"A modern country house restaurant with a comfy lounge that hints at the 20th century history of the Armstrong-Jones era. Fabulous cocktails! Unfortunately while being provided with a gun room menu we didn 't get to see it as we were part of four group 6pm sitting. We were guided to a small room, that may once have been a boot room, as it had a single door leading outside. Decor was gloomy. This room needs careful negotiation if you find three steps down difficult as the ironwork handrail is low. I couldn 't help my husband as I was left carrying the drinks glasses which the front of house member had not offered to carry and had no tray with her to do this. Not a relaxing start to the evening. Once seated in a low chair (another table occupant commented on the discomfort), we considered asking for cushions to sit on..but settled to enjoy our special meal. It was served in a friendly, yet professional manner by our waitress who 'saved the evening '. The food started well; the pre-starter and Asparagus were lovely. The main was disappointing, set aside the tough beef, the vegetable sides had obviously been forgotten and arrived after I reminded them and after the time they would have taken to plate up. The chips were solid, dark brown and gastro-pub style. We left them. It was good to hear that dietary considerations were well tended to for another table, as indeed ours had been. So five stars for this. Our meal slid to a halt with an adequate, but not sparkling, dessert choice. Coffee in the lounge was not an option for our sitting as the 8pm people were still in the lounge. When we saw coffee being served at an accompanying table (with that explanation) we chose to leave and go home to relax. The staff member on farewell-duty, was once again the lady in the black dress, who had shown us to our table. I was left to find my husband 's coat on the wooden hall stand... Maybe our experience was a one-off? It 's unlikely we will find out."
