to please but have to say that the food was awful and the portions were child sizedStarter "soup of day" clearly came straight from a can I was given 4 pieces of scampi as a " main" - with a spoonful of peas and a few hard skinny French friesDessert of bread/ butter pudding was still frozen in the middle and came with cold custard + one long hair - presumably the chefs!I know it's not the height of the tourist season - but come on - this pub needs to seriously "up it's game" - if only to save the blushes of a local who was daft enough to suggest It as a lunch venue in the first place ( never again!!)

I really enjoyed coming here after a walk from Stratford-upon-Avon to Wilmcote. The walk takes about a 1,5. we really enjoyed the food and the drinks afterwards. We also enjoyed the company of Sarah! Thank you for all your good care!

My friend her 2 year old, my 2 children and I decided to go and have some lunch at the Mary Arden Inn, after visiting the farm opposite. As we walked in there was no welcome at all, in fact as mentioned in another review, staff seemed surprised to see us there!Firstly my friend asked if it was possible for her sons meal to be of a slightly smaller size as he was not a big eater. The lady serving was incredibly unhelpful and just said no. She then left to go the kitchen and was replaced by a man who looked like he'd been doing some sort of DIY, his clothes and hands were absolutely filthy. I asked for a brie and bacon baguette on white bread with no cranberry sauce...not the most demanding request but the man stared at me like I had done something wrong! I also asked for it to be served hot and again got a look of disgust.We waited for about 40 minutes with increasingly bored and hungry children, to eventually be served by a waitress who looked totally bored, didn't apologize for the delay with our food on what was a quiet day, and looked annoyed when we asked for ketchup.The food was dreadful. My friends jacket potato was a dry, shriveled, nearly burnt lump. The childrens burgers was burnt on the outside and under cooked in the middle and the chips tasted like they had been cooked in oil that was about 3 weeks old and were so oily my daughter couldn't even eat them. My baguette that I had asked to be hot, on white bread with no cranberry sauce was cold, on brown bread with cranberry sauce! As the children had been waiting for such a long time and were very hungry by this point, we ate a little and decided to speak to someone about the terribly quality. At no point were we approached by anyone asking how our meal was and the bar was deserted. My friends 2 year old was getting very tired and tearful so we decided to just leave and call them when we got home.My friend rang them as was told someone would call her back within the hour. 5 hours later she hadn't received a phone call, so she emailed them explaining what an awful experience we had. 2 days later, it still hadn't been acknowledged so, again she called them.The person she spoke to could not have less interested or unhelpful. She said they didn't even read their emails, and wouldn't help with our complaint in any way because, to quote: "We should have said something at the time"My friend explained the situation with her son being tired and the lack of staff, but the lady repeated that we should have said something and said goodbye without even an apology. I am disgusted, not just by the truly appalling quality of the food and service, but the way our complaint was utterly ignored. I work with the tourists and the general public every day in my job, and have often suggested if people fancy a pub lunch after visiting Mary Ardens farm, to try the inn. I certainly will not be doing so anymore.

My fiancé and I had a meal here on Saturday 1st November as we were staying in one of the lovely rooms upstairs. We both had the homemade soup to start, which we thoroughly enjoyed. I had the salmon and my fiancé had the lasagne for our main. It was very fresh. My salmon had lots of sauce, which I love. Service was excellent. We will definitely be coming again.

I am shocked by the service and food received in this establishment. As our local pub and restaurant we decided to have our evening meal here. The food in the past has always been adequate and straightforward pub grub. We were welcomed by a barman who looked shocked that we came in. He was rude, abrupt and unhelpful. As we had ordered drinks we decided to stay and have a meal as we were all hungry and wanted a nice relaxed evening. The 3 steaks arrived, not one was cooked to our taste especially one of them which I wouldn't feed to my dog. Politely we pointed this out to the barman/waiter to which he replied, "not much I can do about that we've got none left" and walked off after telling us the menu was very limited as if they order too much food in it goes dodgy! We asked to speak to the manager who came after a while and showed her our steaks. She appeared to be more annoyed with us than we were about our meal and offered to take one steak off the menu. The service we received was dreadful and we were expected to eat bad food, accept it and pay for it! We were then told if we refused to pay they would call the police .... This attitude and food in this environment is unacceptable and I am disgusted as a customer to be treated like this. ... A real shame as used to be a lovely local pub in super location. Never ever again.

home made steak and kidney pie , was delicious , plenty of meat lovely home made chips , my partner had lasagne on the second night with salad looked and tasted lovely loads of it

Was here on Monday - Really busy but the staff still managed to make you feel very welcome, food was served quickly and was fresh - Welldone!!! Will be back

Having really enjoyed a meal hear in October 2013 we had a very disappointing return to the Mary Arden Inn in October 2014. The website menu choice is not available in the pub, just a very limited daily menu. Neither was the "specials board" available at all for the whole evening. The starters was okay but the mains were extremely poor. Cabbage and broccoli was served up with scampi & (McDonalds) chips all for the pricey sum of £70 (2 adults & 2 children). Didn't stick around for the sweets.

