The Great House Barn — Attraction in Chorley

Unfortunately, on this visit I was very disappointed with the service I received. I don't want this to reflect on the setting or most of the welcoming staff. My issue is the unorganised ice cream counter and rude staff. On entering the barn - which I haven't been to for a while and wasn't sure of the procedure inside. Me and my partner walked toward the ice cream counter and socially distanced behind the one person and her two children at the counter. We were were immediately shouted at to move onto spots to the left. Which I had no problem with at all however, the manner was quite abrupt. The person in front went to pay so we moved onto the nxt spot to choose ice creams . Suddenly, the lady returned for an ice cream, which confused us and we were unable to move as people were now behind us.....the poor mum was back and fourth for a minute. Then it was our turn. We had to ask about flavours - no signage. My partner just had time to order his and the young lady at the til shouted for him to pay. We explained I hadn't ordered yet. She said ' come and pay, its just two ice creams isnt it?' and beckoned him over again..so he went and paid. He returned as mine was being made - there wasn't any topping available just sauces and flakes however, I couldn't have a flake as that was extra and we had been asked to pay.....we were bitterly cross at the situation. To make matters worse when we got outside we realised we had been overcharged. The girl at the til had charged for two large tubs - I had purchased a small tub and a large. I fully understand that she was trying to keep the queue moving but she actually made the situation worse. I fully understand that places won't get it right .. thats why I am writing this. Now I realise what had happened to the customer before me who was frantically walking back and fourth between till and counter not able to social distance as the queue had moved up. So the young lady at the till , put everyone at risk, got orders wrong and overcharged people!! On a positive note ice cream was good. Most staff welcoming and courteous. Note...Put a list of ice creams up so customers can choose before they get to the counter. Why this is not thought of is...

An historic treat. A large ancient barn now providing shelter and refreshments for thousands of people enjoying the west pennine moors at rivington. Very Very busy in summer but with parking stretching way beyond the immediate forecourt (let's face it, a little walking is what you'd expect up there) and lots of outdoor seating plus hundreds of acres of woodland, grassland, lakes, you won't be struggling to find a spot to picnic. It's a bit pricey but then it's supporting all the maintenence and repairs thousands of feet cause so don't begrudge a few pence extra. The miles of footpaths are what you went there for in the first place, plus the trees and the views. You're helping to keep it all going by eating from there. Personally I've been thousands of times with my family and will continue to do so. Disabled parking, easy access and facilities available only at the cafe, its nature, everywhere else, they've tried to make it accessible so watch your footing (or wheels), be careful and everyone's there for the same reason so just...

Would give overall 4 stars but it's pricey for what it is. The staff are friendly and helpful and the food is tasty, just a tad expensive. Nice to sit outside and have a cuppa and ice cream (£10 for 2 tubs with 2 scoops and a flake with sauce in each) or scone after a long walk, but the cakes aren't value for money, there's a limited choice. I'd forgive that if they were imaginative, but "coconut and raspberry cake" is nothing more than a layer of coconut sponge with raspberry jam on top (no cream) and the Malteaser cake is stodgy unfortunately. The "Chicken with lemon and thyme baguette" (served with gravy?) would have been delicious at my last visit (Ive had that before)... if it hadnt been changed to beef and overcooked onion, and it would have been even nicer if the change had been on the menu. The cake regrettably removed from the menu was the tasty, value for money birthday cake. I'd still recommend as a nice place to stop for a brew though, but don't wait until too late in the day or the scones...