Camden Valley Inn (CVI) — Restaurant in Cawdor

🛏️ Accommodation (Executive Bridal Suite) 🛏️ We stayed at Camden Valley Inn for the weekend of our wedding (our ceremony and reception were held at a different venue). The venue itself is absolutely gorgeous, with beautifully maintained grounds full of flowers and trees, and the Executive Bridal/Honeymoon Suite has the most stunning view of Razorback Mountain. The room was spacious and stylish, perfect for a wedding weekend.

However, it was disappointing to find that the room hadn’t been properly turned over before our arrival. There was rubbish left in the bin, week-old cheese and bacon buns in a cupboard, and no glasses available. Given it was our wedding weekend, and that our guests had booked out the entire accommodation, even a small gesture such as a card or note from the hotel would have meant a lot.

We were also told that checkout for the bridal suite was at 12pm, but when we returned to the room at 11am, we discovered we had been locked out. The cleaning staff thought it was a 10am checkout. It was frustrating and inconvenient, especially on such an important weekend. On a positive note, the cleaners were kind and prompt, arriving at 10am as requested the previous day to tidy the room before our photographer arrived, which I appreciated.

🍽️ Restaurant (Rehearsal Dinner and Brunch) 🍽️ While the restaurant setting is lovely and the food itself was good, the dining experience for our rehearsal dinner was very disappointing. The venue had been informed that it was for our wedding rehearsal dinner with our family and bridal party, but there was no extra consideration or assistance provided. There is no table service; everything has to be ordered via QR code, which was confusing and impractical for a group meal with one person paying. Most drinks automatically went to jugs or bottles, and for single glasses we had to go to the bar. Throughout the evening, I found myself constantly having to find staff to bring plates for our share platters, replace cutlery between courses, and clear the tables. It felt stressful, disorganised, and completely DIY, which was unfortunate for what should have been a special and enjoyable evening.

We also had around 40 guests join us for brunch on the Sunday, which thankfully went much more smoothly. However, there was a frustrating issue leading up to it. The person who took the original booking had spelled my fiancé’s name (Michael) incorrectly in the email address. When the confirmation email bounced back, they cancelled the booking without following up. It was only because I called the week before to confirm that we were able to rebook. For a booking that large, a phone call would have been appropriate.

It is a beautiful venue with so much to offer, but unfortunately there is no attention to detail and I think with better management it could be something...

Extremely disappointed with my recent visit to CVI. We attended for brunch for my birthday. The menu is limited and the venue completely disregards allergies/dietary requirements. I have worked in food retail and customer service for years and the way we were treated was against every single basic rule.

I have an egg allergy and was unable to ‘substitute’ the egg in the breakfast burger for another food item, but had to pay a fee to add something of the same value. I explained breakfast is already hard enough (being that egg is in every menu item) and if I am taking off a food item and adding one of the same value I should not incur an extra fee because I could literally die if I ate it. The lady, who claimed to be a manager, went on to suggest a number of other items on the menu which she believe to not have egg, banana bread and pancakes, which is insulting because I’ve lived with this allergy my whole life and know full well that these DO have egg. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Same thing occurred with my sister who is vegetarian, she couldn’t substitute the bacon for halloumi but had to pay extra for the halloumi although they’re both the same monetary value as add ons. The lady said that’s just how they train their staff, which is an awful excuse

To add, they ‘forgot’ to bring a meal out and questioned multiple times if it was even ordered, so one member of our party ate 45 minutes after the rest of us finished. My relatives reported the eggs Benedict came with cold bacon, and eggs were unevenly cooked with one egg being soft and the other being cooked through

Overall there was no understanding or sympathy. I do believe if we were treated better, I would not feel so negative about this. It felt like a money grab. We wanted to try a new place for our family to enjoy but you’ve just lost 20!!! customers. It’s a shame for you, but not for me because I know I can go out for brunch and not be treated this way and be served consistently great food with great service, all of which does not exist...

The Camden Valley Inn, a staple in the heart of the Camden Valley, has recently undergone a significant renovation that has transformed the venue into a more modern, inviting space while still retaining its rustic charm. The new design blends contemporary elements with the Inn's heritage, featuring polished wooden floors, sleek bar areas, and an open-air dining space that takes full advantage of the picturesque surroundings. It's a refreshing update that offers a stylish yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.

However, while the physical changes to the Inn are impressive, the menu offers a more mixed experience. Despite the upscale feel of the newly revamped space, the menu remains somewhat basic, lacking the bold, innovative touches you might expect from a venue of this caliber. The offerings are familiar and traditional, focusing on classic pub fare with a handful of lighter options, but nothing that truly stands out or challenges the palate.

Dishes like fish and chips, burgers, and steak sandwiches dominate the menu, and while they are executed well, they don't push any boundaries. The food is solid but uninspired—comforting, yes, but a bit underwhelming for those seeking a more adventurous culinary experience.

The drinks menu, in contrast, is more exciting, with a good selection of local wines and craft beers that pair well with the food. Still, if you're looking for something truly unique in terms of dining options, the Camden Valley Inn might leave you feeling a little wanting.

In conclusion, the renovation has undoubtedly enhanced the Inn's aesthetic appeal, making it a more attractive and comfortable place to spend an afternoon or evening. But when it comes to the food, the menu doesn't reflect the same level of creativity or innovation. It's an enjoyable spot for a relaxed meal, but those after a memorable culinary experience might not...