The Walnut Tree — Restaurant in Wales

I recently visited The Walnut Tree in Abergavenny, with a lot of expectations built up from its reputation and past reviews. I must admit, the restaurant lived up to its name in terms of food quality. Each dish served was nicely prepared and had a delightful taste, worthy of potential attention from the Michelin guide. The kitchen staff are doing an excellent job and have my commendations.

Furthermore, the younger staff members were amiable and inviting. They provided attentive service, ensuring that our dining experience was pleasant. Their polite and respectful attitude was greatly appreciated, proving that they are truly an asset to the restaurant.

Regrettably, however, not all experiences at The Walnut Tree were as pleasing. A senior staff member named Pauline displayed an off-putting demeanor which considerably diminished our dining experience. Pauline's dismissive attitude was hard to comprehend, and it created an unwelcoming atmosphere. Surprisingly, this issue has been mentioned in numerous reviews dating back to 2012, yet it seems no action has been taken to address this problem.

Pauline, who according to these reviews has been with The Walnut Tree for 50 years, seemed to treat regular customers differently. This bias is concerning and left us feeling like lesser valued customers. Unfortunately, it seems the restaurant has not been responsive to these past complaints, and as of my recent visit in 2023, the situation remains unchanged.

In conclusion, The Walnut Tree offers high-quality food and mostly excellent service, but is held back by a staff member's poor attitude. I am hopeful that my review might serve as a catalyst for change. It is important to remember that a restaurant is as good as its staff, and having experience does not give anyone the right to be disrespectful to guests. This might be an opportunity for Pauline to learn from her younger colleagues and help maintain the stellar reputation of The Walnut Tree. The restaurant has so much potential, and I hope they take heed of this and make a...

Ivy Cottage was an absolute delight. More expensive than the Old Post Office but superior in every way. One sitting room, a dining room, three bathrooms - two with beautiful baths and efficient showers. Decorated to a high standard with Fired Earth fittings, orchids and ferns graced every surface. ||The conservatory doors opened on to a sunny patio leading to a private parking spot, all sandwiched neatly between the two kitchen gardens.||The kitchen is stocked with cereals, artisan bread, smoked salmon, sliced ham and cheese, eggs, butter and a selection of crisps, nuts, jams, honey and fresh fruit. There were loose leaf teas/infusions, as well as a coffee machine with multiple pods. Still and sparkling water abounded together with milk, orange juice and a bottte of Tinpot Hut 2017 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. ||WiFi was available together with a digital radio and 3 televisions.||The beds were very comfortable and the whole cottage was immaculately clean and fresh. White Company soaps together with Aromatherapy Associates shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotions filled the bathrooms. There were plenty of fluffy white towels and bathrobes.||Dinner at The Walnut Tree was a real treat. We had cocktails and little snacks of chorizo arancini and courgette fritters in the bar. The dining room was filled with happy people where we ate mussels with a sweet corn soup, glamorgan sausages, squab pigeon, venison, sirloin steak and pasta with girolles.||There was even a birthday candle in our daughter's vanilla and strawberry tart with raspberry sorbet - a lovely touch from the efficient and personable waiting staff who are a credit to the...

Ivy Cottage was an absolute delight. More expensive than the Old Post Office but superior in every way. One sitting room, a dining room, three bathrooms - two with beautiful baths and efficient showers. Decorated to a high standard with Fired Earth fittings, orchids and ferns graced every surface. ||The conservatory doors opened on to a sunny patio leading to a private parking spot, all sandwiched neatly between the two kitchen gardens.||The kitchen is stocked with cereals, artisan bread, smoked salmon, sliced ham and cheese, eggs, butter and a selection of crisps, nuts, jams, honey and fresh fruit. There were loose leaf teas/infusions, as well as a coffee machine with multiple pods. Still and sparkling water abounded together with milk, orange juice and a bottte of Tinpot Hut 2017 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. ||WiFi was available together with a digital radio and 3 televisions.||The beds were very comfortable and the whole cottage was immaculately clean and fresh. White Company soaps together with Aromatherapy Associates shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotions filled the bathrooms. There were plenty of fluffy white towels and bathrobes.||Dinner at The Walnut Tree was a real treat. We had cocktails and little snacks of chorizo arancini and courgette fritters in the bar. The dining room was filled with happy people where we ate mussels with a sweet corn soup, glamorgan sausages, squab pigeon, venison, sirloin steak and pasta with girolles.||There was even a birthday candle in our daughter's vanilla and strawberry tart with raspberry sorbet - a lovely touch from the efficient and personable waiting staff who are a credit to the...