Guy Fawkes Arms — Restaurant in England

My neighbours thought that it would be good to have Christmas lunch (on the day) prepared, cooked and washed-up by someone else this year (2023).

But where to go? Do we trust others reviews? Ambiance? Staff? Beer? Gin? Wine? Oh, and grub? Veggie? Meat? Fish? Clearly a scientific approach was required!

For the next 10 months (we missed January!) we shall visit 10 pubs/restaurants to establish which venue suits us the most.

Our first contender was the Guy Fawkes Arms, Scotton, which we visited on Saturday 18th February 2023 between 12:00 and about 14:30. A table for 8 had been booked in advance. By the the time we departed about 14:30, most tables looked taken, so booking in advance looks advisable.

By the way, the neighbours group consists of 8 people. Of which, 5 female, 3 male. Ages: five are 60+, one 50+ and two in their 30s.

Results: No grumblings or complaints. Everyone gave high praise. Ambiance: good. Log fire. Staff: just right. Not pushy. No annoying prats. All orders taken efficiently and served correctly. A smooth well oiled machine BUT we were treated as valued customers. Friendly without being aggravating.

Portion sizes were generous.

Dishes we had included:

Fish and chips Steak and ale pie Chicken pie Moules marinière Ice cream others

The lunch menu was particularly good value. For example two courses for £17.

Toilets clean and modern.

Of course, as a grumpy old git, I have to moan about something.

One: the actual pub car park is very small! Room for about 8 small/medium sized cars? We arrived about 11:35 and it was fine. Clearly the pub can't do anything about this, just something to note. If you arrive later, be prepared to park on the street. And doors don't open until 11:55.

Two: a wider choice of bitters would be good. I had Roosters YPA (4.2%). Which was fine. Something a little stronger, for those of us not driving, would have been great!

Overall score? Out of 10?

I'd give it 10, if the beer selection was wider. So 9.5. I think the other 7 neighbours would likely give it 10 or...

We called here on a Tuesday and we were informed off the caravan motorhome club the Guy Fawkes do not do meals on a Monday or Tuesday. The place is quaint, comfortable and very welcoming with a friendly bar staff member. Whilst we were here there was 3 couples arrived and queried about a table along with numerous telephone calls, missing a trick Guy Fawkes pub. We thought why book a table for the Wednesday, whilst we out and about in locally I decided to call the Guy Fawkes. I rang at 12.04pm to reserve a table, my call was directed to a voicemail so I left my name, number and time of booking for 2 ppl as they said someone would get back to me. After waiting over an hour I decided to call to make sure we had a booking. 15 phone attempts later and almost 3 hours had past I finally got through to a young girl. The reply I received was that the Guy Fawkes was fully booked from bookings that day. I informed the young girl regarding my earliest call and no one had got back to me and she apologised. 5 minutes later I received a call from a senior member of staff to let me know what I already knew, they were fully booked and she admitted to not being able to check the phone messages, again I displayed my disappointment. So if you want to book here, don’t make a phone call as they do not check their messages, call into the Guy Fawkes to avoid disappointment. As for the food and service, sadly I cannot comment but only wonder about the quality of food...

The meal in the Guy Fawkes Arms was my birthday treat on the way back from Knaresborough. As that was the first time in the area, my choice was based purely on the Google reviews and pictures taken by other customers.

And I couldn't be happier with the choice. The food was absolutely scrumptious, full of balanced flavours and it was presented well on the plates. Coc Au Vin was absolutely lovely, especially the tender chicken and jus. The pastry for steak and black sheep ale pie was so great, fluffy and crispy and the gravy was a delight! The portions were generous for a very reasonable prices. I also tried the ice cream - black treacle was very interesting , unique flavour.

Place offers a great selection of delicious starte and main meals, along desserts. Good choice of beer and wine.

The staff were absolutely lovely! They made me very welcome, they were attentive to the details, helpful and friendly.

Very simple decor but cosy decor, not overdone. Chairs were very comfy.

There are some tables outside if your would like to stay outdoors, on the back and side of the very small car park but it feels a bit claustrophobic with the cars reversing...