The best restaurants in Newark and Sherwood East Midlands

We were really looking forward to our Mother’s Day lunch out and were initially impressed by the fact that Paul had been able to extend our reservation from 4 to 6 people at just 4 days notice. I have fond memories of The Fox from childhood so was very much so looking forward to a return. The Mother’s Day menu looked fantastic as well. On arrival for our 1530 reservation, we were served by the young bar staff for drinks and advised them that we were here for our booking. On the 3rd time of notifying a member of staff that we were here for our 1530 booking, we finally got seated at 1555. We had 3 menus to share amongst 6 and weren’t advised as to what the soup of the day was, any specials or whether there were any items on the menu unavailable. We also had no cutlery. The staff were very young and clearly inexperienced, which is fine, everyone has to start somewhere. What was very disappointing was that there appeared to be no oversight or management and the staff had obviously not been trained as to what the basic service standards were. To say it was Mother’s Day, it wasn’t particularly busy and there seemed to be a lot of staff around but none of them showed any interest or attentiveness towards our table. We had to ask for drinks and for someone to take our order after we had been seated for 30 minutes with no one approaching us. When our order was eventually taken, the waitress returned after 5 minutes to advise that there were no garlic mushrooms, no pate and no children’s sausages. Whilst disappointed, we changed our order. 5 of the 6 of us had starters and all ordered the soup. Two of the soups came out fairly quickly. However, when there was no sign of the other soups after 20 minutes and speaking to two waitresses to let them know that we were missing three soups, I then asked to see the manager. No one seemed to know where he was. Eventually, he came to our table and I explained the disappointment in the service so far. He listened and empathised and kindly offered a round of free drinks. We were hopeful that this would result in an improved service from that point on but unfortunately it didn’t. There were even fewer people in the restaurant at this point yet we still had no interest in our table from the staff. Our main meals came out and then we saw the staff taking other tables food out whilst we had no vegetables, side orders and hadn’t been asked if we wanted sauces. Our food was going cold so again I had to go and chase our remaining food. Not good enough. We would have stayed for desserts but it was 1745 and we needed to get home. We’d been there for over 2 hours and had two courses! We are fortunate enough to be able to eat out a lot so feel we have a balanced approach to expectations and standards of food and service. The food was nice. Although the beef which was described as pink, was not and was quite chewy. I was so so disappointed by the service though. It really wasn’t good enough. There was no management/coordination over the staff and they hadn’t been trained. Unfortunately as I had booked the meal I felt responsible for my family having a very disappointing experience and subsequently I didn’t have an enjoyable Mother’s Day.

We went last night for a meal on their ‘all you can eat menu’. The service from their staff were impeccable and the food came out hot, fresh and tasty. The atmosphere was very warming and made us feel comfortable. We had a lovely evening and we’ll certainly be returning. Thank you 🙏

After looking at some of the bad reviews I nearly drove further out of blidworth to get chinese takeaway, decided to give it a try first. Ordered 6 items off the menu and all were very nice. Would definitely give it a try before knocking because of other reviews. Normally very picky when it comes to food, but i couldn't fault it at all 🙂

What a great country pub, my mothers wake was here and the staff were brilliant plenty of buffet food. I certainly will go back for lunch and a drink.

Very friendly staff and great atmosphere

Only Chinese I will eat Always fresh and tasty Worth the travel to collect Friendly staff

Went for Sunday lunch with family. All the staff were brilliant and the atmosphere was good - nice to have a pianist playing while we ate. However the vegan version of the roast dinner wasn’t great. There was a nut roast listed on the website menu however when we got there it had been replaced by a different option. It was a spiced cauliflower patty which tasted good but didn’t fit on a roast dinner IMO. We were told that the mash wasn’t vegan so we would get extra roast potatoes instead, but we only got three small roasties each and when we queried this, we were told you usually only get two. The greens were inconsistent; I had a pile of kale while my cousin had green beans. The carrots and parsnips were rock hard (and cooked with honey so not truly vegan). The vegan dinner felt a bit measly compared to the others, with very little effort to substitute items or present a filling plate of food worth the price tag.

We came here for Sunday lunch and were not disappointed. It's a no frills kind of place. The food was really tasty, and so much of it. Carvery style, which I always love. Staff were friendly.

Simple to order on line and the meal was spot on. Would deffo go back.

We have stayed at Redbrick Woodland Lodges and this pub was recommended by them. We loved it, excellent customer service, delicious home cooked food! Highly recommend to anyone visiting the area.

Called in before Southwell races, lovely meal, great service, good value. Very enjoyable visit, staff all very friendly made us all extremely welcome. Thank you

Popped in one mid evening with my wife having not vited this pub for some 20 years. Was greeted by a lovely bar staff lady and to be homest with it being my birthday we was going to have a quick drink and go to a local Chinese restaurant, but we had a look at the menu and decided to eat here. The lady explained it may take a while as everything is cooked fresh. The food ww ordered was well worth the wait and the money. I wont be waiting another 20 years before popping back in

Selected delivery as soon as possible and was really not disappointed as it was really quick delivery to Farndon.

Large cup of Hot Chocolate with delicious cream is really large. Looks amazing. Location of Costa is good. Just next to one of main roads in Newark. Close to Mark and Spencer and close to BP petrol station. Small but new interior of cafe makes this place unique. It's not my last visit here. Will cone back for another cup of hot chocolate

Outstanding pub, with a great atmosphere, Haven't been in for years the pub used to be a bit of a dive but not so now. Wow! What a turn around. We called in to see some live music. Landlords Kerry and Paul have turned the place around. Fantastic. Clean new upholstery, spotless facilities, clean tasting beers. We had a cracking night.