Harpur's Of Melbourne — Restaurant in South Derbyshire

March 2022.

We visited Harpur's again but this time for Lunch. 2 of us had the Spicy Halloumi Burger and 2 of us had the House Burger. Everything was really nicely presented. Both of us were unsure why it was called Spicy Halloumi Burger as it wasn't spicy one bit, there was also too much Aloli Sauce which spilled out as soon as you picked it up. I am not going to change my rating as it was pleasant but there was definitely something missing from the burger - Peppers? Sweet Chilli Sauce? We used a Gift Voucher on this occasion and both of us said that if we had paid £13.95 for it then we wouldn't have been happy as it was quite bland.

My partner and Dad had the House Burger, they said the Bacon part of it was very nice. The Tennessee bun the Burger was in was however very stodgy and dry - they said they would have preferred the Bun that mine was in which was a Brioche Bun which was light and soft.

It was still a nice experience and the area was clean, including the toilets as well. Lots of items on the menu, however would definitely encourage Harpur's to change the menu from Spicy Halloumi to just Halloumi.

My previous review which was the Champagne Breakfast....

Jan 2022....It's my first time visiting Harper's, me and my family have always been told how lovely it is and all the recommendations were spot on.

We went for a Champagne Breakfast for the 4 of us. 2 Vegetarians and 2 meat eaters.

The menu was full of options and to have 3 courses and a drink I was honestly stuffed after the 1st!!

You can choose from Champagne, Prosecco or Juice but we asked for Tea and Coffee which was no problem at all.

The first course we had Pancakes and one person had the Granola and they were fantastic!! I thought the Syrup, Berries and Yoghurt would be in small pots and even the pancakes would be small but they were 3 medium pancakes with all the toppings on top.... Syrup, berries and yoghurt?! Strange...?! Not at all, we were all so surprised at how well they all complimented each other and I'm going to try and copy it myself at home!! We all said they were the best pancakes we have ever had.

Unfortunately this make me personally really full before my main meal! I wasn't prepared for the big portions so you really get the best out of your money!

The main we asked for Vegan breakfasts but swapped some items out which was no problem at all, best vegan sausages we have ever had. The Big Meaty Breakfasts were really enjoyed as well. The toast was put in the middle which was really awesome as I could have my partners toast without it touching the meat items.

For dessert it was Crossaint and Brownie, I asked for mine to go away which was also no problem! It was put in a pizza box which came in handy when the rest of the family decided to take theirs home too. The only downside was that it said Crossaint and Brownie but only 2 out of 4 of us got brownie portions but never mind.

I'm now writing this after having our desserts warmed up at home and we really enjoyed the experience at Harpur's.

The lady serving us (sorry didn't catch her name!) Was really welcoming.

The toilets there were also very clean and the surroundings inside and outside were very good too, with their own car park you couldn't really ask...

Had my birthday here last night: a party of 14. General consensus was that the food was good but the staff could have been lots better.

We'd pre ordered food, so was only a drinks order to take when we arrived. The waitress didn't really seem bothered to take this order - she was in such a rush. She stood in the middle, where I was sat. Looked around asking orders. Didn't even look at me and rushed off.

I managed to gesture her to come back after a while, saying I'd been missed. No apology, just looked annoyed at me.

As the birthday girl (who wasn't drinking) I fancied a non alcoholic cocktail.

"Do you do non alcoholic cocktails?"

"No" flat, impatient no. No offer to create me one. No sorry.

Additionally, my friend's beer had to be asked for three times because they kept forgetting it.

Drinks were a problem later too. Waitress stood at one end of the large table to take order as if she couldn't be bothered to walk down the table. We felt we had to shout orders down before she ran off again. We would have spent lots more on drinks given the chance. The waiting staff cost the restaurant a lot of money in this way.

When the meals came, three meals didn't come. Which with a big table is understandable. Yet there was no reassurance it was on its way. And one dish didn't make it and the staff didn't notice. So, we had to ask. Again. Also, the steaks were brought out first. Yet, what was the last thing they brought out? The sauces that accompanied the steaks. We had to chase up those as well.

When you're out for dinner for your birthday with friends you haven't seen for ages, you don't want to spend half the night chasing up things like we did.

Food overall was great. So no complaints to the chef.

The waiting staff need to improve hugely. They need to be friendly, more attentive and more organised. It was clear this was a celebration, yet they did nothing to make it special. I wouldn't be in a rush to come back with a large party.

Finally, there was problems with the card machine when paying. Clearly a dodgy machine. They weren't sure if my friend's payment had gone through - asking him to pay again and would refund him if it went through twice. He suggested the other way round and would pay if didn't go through, and offered his contact details. Again, staff could have been better with this and more apologetic.

Come on The Harpurs! You want to remain a great reputation and in keep with your great setting and food. Give your staff a good metaphorical...

Well where do I start!!!! Firstly myself and 2 friends chose to meet here as it was a central point and traveled 50 minutes each, what a mistake!!!!

We arrived at 7pm were seated at our table, ordered drinks after a 15 minute wait, then 2 starter’s to share they were ok

Our mains!!!!! We ordered the Steak pie with mash and red cabbage, they arrived and looked lovely……….. but after one mouthful we had to send them back,I have never tasted anything so salty in all my life!!! They were swimming in the gravy that must of been made of pure liquid salt!!! It was so bad that we had to ask for water, that never arrived!!! Another 20 minutes wait and having to shout across the restaurant we asked for the bill and reminded the waitress about the water that we still didn’t receive!!!! The bill finally came after another 15mins and still no water!!! They had taken off the 2 salty meals and the 2 drinks my friends had, my meal and drink was still on the bill, we got a half hearted sorry and were asked to leave an email address so the manager could email us a a voucher, the manager did not come over to see is or apologise and even if they did I can only assume it would be another 20 minutes wait!!!!

We left and I head straight to the local Sainsburys luckily it was 2 minutes down the road for a drink!!!! Very very disappointing as I have been to The Dragon in Willington and that venue is lovely, the only thing I can say about Harpers of Melborne is AVOID !!! And go straight to...