We ate at The Friars Head last night as a group of 4. This was our first visit since it reopened and we are so pleased it is back in the hands of the family! There was a lovely buzz when we arrived, with the fires lit in the bar and a lovely atmosphere in the garden room where we ate. The food was excellent, we enjoyed starters, main courses, desserts and coffee. We all commented on the quality and flavours of the food. The staff were attentive, friendly and seemed to enjoy their job!We found the value for money exceptionally reasonable and literally couldn't fault it. As locals we are so pleased to have it back to the Friars Head we were so familiar with. We really hope the reopening is a success and would recommend a visit!
Jonathan Murray
Great to see the pub alive again since re opening, food was excellent, and great atmosphere.
Lu Moré
Please read below my email to management which details our experience here.HiI am really sorry to say that I am writing to make a formal complaint about our experience at The Friars head today (Monday 1st January 2024).I messaged ahead of our visit to ask if food was being served today and I was told 'We are yes ?? 12-3pm'. No other clarification at this point that we should expect a different experience to normal, or to be told to expect a selection of 3 sandwiches. Had we had known, we'd have gone elsewhere.When we arrived, the one member of staff working that shift told us that we wouldn’t be able to have food as we were a table of 5 that hadn't booked. This was already a bit strange given that I’d messaged the Facebook page earlier. I then told him that I’d already messaged the page, so he then went to ask the chef. We were then told we could have a limited selection of sandwiches. We accepted this, and were sat down. He took our drinks order, and when the drinks came, all of them bar one was incorrect. He then took our food order. When our food came, a few items were incorrect but we also let that slide as the poor waiter was completely on his own.We noticed other tables eating other food from the normal menu, so I messaged the Facebook page for clarification as to why we weren't offered the full menu, hoping to speak to a manager or a supervisor. I was told on the Facebook page that they were running a limited menu for those who hadn't booked. To make the decision to allow walk in customers to observe booked customers receiving a different experience to us doesn't make any sense to me, but I was willing to let that go until another large walk in group (not booked) were given menus and pizza options. They had not booked, we asked them.I wish I could say that our bad experience ended here. The worst of it was when we wanted to pay the bill and express our concerns. It defies belief how poor the service was at this point. We went over to the bar to be respectful and discreet with our concerns because I thought this was the right thing to do. The waiter said he would bring the chef to speak to us. Initially, they offered to take the drinks off. Baring in mind, we hadn't even had the opportunity to explain why we were unhappy. Taking the drinks off wasn’t enough for our particular complaints. We were stood there 20 minutes being told to keep waiting for the chef to speak to us. I really didn't want to leave the cash (minus the items we thought should be taken off, these were 2 sandwiches and a child's sandwich they charged us £11 for) and just leave without speaking to someone as I don’t think that’s fair on the business. Eventually, the waiter asked us how much we were paying and didn’t ask us why and just completely fobbed us off. Part of me sympathises and understands, the guy was on his own and we were a nuisance he didn’t want to deal with. When we asked him why we were given a different experience, he literally said ‘I don’t know’ and looked like he was completely out of his depth.To summarise, giving us a totally different experience to the other customers just isn’t acceptable. Then to tell us that it’s only customers who are booked that are being treated differently, just isn’t true. Nor is it even acceptable anyway. Other walk in customers were given menus and pizza options.I’m not happy with the correspondence I’ve had on Facebook messenger, so I’m not hopeful I’ll get a better response on here either, but here’s hoping.We are loyal regular customers. We have had great experience and other not so great experiences, but sadly today was an exception and not in a good way. We visit a lot throughout the year as we have a lodge on site, and we have always tried to support the friars head throughout all its recent turbulence, but I’m not the kind of person to blast a company all over social media, I’d rather have a direct conversation, which I just haven’t had the opportunity to have.Kind regardsLucy
Dave Miller
Sunday lunch was very good. The staff were pleasant and attentive. I know this place has had mixed fortunes over the years but it seems to be back on track ..
Hana Buhlova
We had a lovely meal on Monday night. There were 20 of us, The food was delicious and there was plenty of it, good service , and a lovely Christmas atmosphere. Thank you, we'll definitely be back.
