Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall — Restaurant in England

Extremely Disappointed with the Customer Service – Ruined Our Anniversary Plans

I don’t normally write reviews, but I feel compelled to after the poor experience I had with Grantley Hall’s reservations team regarding a booking at the Shaun Rankin restaurant. I reached out on 27th June to arrange something special for my girlfriend and I, as it was our anniversary. I specifically asked about the Chef’s Table, wanting to make the evening memorable.

I was told I’d receive a call back the same day with confirmation about availability. That call never came. Four hours passed, and by 9:00 PM I had to chase them myself, only to be told to call back the next morning when the reservations team reopened.

The following morning (28th June), I rang again – this time, even more anxious given that it was the day of our anniversary dinner. Again, I was told someone would call back. Eventually, I received a call, not to help confirm a table, but to inform me that not only was the Chef’s Table unavailable, but now the entire restaurant was fully booked.

This was a huge disappointment. Had they simply followed up with me promptly the day before, I would have happily taken a regular table just to make sure we had dinner there. Instead, I was left scrambling for a last-minute alternative for what was supposed to be a special, well-planned evening.

For a hotel that prides itself on luxury and exceptional service, this was a shockingly unprofessional experience. Poor communication, broken promises, and complete lack of urgency. I expected far better from an establishment of...

This is not style over substance - this is bags of style AND substance. A tasting menu that smacks you round the face with its big, bold flavours. This place is going to get at least two Michelin stars eventually, it simply has to. The food is impeccable, the creativity is bordering on genius, it's intelligent, thoughtful & at times playful food with flavours that linger with you in the most delightful way. There is also a fair bit of it so don't wear anything with a tight waistband. Well done brilliant Chef Rankin. I have had lots of tasting menus, this has to be one of the very best. But the first time I have ever tried whipped beef dripping.....I'll have a bowl full next time please! Service was a teeny weenie bit too over bearing to start with but they listened to us and toned it down and ended up virtually perfect. Our main waiter was faultless and very knowledgeable about the food, a real asset. I only review if I can genuinely give five stars, this place is easily five star ....plus. You'd have to be pretty miserable to give it any less. UPDATE: ate there again yesterday and food was just as amazing and service was also much more confident, sleeker and less fussy. A truly special place and we...

When we say this is a truly special culinary journey, it is a tasting menu or a 10 course feast of small locally sourced dishes, each carefully created with consideration for the correct blend of flavours, with each complimenting one another.

Going beyond many one Michelin star restaurants, Shaun Rankin is deserving two stars for the exceptional thought process and attention to detail that has gone into the menu.

The selection won’t leave you feeling like you’ve over indulged, despite being 10 courses, mainly as we said above, because it’s carefully timed to 3 hours and is more akin to a food journey, like the Fat Duck concept.

Beautiful surroundings not just in the restaurant, but in the hotel and it’s grounds, where many more special treats await overnight visitors. Grantley Hall is also worthy of a Six Star award, should one have existed.

No expense is spared and the service provided by the staff in most areas is superb as you would expect for a hotel and restaurant at this level.

To conclude, Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall is worthy of two Michelin stars in our opinion. Congratulations to all of the team for making the...