Chequers Country Inn — Restaurant in Harborough

Upon arrival we were sent to a small reception office to speak with a young lady about getting our keys and showing us to our room. As I popped my head in the door the young lady was just taking an inhale on her vape, which she obviously felt very embarrassed about and had no choice but to exhale the cloud of vape awkwardly into the corner of the very small room. She then took us upstairs to our room and advised there would be no food that evening as there was an event on. This was disappointing as it was 8pm and as we weren’t advised of this prior to arrival we then had to replan at short notice. We arrived during the football and noticed right away how very noisy it was in that room, however we understand the football was on and it’s a pub so it was absolutely understandable that there would be some noise during the football. Once the football finished though, the entertainment started and that was another level of volume. It was karaoke with people screeching into the microphone. The bed was vibrating. The noise level hit 100 decibels in the room. We went downstairs to ask if there was another room we could be moved to only to be told nothing could be done. No ear plugs to help no suggestions of any kind of remedy. We asked how long it was to go on for and were advised 11.30-12 ish. The room being directly above the function room was also right where the smoking area was and the window had been left open, so by the time we arrived the room smelt of cigarettes. There were biscuit crumbs on the carpet and the dust around the room was a few mm deep in some places. I was very surprised about this considering all the other really positive reviews. I reached out to get their feedback and see if there would be a small compensation. I did get an apology and an offer of a free meal for two, however I did already advise that we were 5 hours drive away down in Cornwall so this suggestion was...

Ann and Stephen visited on 20/4/23 -We chose this location for my mum's 80th Birthday meal, a family group of 14. From the moment we contacted the pub to book for such a large group, all of the staff were incredibly helpful, extremely efficient, and well trained. We found the menu to have a wide range of choices suiting all in our party of ages 11 to 80. We were delighted to see the area we were seated in was spacious enough for our family group, was a charming, quiet, private little area which was clean and attractive for us to enjoy. The food arrived in a timely manner and was piping hot, well presented, with generous portions. Moreover, the food was delicious! The menfolk in our party thought the mega mixed grill contained excellent quality meat, whilst I enjoyed the Ultimate veggie burger that was far more interesting and tasty than others I have tried elsewhere. Everyone who had steak received a steak cooked perfectly to their request and our younger family members heartily recommend the Cowboy burgers. We enjoyed having a relaxed family meal together but felt the Chequers Inn venue and staff really added a touch of magic, Staff anticipated our every need and were genuinely, bubbly, motivated and professional. It is rare we can all go out and feel so delighted with our meals. We left knowing the names of the staff who had looked after us and with a feeling we will be back again soon. I rarely leave reviews but we really enjoyed our evening thank you to Lauren, Tony, Deborah...

It was OK. Seemed very much a locals pub. Visited around lunchtime after shopping in Leicester. Just had one drink. Bit pricey, can't remember how much.

When I arrived there were a group of people, two families, sat in a corner. I sat opposite. The entire room was dominated by the voice of one chap. It got worse when another guy arrived and sat on a stool in the centre of the room. Although the 'voice' spoke eloquently, he did so in a broad working class Leicestershire accent, which was grating. He prefaced everything he said with 'to be honest ' and at no point did I doubt his honesty! I just wondered why he kept stating it!

I was amused and irritated at the same time.

Meanwhile, his unruly children, who were more akin to a pack of wild animals, did entirely as they liked, said what they liked and generally behaved as if there were no social graces to be observed. The wife, mother, woman, whatever, sitting there, looked on adoringly.

I retired to the outside to smoke a cigarette, and I could still hear his voice!

I suspect, because it's a pretty building in an attractive village, there are lots of people, just like me, who stop here, and probably never return.

I won't, but don't let me put you off. Maybe when you go, it'll be different, ...