Ordered soup,butternut.had to wait 30 mins? Taisted of nothing and very small bowl for £5.Should have eaten at the Mary ardens farm.Must have new owners as it used to be good.Won't be going back.shame.

A village pub with traditional English food. We were greeted and welcomed by a lovely friendly lady and had a Sunday lunch. All very good and a selection of nice ales too plus family friendly.Thank you

Meals had very little to do with what the Menu promised.By my 2nd pt. the cask ran emty and the beer was horrible,but no refund, no apologies. Staff overstrained, even therevery few guests on a Saturday.Room and bath clean, but with obvious structural faults. Breakfast ok and can't really compensate for the diner.Won't stay there again.

Came here with my family on Saturday night.Had a lovely meal - first thoughts the food was a bit pricey, but upon receiving the meals the food was lovely.The staff were great and the beer was great.Will definitely be returning soon!!

On a boating holiday a little restricted on where to eat.We made the wrong choice! .The staff were friendly and welcoming.The food was awful. There were 6 of us and only one was happy with their food.Tasteless Jalfezi and lasagne, over microwaved hard inedible nan,floury batter on fish.burnt chorizo.One of us ordered a chicken dish with potatoes and it was served with chips as they had run out of potatoes but not asked if chips ok, just served them (this was taken off the bill).Would not recommend.The food was overpriced and I dont think I have ever seen so much food sent back.

We went for a meal here whilst staying in the village on holiday. The staff were very welcoming and the food was good, unfortunately the place could do with an update in its decor, looks a bit grim and not the sort of place you would want to sit in for long.

We try this place with every change in management, but never fail to be disappointed. Problems in the past have been rude staff, ruined anniversaries, awful food and pubic hair in the pudding.The new management seemed to be making an effort, by removing the England flag from the door , tidying the front and being generally more cheerful.So today we gave the food a go, with the reintroduction of a past winner, the takeaway fish and chips.Three takeaway fish and chips for just short of £30 has got to be good quality, right?It took half an hour to cook, but that was not a problem as I didn't have to rush my pint whilst waiting.I got them home and dished them up to my wife and kids, with one being a good enough size to split between the two youngsters. I started eating my portion, which I felt was a little soggy, but edible. A few bites into my wife's however, drew the comment of, "This tastes funny"I smelled my wifes fish and it stunk of ammonia. The kids two halves smelled the same, and by this time, I had gone off eating the rest of mine.We phoned the Mary Arden, to be told to bring the fish back which we did. The manager took the returns to the kitchen for her to return minutes later with the almost predictable comments:The fish is delivered dailyThere have been no other complaintsIf we did you some more, it would be the same fish.We were then offered a refund for two of the three fish and chips.Now this is a note to the manager that made this offer. Listen to yourself. What are you saying? You clearly don't believe that there was a problem with our food. Did your chef smell the stuff we returned? If he did, and couldn't smell that the fish was off, you need a new chef. If he did smell it, do you think it is acceptable to charge £3.33 for a portion of rotten fish?This wasn't about money, I have walked out of your pub £30 down, but if that prevents others from being poisoned, then it is money well spent.

Went here for a meal. Waiting 35 minutes for main after a mediocre starter. Informed bar staff we had been waiting half hour. I enquired whether it would be possible to get a discount on a drink given the wait. He replied "I can't do a discount" and that was it. I asked whether I was supposed to accept that without so much as an apology or even an attempt for him to enquire with the chef what the hold up was. He took offence to this and called me rude. Then when food did arrive: steak was way too tough (but then they did fail to give a steak knife) chips were undercooked and the peas came out 10 mins later. Truly truly appalling.

I believe this Inn is under new management so I must report that We spent the night here in the Romeo & Juliette suite which is a fantastic suite with a jacuzzi bath and a 4 poster bed. It was lovely and clean. The food we at in the evening was cooked and presented perfectly. The waitresses were very friendly and the ale was kept well. After a very peaceful nights sleep we enjoyed a very nice full english breakfast with juice and coffee in the breakfast room. We will defiantly be returning again and again to this amazing establishment.