Lu M
Please see below an email sent to management about our recent experience. Hi I am really sorry to say that I am writing to make a formal complaint about our experience at The Friars head today (Monday 1st January 2024). I messaged ahead of our visit to ask if food was being served today and I was told 'We are yes ?? 12-3pm'. No other clarification at this point that we should expect a different experience to normal, or to be told to expect a selection of 3 sandwiches. Had we had known, we'd have gone elsewhere. When we arrived, the one member of staff working that shift told us that we wouldn’t be able to have food as we were a table of 5 that hadn't booked. This was already a bit strange given that I’d messaged the Facebook page earlier. I then told him that I’d already messaged the page, so he then went to ask the chef. We were then told we could have a limited selection of sandwiches. We accepted this, and were sat down. He took our drinks order, and when the drinks came, all of them bar one was incorrect. He then took our food order. When our food came, a few items were incorrect but we also let that slide as the poor waiter was completely on his own. We noticed other tables eating other food from the normal menu, so I messaged the Facebook page for clarification as to why we weren't offered the full menu, hoping to speak to a manager or a supervisor. I was told on the Facebook page that they were running a limited menu for those who hadn't booked. To make the decision to allow walk in customers to observe booked customers receiving a different experience to us doesn't make any sense to me, but I was willing to let that go until another large walk in group (not booked) were given menus and pizza options. They had not booked, we asked them. I wish I could say that our bad experience ended here. The worst of it was when we wanted to pay the bill and express our concerns. It defies belief how poor the service was at this point. We went over to the bar to be respectful and discreet with our concerns because I thought this was the right thing to do. The waiter said he would bring the chef to speak to us. Initially, they offered to take the drinks off. Baring in mind, we hadn't even had the opportunity to explain why we were unhappy. Taking the drinks off wasn’t enough for our particular complaints. We were stood there 20 minutes being told to keep waiting for the chef to speak to us. I really didn't want to leave the cash (minus the items we thought should be taken off, these were 2 sandwiches and a child's sandwich they charged us £11 for) and just leave without speaking to someone as I don’t think that’s fair on the business. Eventually, the waiter asked us how much we were paying and didn’t ask us why and just completely fobbed us off. Part of me sympathises and understands, the guy was on his own and we were a nuisance he didn’t want to deal with. When we asked him why we were given a different experience, he literally said ‘I don’t know’ and looked like he was completely out of his depth. To summarise, giving us a totally different experience to the other customers just isn’t acceptable. Then to tell us that it’s only customers who are booked that are being treated differently, just isn’t true. Nor is it even acceptable anyway. Other walk in customers were given menus and pizza options. I’m not happy with the correspondence I’ve had on Facebook messenger, so I’m not hopeful I’ll get a better response on here either, but here’s hoping. We are loyal regular customers. We have had great experience and other not so great experiences, but sadly today was an exception and not in a good way. We visit a lot throughout the year as we have a lodge on site, and we have always tried to support the friars head throughout all its recent turbulence, but I’m not the kind of person to blast a company all over social media, I’d rather have a direct conversation, which I just haven’t had the opportunity to have. Kind regards Lucy
paul stocks
Just been in for a couple of drinks as we're looking at moving onto the site.The staff were exceptional and Kurtis went above and beyond to show us around the place and answer our questions.Look forward to returning
Natalie B
Went as a party of 5 for a birthday meal last night. The food was lovely, the staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. Service was great. Very atmospheric with the Christmas decorations and music. They even sang Happy Birthday. The seafood platter, Tuna and mulled wine were particularly nice.
CarolineP842
We visited a few months ago as a family of 5 for Sunday lunch and received a less than satisfactory service due to exceptionally slow service and the poor quality of the meat in particular. However at that point we put down to teething problems due it new owners so decided to give them the benefit do the doubt and it another go. This time we visited as a larger family group so had pre-ordered from the festive menu. When we arrived there was no one behind the bar to serve drinks so made the way to our table. The pre-ordered starters arrived relatively quickly and were tasty however there was then an hours wait before the mains arrived. The turkey main was very nice however the veg advertised as seasonal, was not (baby corn /mange tout) and the beef bourguigon was full of fat and gristle. Once we had finished our mains the desserts, frustratingly again, took another hour to arrive. If they were home made warm desserts or presented/displayed with some sort of care and attention, I'd understand. However the profiteroles, advertised as being filled with chantilly cream and served with a hot chocolate sauce, were the very cheap shop bought variety with squeezy cold chocolate sauce normally used for children's ice cream. The were thrown in a small bowl with zero effort made in the presentation. The cheesecake was slightly better but again served in a bowl with little care to the presentation. The bill we had to go and seek out at the bar after 20 or so minutes of waiting. It then took another 15 mins to sort out with the poor waitress having to individually input each item. The waitress staff were very friendly and attentive when they can be found but there are serious issues with the exceptionally slow service (it wasn't very busy) and the quality of the food. We won't be trying for a third time which is disappointing as we were frequent visitors for many years before the current owners took over. Be prepared for a very long wait if you do give it a go!
