Sanctuary Inn — Restaurant in Bolsover

Chaotic Breakfast Experience

(Update/edit in reply to the disparaging response from the ‘owner’ below: Your response appears as erratic as your offering. We did raise all of the points during our experience, and as we left, a juvenile ‘but you didn’t tell us’ defence is tedious and unimaginative. Yes I’m a real person, seems to bother you? Good luck with your investigation, can only hope it brings about improvements, every detail of my review has integrity)

My review -

Stopped by The Sanctuary Inn for a Saturday breakfast recently, and sadly, it was anything but relaxing. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was chaotic and the service, frankly, baffling.

The young waitress seemed utterly scatterbrained. When we asked for two English Breakfast teas, she somehow interpreted that as two full English breakfasts—despite us clearly requesting specific orders, including one vegetarian option. The mix-up added to an already confusing and disorganised ordering process.

When our food finally arrived, it didn’t do much to lift our spirits. The fried eggs were overcooked and tough, the yolks practically fossilised. The bacon was another letdown—obviously oven cooked, fused together in a dry, flavourless lump that tasted like cardboard.

And then came the real spectacle: a peculiar older lady—seemingly another staff member—suddenly appeared and flung open the door onto the street right next to our table, letting in a gust that blew napkins and cutlery everywhere. When we protested, she snapped, “I’ll open it when you’re gone then,” before slamming it shut. It was such a jarring moment, and her attitude was just unbelievable.

Between the shambolic service and the subpar food, it was a thoroughly disappointing experience. Hospitality? Hardly. The Sanctuary Inn might want to revisit what it actually means to...

First time visiting here Saturday 12th July, called before hand to get a table just to make sure as it was a nice day and was busy, arrived 15 minuets early but was seated straight away, staff very attentive from the moment you walk in, I guess the owner/manager was the chap behind the bar as he seemed to run a tight ship and alerted the wait staff for a table for two and instantly someone was there who seated us with menues and asked straight away if we would like drinks (a lot of places seat you first and then wait for you to decide on drinks which I hate especially on a hot day as you can be waiting ages), unfortunately didn't get the young girls name but she was very good, lovely and quick, they had inch's cider on tap which i was very happy about as it's one of my favourites, had to try the tapas which I was glad I did, every plate was amazing and flavour full, the only niggle I had was with the mushrooms in cream, I prefer a lot of garlic and crushed pepper in mine but it can be too much for some people, however would definitely order it again, the fish was fresh and cooked just right, the salmon and prawn pintxo was amazing, however would of preferred the bread to be slightly toasted with garlic rubbed on it (I love garlic, not everyone's cuppa) but it's ment to be a fresh flavour which it definitely did achieve, I am a lover of cheese and their brie was just right, however I would suggest anyone who orders this to leave it for about 5-7 minutes to cool slightly to allow the cheese to firm just a bit so its easier to eat.

The puddings are amazing well worth getting and price point is very reasonable.

The presentation, the flavour, the food and the service was all top notch.

Will definitely be coming back to try the lamb or steak mains and maybe...

We booked here on the recommendation of my step son, who was impressed with the reviews. We had no knowledge of the area and few expectations of the accommodation, as it was a fleeting family visit for a couple of nights. It turned out to be an absolute WOW! The (Lavender) bedroom was charming, quirky with beams, amazing bathroom & not a single thing was missing in terms of toiletries, towels, coffee/tea supplies, hair dryer. |There is a cosy snug off the bar area & a lovely little terrace.|On arrival, we put poor Steve under pressure by requesting a table on arrival for 7, on a Saturday evening over bank hol! We don’t know how he did it, but he came through, an absolute legend! The selection of food was delicious - tapas & main meals. And a big shout out for the freshly cooked to order, breakfasts. Easily on par with the best, anywhere. |The final icing on the cake were the staff, who were all brilliant, with a very special thank you, going to Charlene, who in our opinion, must be one of the few truly caring, customer focus, people left on the planet. Another legend! (Now don’t go getting all big headed, hahaha.) The Sanctuary will be our number one go to, from now on, when we visit our northern family. We can’t wait to return. THANK YOU Steve and all the great guys & gals and the hard working, behind the scenes,...