The last time I ate here was 4 years ago which was a very poor experience where there were more dogs in the restaurant than people! I find it disgusting how some publicans seem to think it acceptable to allow dogs in areas where people are eating. So you can imagine my trepidation when we were back in the area and needed to eat locally.This time was a revelation with not a dog inside - bliss. The food, beer and staff have improved also beyond recognition. One of the locals recommended the fish and chips. "Are the chips frozen?" I asked. "No" was the answer so we both ordered. What arrived was steaming hot crispy, freshly cooked chips with a generous portion of cod in batter. It was delicious with my only criticism being that the fish should have been drained for longer after the fry as there was a largish pool of oil on both plates. Get this right and it would have been perfect. There is a limited choice of real ale but at least they has some and what we had (Ruddles) was very good. A guest ale or something would have improved.So, well done to the Mary Arden, a big improvement and I'll be back in Wilmcote in a couple of days for more fish & chips!

I came to this restaurant with high hopes. The pub itself is in a lovely setting, unfortunately the experience was let down by the food, the dirty toilets and the poor service. The restaurant was empty but it took us around 30 minutes to receive our food. Once it arrived, the food was of a terrible quality. The chips, meat and seafood were all cooked from frozen and seemed of cheap quality. When you're paying £13 for a burger, you don't expect to receive a processed, frozen burger that you could buy from Iceland for £1. Very disappointing. Then, to make matters worse, the toilets were not only tired and old, but filthy too. I dread to think the standard of hygiene kept in the kitchen if the toilets are kept in such a state. All in all, the restaurant serves food of an embarrassing quality with slow service and dirty toilets. All at a high price. I advise others to take their custom elsewhere.

popped in for lunch while visiting mary ardens farm.very pleasat atmosphere good selection of lunch choices.staff very pleasant and helpfull

Stopped off for snacks and drinks whilst on a walk. Lovely sunny day so sat in the garden. Very disappointed with the state of the garden. The grass was jungle like and had not been cut in a while. It had obviously been busy the previous night from the litter lying around. The hand cut chips were from a packet. Needs improvements.

Excellent village pub/hotel in beautiful part of Warwickshire. Near Mary Arden's house and the Stratford canal. Handy if on a barge.Very good beer nicely pulled. IPA & Abbott from Greene King. Well looked after nice and creamy.Sarah and her team very friendly and helpful. Big plus if on a boat is their breakfasts are available to non-residents. Full English freshly cooked are good value.

I have just came back from this hotel and I have to say it made my weekend. The staff especially the manager was so helpful and the food was better than most restaurants. Nice and quiet even though there was a public bar and the locals were sound.The room we had was very clean and the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxing. Would definitely recommend and stay there again :)

I travelled to Stratford for a day out with a friend and called into the Mary Arden Inn for lunch. The staff were really friendly and the chef, who was just updating the specials board, was happy to talk us through some of the dishes. We were pleasantly surprised with the menu which had loads of choice - especially supplemented with a selection of daily specials. I opted for a special - Gressingham Duck with asparagus and my friend had chicken with chorizo and spinach. All the main meals were around £10-£12, which we thought was great value. Far from your ordinary 'pub grub' the meals were beatifully presented and really tasty. I would definitely go back and recommend to others. It's just far enough out of Stratford to give you the village feel, but within easy reach of the town centre and all the attractions. (It's walking distance from the train station and 4 minutes on the train to the town centre). It looks perfect for a weekend break to explore Stratford.

Friendly staff but we were the only table set for a meal in a bar used by locals for drinks. However a friendly atmosphere. Food was average. The soup of the day leek and potato was tasteless-mainly potato. The special beef was disappointing. Friendly place for a drink but not really ideal for a meal out with friends. Car park is accessed by the side road.

just got back from a two night stay with my Husband after reading mixed reveiws of the Inn i must say that the negative ones were well out of order pleasant staff good food breakfast 5 star our foom was a standard but was worth every penny clean and warm not chilly would go again well worth it chellle jones Walsall.

Stayed here for 2 nights.never been to Shakespeares country before.weather was atrocious ! Booked a double room but upgraded to the romeo and juliet suite. Lovely room.a bit chilly but spent most of the time in the log fired bar ! Couple of young men were in charge of bar and everything else it seemed lol.nice polite and chatty.brekkies was gd.food in eve was gd too.bar prices ok.there was a folk nite on whilst we were there....really gd.would love to go back again soon.well done lads and the young lady who worked on the sun pm.

Turned up on a cold wet and windy night to a very warm welcome from the staff and locals. Food and drink good and reasonably priced. Big log fire warmed us up a treat.