gilliana450
Came with a group of ladies for the Christmas fare lunch. We had a long wait to receive our lunch but on its arrival we were pleasantly surprised. We all had turkey and it was beautiful and succulent. The trimmings were tasty and the yorkshire puddings were great. Lots of lovely vegetables and the gravy was really nice. Only one staff behind the bar (Curtis), one waiting on staff and one chef. They all did a fabulous job despite being so under staffed. The management need to recognise these staff and provide more man power to make the service flow. Not their fault, they only have one pair of hands !!. Compliments to the chef ( sorry, don't know your name), you did a fab job. Management need to more visible to answer concerns and suggestions and not leave this to the front of house staff.
Fantastic Sunday lunch, I booked online for 12 of us , Alison rang to confirm the booking, she was so friendly. It was lovely, we were made to feel so welcome and they couldn’t do enough for us. I would definitely recommend and I can’t wait to go again. ?
fe2012ah “Annie”
The food was very nice, the staff were friendly and polite. Nothing was too much. We'll be back. I'm sure of that.
Steve Morris
Steak night, two rump steak dinners for £35 was very nice.
Eleanor W
Had a small Parma chips n salad n my husband had a large one was the best parmo we ever had took home in a box coz was stuffed would recommend we back having another one was lovely and staff are lovely and friendly
Kenny Robinson
This will sound awful but it’s honest.Sunday lunch … food was hot, beef was nice but vegetables were rock hard, cauliflower cheese tastelessDeserts were banoffee pie, shortbread crust was soft & stale, fruit pavlova was very tasty but it was just shoved onto the plateNeeds more professional staff. It’s gone/going down hill very fast & such a shameI said it was honest, it isPlease run this potentially superb pub with decent food & staff.
We ate at The Friars Head last night as a group of 4. This was our first visit since it reopened and we are so pleased it is back in the hands of the family! There was a lovely buzz when we arrived, with the fires lit in the bar and a lovely atmosphere in the garden room where we ate. The food was excellent, we enjoyed starters, main courses, desserts and coffee. We all commented on the quality and flavours of the food. The staff were attentive, friendly and seemed to enjoy their job!We found the value for money exceptionally reasonable and literally couldn't fault it. As locals we are so pleased to have it back to the Friars Head we were so familiar with. We really hope the reopening is a success and would recommend a visit!
Great to see the pub alive again since re opening, food was excellent, and great atmosphere.
Please read below my email to management which details our experience here.HiI am really sorry to say that I am writing to make a formal complaint about our experience at The Friars head today (Monday 1st January 2024).I messaged ahead of our visit to ask if food was being served today and I was told 'We are yes ?? 12-3pm'. No other clarification at this point that we should expect a different experience to normal, or to be told to expect a selection of 3 sandwiches. Had we had known, we'd have gone elsewhere.When we arrived, the one member of staff working that shift told us that we wouldn’t be able to have food as we were a table of 5 that hadn't booked. This was already a bit strange given that I’d messaged the Facebook page earlier. I then told him that I’d already messaged the page, so he then went to ask the chef. We were then told we could have a limited selection of sandwiches. We accepted this, and were sat down. He took our drinks order, and when the drinks came, all of them bar one was incorrect. He then took our food order. When our food came, a few items were incorrect but we also let that slide as the poor waiter was completely on his own.We noticed other tables eating other food from the normal menu, so I messaged the Facebook page for clarification as to why we weren't offered the full menu, hoping to speak to a manager or a supervisor. I was told on the Facebook page that they were running a limited menu for those who hadn't booked. To make the decision to allow walk in customers to observe booked customers receiving a different experience to us doesn't make any sense to me, but I was willing to let that go until another large walk in group (not booked) were given menus and pizza options. They had not booked, we asked them.I wish I could say that our bad experience ended here. The worst of it was when we wanted to pay the bill and express our concerns. It defies belief how poor the service was at this point. We went over to the bar to be respectful and discreet with our concerns because I thought this was the right thing to do. The waiter said he would bring the chef to speak to us. Initially, they offered to take the drinks off. Baring in mind, we hadn't even had the opportunity to explain why we were unhappy. Taking the drinks off wasn’t enough for our particular complaints. We were stood there 20 minutes being told to keep waiting for the chef to speak to us. I really didn't want to leave the cash (minus the items we thought should be taken off, these were 2 sandwiches and a child's sandwich they charged us £11 for) and just leave without speaking to someone as I don’t think that’s fair on the business. Eventually, the waiter asked us how much we were paying and didn’t ask us why and just completely fobbed us off. Part of me sympathises and understands, the guy was on his own and we were a nuisance he didn’t want to deal with. When we asked him why we were given a different experience, he literally said ‘I don’t know’ and looked like he was completely out of his