The Thorold — Restaurant in South Kesteven

This was a terrible experience. We had no choice but to stay here as we were going to a wedding. I usually take reviews with a pinch of salt because people have different experiences, however I warn everyone away from this place.||||We had booked 2 nights here. When we arrived, the place looked nice, the room was clean but it was cold and had a really strong smell of bleach. As the cleaner has just finished and it's a small room, we gave that a pass, assuming she had the window open while cleaning. We set the radiator to high and then went downstairs.||||We went to the bar and ordered a glass of wine, then booked dinner - we asked for 7pm but were advised we can only have 6:45 or 7:15 as they like to stagger bookings so as not to overwhelm the kitchen. We booked for 7:15.||||We went up to our room and it was still freezing. The radiator was not even warm. So, tired we got under the duvet in our clothes to rest. ||||At about 7pm, we went down for dinner. We ordered and then waited 50 minutes for our food with no updates. A couple on a table next to us who arrived after us received their starters before we even got anything. I was hangry by this point. If there was anywhere else to go, I would have walked out. The shepherds pie arrived and it was just flavourless stodgy mess - would maybe pay £6 for it in a pub but this was £14. The veg with it was like 3 strands of cabbage, a small broccoli floret and a couple of bits of carrot. I barely ate any - just the veg, was feeling sick from annoyance by this time.||||We went to bed, the room was freezing so we slept in our clothes. The bed was uncomfortable and there was constant loud door banging from the bar below. We barely slept. ||||Decided not to have breakfast as didn't want to pay the price, wait for ages and receive mediocre food. They literally have you hostage there. With no competition, why would they bother raising the standards.||||We decided not to stay another night and went to check out, to be told we were only booked in for one night and someone else is booked in for the Saturday night. So we would have been stranded after the wedding. We have screen shot and proof of booking. The woman said she gave us a discount from the meal, I just paid it as wanted to get out of there. When I later looked at the receipt, there was no discount, plus we were over charged - charged for a pint of cola when we only had a half.||||Honestly, steer well clear. Awaiting refund of the second night. Maybe if they have no one going there, they'll buck up...

This was a terrible experience. We had no choice but to stay here as we were going to a wedding. I usually take reviews with a pinch of salt because people have different experiences, however I warn everyone away from this place.||||We had booked 2 nights here. When we arrived, the place looked nice, the room was clean but it was cold and had a really strong smell of bleach. As the cleaner has just finished and it's a small room, we gave that a pass, assuming she had the window open while cleaning. We set the radiator to high and then went downstairs.||||We went to the bar and ordered a glass of wine, then booked dinner - we asked for 7pm but were advised we can only have 6:45 or 7:15 as they like to stagger bookings so as not to overwhelm the kitchen. We booked for 7:15.||||We went up to our room and it was still freezing. The radiator was not even warm. So, tired we got under the duvet in our clothes to rest. ||||At about 7pm, we went down for dinner. We ordered and then waited 50 minutes for our food with no updates. A couple on a table next to us who arrived after us received their starters before we even got anything. I was hangry by this point. If there was anywhere else to go, I would have walked out. The shepherds pie arrived and it was just flavourless stodgy mess - would maybe pay £6 for it in a pub but this was £14. The veg with it was like 3 strands of cabbage, a small broccoli floret and a couple of bits of carrot. I barely ate any - just the veg, was feeling sick from annoyance by this time.||||We went to bed, the room was freezing so we slept in our clothes. The bed was uncomfortable and there was constant loud door banging from the bar below. We barely slept. ||||Decided not to have breakfast as didn't want to pay the price, wait for ages and receive mediocre food. They literally have you hostage there. With no competition, why would they bother raising the standards.||||We decided not to stay another night and went to check out, to be told we were only booked in for one night and someone else is booked in for the Saturday night. So we would have been stranded after the wedding. We have screen shot and proof of booking. The woman said she gave us a discount from the meal, I just paid it as wanted to get out of there. When I later looked at the receipt, there was no discount, plus we were over charged - charged for a pint of cola when we only had a half.||||Honestly, steer well clear. Awaiting refund of the second night. Maybe if they have no one going there, they'll buck up...

Local pub mischief, March 2025

Next pub on our 2025 list

Good choice of pub classics, including grilled options, gluten-free and vegetarian options available, also please check the specials board, reasonable prices. We ordered gluten-free beer battered cod with chips, burger (Thorold Beef Burger) and two pies of the day. The food was served promptly and it was good. Decent portions. Despite the cod looked very anaemic, it was tasty. The pie of the day was really nice and filling, served with a jar of tasty gravy. The burger was OK, almost tasteless.

The place is clean and there are plenty of tables available. There are some tables outside as well. Smart decor.

There is a small car park available however the number of spaces is very limited, we had to park on the street further down the road despite the pub was almost empty.

The staff was very helpful, professional, nice...