Harrington Arms Sawley — Restaurant in Erewash

I have been going to the beer festival for 13 years and made this years' festival my last. It is not a beer festival anymore -- it is a music festival. Many may prefer that, but Saturday and particularly Sunday made it clear to me how downhill the event has gone. Lots of topless lager drinkers bounding about into people, people bringing in concealed bottles of spirits, swearing, loud music. It just isn't social or pleasant anymore and is primarily an event for the 18-25 year olds. I should have guessed it given the plastic cups we were given with "Harry Fest" printed on them! The staff in the tents were brilliant and the beer choices (although almost exclusively selected from neighbouring Nottinghamshire) were excellent. The staff probably had to deal with a lot over that weekend so credit to them. The only staff member who let the team down was a lady in pink wearing glasses, brown hair. She took incredible offence to my polite request for a beer change. The beer I chose (no. 22) was well and truly 'end of barrel' -- the 'haze' she referred to was the sediment which sinks to the bottom of the cask. Totally normal to be there but totally normal to decline it. She was so rude and proceeded to throw the drink on the ground in front of me. Another staff member understood and gladly gave me a fresh half of something different. Respectfully, she needs a discussion with her line manager over...

What a difference 4 weeks makes since our last visit! In for a tea time weekday meal for 2 adults and 2 children Ordered fish and chips, shepherds pie, steak and ale pie and crispy chicken burger Fish was maybe twice fried? Chips were cold and stale ( re-heated? Or sat waiting for other meals to be cooked?) Sent it back. Came back the same and tasteless. Returned it. Disappointed as Wethersoons in Stapleford do it brilliantly for much less! Order wrong for grandsons burger, sent it back. Pie and mash didn't go down well although this could be down to individual taste alone. Partners Shepherds pie was a let down with the thinnest crust of potato and mostly cheese topping and presentation of veg didn't look appetising. Waitress admitted wrong order with apologies. Got us free drinks and offered both of us with issues free desserts. The second burger looked over done but my Grandson too hungry to care by then. I would have appreciated a deduction off the bill which was still £60 after removing my item. Not sure what happened but that was not an example of good pub food especially at those prices! - £15 for Shepherds pie (with no real layer of potato?, a few peas and a carrot cut in half) Waitress was very polite and apologetic otherwise it would...

Outstanding Service, Perfect Steak, and Truly Dog-Friendly! We had the pleasure of visiting the Harrington Arms recently and were thoroughly impressed from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome – not just us, but our dog too, which was such a refreshing and thoughtful touch.

We sat outside in the lovely beer garden, and the team immediately brought over a bowl of fresh water and made sure our dog was comfortable. It's clear they genuinely care about creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere for everyone – two- and four-legged guests alike!

As for the food – wow. I ordered the sirloin steak and it was genuinely one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Cooked exactly to my liking (medium-rare), beautifully seasoned, and perfectly tender. You could tell care had gone into both the preparation and presentation.

The service throughout was exceptional – friendly, attentive without being overbearing, and genuinely happy to help. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first visit.

Highly recommended whether you're popping in for a meal, a drink, or just looking for a welcoming stop on a countryside walk. We’ll...