depth.To summarise, giving us a totally different experience to the other customers just isn’t acceptable. Then to tell us that it’s only customers who are booked that are being treated differently, just isn’t true. Nor is it even acceptable anyway. Other walk in customers were given menus and pizza options.I’m not happy with the correspondence I’ve had on Facebook messenger, so I’m not hopeful I’ll get a better response on here either, but here’s hoping.We are loyal regular customers. We have had great experience and other not so great experiences, but sadly today was an exception and not in a good way. We visit a lot throughout the year as we have a lodge on site, and we have always tried to support the friars head throughout all its recent turbulence, but I’m not the kind of person to blast a company all over social media, I’d rather have a direct conversation, which I just haven’t had the opportunity to have.Kind regardsLucy
Sunday lunch was very good. The staff were pleasant and attentive. I know this place has had mixed fortunes over the years but it seems to be back on track ..
We had a lovely meal on Monday night. There were 20 of us, The food was delicious and there was plenty of it, good service , and a lovely Christmas atmosphere. Thank you, we'll definitely be back.
Please see below an email sent to management about our recent experience. Hi I am really sorry to say that I am writing to make a formal complaint about our experience at The Friars head today (Monday 1st January 2024). I messaged ahead of our visit to ask if food was being served today and I was told 'We are yes ?? 12-3pm'. No other clarification at this point that we should expect a different experience to normal, or to be told to expect a selection of 3 sandwiches. Had we had known, we'd have gone elsewhere. When we arrived, the one member of staff working that shift told us that we wouldn’t be able to have food as we were a table of 5 that hadn't booked. This was already a bit strange given that I’d messaged the Facebook page earlier. I then told him that I’d already messaged the page, so he then went to ask the chef. We were then told we could have a limited selection of sandwiches. We accepted this, and were sat down. He took our drinks order, and when the drinks came, all of them bar one was incorrect. He then took our food order. When our food came, a few items were incorrect but we also let that slide as the poor waiter was completely on his own. We noticed other tables eating other food from the normal menu, so I messaged the Facebook page for clarification as to why we weren't offered the full menu, hoping to speak to a manager or a supervisor. I was told on the Facebook page that they were running a limited menu for those who hadn't booked. To make the decision to allow walk in customers to observe booked customers receiving a different experience to us doesn't make any sense to me, but I was willing to let that go until another large walk in group (not booked) were given menus and pizza options. They had not booked, we asked them. I wish I could say that our bad experience ended here. The worst of it was when we wanted to pay the bill and express our concerns. It defies belief how poor the service was at this point. We went over to the bar to be respectful and discreet with our concerns because I thought this was the right thing to do. The waiter said he would bring the chef to speak to us. Initially, they offered to take the drinks off. Baring in mind, we hadn't even had the opportunity to explain why we were unhappy. Taking the drinks off wasn’t enough for our particular complaints. We were stood there 20 minutes being told to keep waiting for the chef to speak to us. I really didn't want to leave the cash (minus the items we thought should be taken off, these were 2 sandwiches and a child's sandwich they charged us £11 for) and just leave without speaking to someone as I don’t think that’s fair on the business. Eventually, the waiter asked us how much we were paying and didn’t ask us why and just completely fobbed us off. Part of me sympathises and understands, the guy was on his own and we were a nuisance he didn’t want to deal with. When we asked him why we were given a different experience, he literally said ‘I don’t know’ and looked like he was completely out of his depth. To summarise, giving us a totally different experience to the other customers just isn’t acceptable. Then to tell us that it’s only customers who are booked that are being treated differently, just isn’t true. Nor is it even acceptable anyway. Other walk in customers were given menus and pizza options. I’m not happy with the correspondence I’ve had on Facebook messenger, so I’m not hopeful I’ll get a better response on here either, but here’s hoping. We are loyal regular customers. We have had great experience and other not so great experiences, but sadly today was an exception and not in a good way. We visit a lot throughout the year as we have a lodge on site, and we have always tried to support the friars head throughout all its recent turbulence, but I’m not the kind of person to blast a company all over social media, I’d rather have a direct conversation, which I just haven’t had the opportunity to have. Kind regards Lucy
Just been in for a couple of drinks as we're looking at moving onto the site.The staff were exceptional and Kurtis went above and beyond to show us around the place and answer our questions.Look forward to returning
Went as a party of 5 for a birthday meal last night. The food was lovely, the staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. Service was great. Very atmospheric with the Christmas decorations and music. They even sang Happy Birthday. The seafood platter, Tuna and mulled wine were particularly nice.
