Half Penny Farm - Dining & Carvery

Have not visited the Half Penny Farm in many years, it used to be called the One and Two Halves (Fayre & Square - still the same Greene King but a change of plaque on the wall).

Located just off the main road and easily accessible for the M5, there is ample parking - but be sure to validate number plate when arrive so don't end up with a fine. I believe they had to do that because of the offices next door taking up all of the parking spaces, so needed to keep customer parking available.

Visited the bar to order my drink, the lady serving was very friendly, easy to chat to and also quick service. Can not complain at all.

Today is so hot it's unreal, but inside.... You can find places that are like being in an igloo in places under the aircon. I sat there for a while to cool down, then shifted along to a warmer spot - it was much appreciated having the cool down being 30'+ outside! The drinks were always served ice cold too.

Managed to get a bit of work done on the WiFi. Speed test shows the connection as 72.0Mbps download / 11.6Mbps upload. Spot on! Can not fault it for Teams calls and re-sync of files. A good point for those working from home and like to get out.. Plus... it was just as strong outside.

After moving to somewhere to bask! I went to sit outside for a bit on one of the many picnic benches. It's a little noisy due to being next to the main road but unavoidable really. Then used one of the many wooden huts... Well... they are awesome! Not only do they have really good WiFi signal in, but there is a light and a switch for the heat lamp on the ceiling to come on. It is like a remote working dream to have privacy, deadens some of the traffic noise and be outside too even if weather is a bit iffy.

One great point is spotted they have a dedicated "shed" for the outside users. Check the picture out. It is great. Was almost perfect, but with a few improvement points: The menus could do with a bit of a clean, mine was splattered with food. There was no salt or vinegar available - I had to get mine from a table inside. It would be useful to check those are fully stocked. Another person after me, then was passed my salt so could do with looking at that.

The Greene King app used was just fine, while outside just chilling and writing this review - did not need to get up and goto the bar. On the huts the number was on the outside - it could be useful to have this number inside of the hut too as did take me a second longer to look for it.

This is a family and friendly dog place. Children can play out side on the playground area, and dogs are welcomed with the many dog bowls and water in the outside shed fresh for them. Everyone is catered for.

Toilets were decent, clean and fresh. No problems at all here.

I also ordered food here. I had the Lousianna-style Chicken Goujons & Mayonnaise bap. The bap and the chicken were nice and tasty, fresh and hot. Tasted great! The salad was plentiful on the place and nice. The chips - the only negative opinion really on the food, they were warm, some were hot and some were warm - did not taste fresh, and could have been sitting there for some time.

Top point to note, the staff here bring a warm welcome. It is a place for regulars and newcomers alike! Just be friendly and you will fit in just fine.

Only a few comments, and which is all why can only rate at 4* and not 5* :

• When bought drinks at the bar, the empties on table sat there uncollected even though then used order to table - the empty glasses I moved to the edge of the table to take, were just left behind.
• The outside dining station was missing salt and vinegar.
• Chips were mix of luke-warm / hot. Could just be worth serving fresh batches with the meals and would have been perfect.

Update 15/09/2023: Upped the review to 5* as since last visit, everything is now perfect. Thanks 😊