Ivanhoe Hotel, Sprotbrough — Restaurant in Doncaster

Three of us went for lunch today. I was really looking forward to it as I worked there 20 years ago and I used to love it. However, there was no atmosphere and the food was just okay.

Our meet up was so I could help my mum and her friend do online check-in for a holiday we're going on next week. We were asked to leave as they don't allow phones (I can't believe I just wrote that but it's true!).

The staff member started by telling us to keep the phone under the table so noone saw and then the staff member came back and said that other customers wouldn't like it if we were allowed to use our phones when they aren't allowed to use theirs and we were told that there are cameras and the staff will get into trouble if they allow us to use our phones. It was bizarre. Totally bizarre.

I understand that it's nice to be without phones and suggesting limiting them but to actually make you leave? It's so silly.

It's not like we were being the Nokia guy from trigger happy! I was literally quietly helping 2 ladies who are not confident with technology do a simple online check-in.

So yeah, I'm totally bamboozled....

My family have been visiting the Ivanhoe for over 50 years. Julie and Matt have really brought it back to how it used to be, a traditional village pub with a warm welcome and friendly service. The brewery has made it difficult for many managers over recent years, with various restrictions, however, Julie and Matt have really gone the extra mile to make the Ivanhoe a place worth visiting again.

We visited for the Christmas menu today and all the staff made it special for us. The food was delicious and the portions are very generous. The personal touches with decorations and trimmings that Julie added, really makes the difference. It’s so great the see the pub being cared about again.

Julie, Matt and all the ladies behind the bar, keep doing what you’re doing and thank...

Had a lovely lunch with friends. Service and staff were excellent. Food was fabulous

Went again for a second visit yesterday (16/06/2025) with our daughter and son in law. I can honestly say it was every bit as good as our first visit! Staff extremely pleasant and friendly. The pub itself is beautifully decorated and has a very cosy atmosphere. As with all Sam Smith pubs, there is a no mobile phone policy, which I think is brilliant, no piped music which is perfect for me as I have profound hearing problems and music makes it a nightmare to have conversations. The outdoor seating overlooks the cricket pitch so provides an ideal viewing platform for fans of the game. I look forward to many more visits to the Ivanhoe in the future. Highly recommend it for...