We visited a few months ago as a family of 5 for Sunday lunch and received a less than satisfactory service due to exceptionally slow service and the poor quality of the meat in particular. However at that point we put down to teething problems due it new owners so decided to give them the benefit do the doubt and it another go. This time we visited as a larger family group so had pre-ordered from the festive menu. When we arrived there was no one behind the bar to serve drinks so made the way to our table. The pre-ordered starters arrived relatively quickly and were tasty however there was then an hours wait before the mains arrived. The turkey main was very nice however the veg advertised as seasonal, was not (baby corn /mange tout) and the beef bourguigon was full of fat and gristle. Once we had finished our mains the desserts, frustratingly again, took another hour to arrive. If they were home made warm desserts or presented/displayed with some sort of care and attention, I'd understand. However the profiteroles, advertised as being filled with chantilly cream and served with a hot chocolate sauce, were the very cheap shop bought variety with squeezy cold chocolate sauce normally used for children's ice cream. The were thrown in a small bowl with zero effort made in the presentation. The cheesecake was slightly better but again served in a bowl with little care to the presentation. The bill we had to go and seek out at the bar after 20 or so minutes of waiting. It then took another 15 mins to sort out with the poor waitress having to individually input each item. The waitress staff were very friendly and attentive when they can be found but there are serious issues with the exceptionally slow service (it wasn't very busy) and the quality of the food. We won't be trying for a third time which is disappointing as we were frequent visitors for many years before the current owners took over. Be prepared for a very long wait if you do give it a go!
Came with a group of ladies for the Christmas fare lunch. We had a long wait to receive our lunch but on its arrival we were pleasantly surprised. We all had turkey and it was beautiful and succulent. The trimmings were tasty and the yorkshire puddings were great. Lots of lovely vegetables and the gravy was really nice. Only one staff behind the bar (Curtis), one waiting on staff and one chef. They all did a fabulous job despite being so under staffed. The management need to recognise these staff and provide more man power to make the service flow. Not their fault, they only have one pair of hands !!. Compliments to the chef ( sorry, don't know your name), you did a fab job. Management need to more visible to answer concerns and suggestions and not leave this to the front of house staff.
Restaurantji Recommends
Fantastic Sunday lunch, I booked online for 12 of us , Alison rang to confirm the booking, she was so friendly. It was lovely, we were made to feel so welcome and they couldn’t do enough for us. I would definitely recommend and I can’t wait to go again. ?
The food was very nice, the staff were friendly and polite. Nothing was too much. We'll be back. I'm sure of that.
Steak night, two rump steak dinners for £35 was very nice.
Had a small Parma chips n salad n my husband had a large one was the best parmo we ever had took home in a box coz was stuffed would recommend we back having another one was lovely and staff are lovely and friendly
This will sound awful but it’s honest.Sunday lunch … food was hot, beef was nice but vegetables were rock hard, cauliflower cheese tastelessDeserts were banoffee pie, shortbread crust was soft & stale, fruit pavlova was very tasty but it was just shoved onto the plateNeeds more professional staff. It’s gone/going down hill very fast & such a shameI said it was honest, it isPlease run this potentially superb pub with decent food & staff.