The Butchers Arms — Restaurant in Great Britain

What can I say other than thank you for restoring my faith and confirming to my family that i'm not just an old tight arsed cynic. Invariably, our journeys lead to the kind of family experiences which renders me feeling either underwhelmed or like i've been robbed for substandard dining. Im the silent (very British) diner who politely nods his reluctant approval when asked because I loath the notion that standards are met ONLY on request...!! The Butchers arms are clearly proud and want (it would appear) to deliver the kind of experience which has long been absent. where family can engage and enjoy each others company without this being interrupted by the awkward mood killing discussion regarding poor service or quality of food presented. The decor, was homely, clean and comfortable. The food (must mention the Exceptional Steak & Ale pie) was generously portioned, fresh, hot ,and delicious. (As were the deserts! - salted caramel profiteroles & Bakewell tart /custard were given universal approval too). All in all, this was a very enjoyable experience and worth every penny!..... What more can...

Oh what might have been! Real country pub looked welcoming. 12.30pm and the place was well laid out for dining but so cold. Many tables booked, but we were welcomed to take a table. Barman apologised and offered a gas heater...thank you. Still not warm so moved to other bar room. Menu extensive and well presented. Game options well covered. Two courses £22.50....expected quality. My first course was panfried game with bacon and black pudding. Served cold on a cold plate. Obviously left over from night before, and all items hard in texture. Replaced with fresh set and was superb.... correctly cooked, with pink middle, as it should have been in the first place. Lamb roast excellent, plenty of meat (probably to appease me for earlier issue). All ancient wood furniture had been lovingly stripped but unfortunately no-one had cleaned ours of hardened food droppings. Staff apologised and blamed the evening staff. Sorry, but should it not be everyone's responsibility?

I presume the local gentry keep the place going, and have enough spare money to not bother with quality of food...

Our dinner was served three hours after we arrived. We were informed that this was because they were busy, which we appreciate; but we had already delayed our booking at their request to accommodate for this, and three hours is slightly taking the piss. They had a large booking for a 60th wedding anniversary - it felt like it was closer to their 61th anniversary by the time we left.

When the food arrived, the vegetables were missing on 6 out of 10 of the dishes, and potatoes missing on 3. Two of the dishes were very small.

When we politely asked for a gesture of goodwill, it turned out that they were totally oblivious to the issues. They complained that they didn't know we were coming, despite having set a table for us and discussing on the phone earlier that day. They finally agreed to give us a free drink.

To the owners: Don't take bookings you can accommodate, don't argue with your customers, and dont send out incomplete dishes.

To you: Don't go to The...