The Great Barn Restaurant

Stopped here for a spot of lunch Had a nice pea and mint soup with bread, washed down with a pot of tea. My partner had pork pie and salad. Both were tasty. Service was good, but it got very busy later with a queue reaching outside the building.

The food arrived cold, which was not surprising considering how long it took. We complained to the manager, Sophie, who accused us of just complaining for the sake of it. We paid for our meal but will not be returning. Although the setting is beautiful, I would suggest bringing a picnic instead.

The 'restaurant ' was nothing more than a coffee bar. The soup on offer was most uninteresting and the food was mainly 'scones? ' I do not have high expectations of National Trust catering despite that, we were very disappointed. Fortunately we lived less than half an hour away so returned for a decent hot snack having forgone our intending visit.

We had visited this restaurant before, but this time we were somewhat let down. We had been on the road early in the morning and were looking for something more substantial than cake or scones to eat. Unfortunately, when we arrived around 11:00 AM, they were not serving hot food or sandwiches until 12:00 PM. We were on a tight schedule, and by the time we finished exploring Hardwick Hall (Old and New), we didn't have the time or desire for anything else.

We had arrived early and couldn’t get into the house yet, so we decided to have two cooked breakfasts to warm us up. The poor ladies on till couldn’t find a button for cooked breakfast, so they had to use something else and then give me discount to get the correct price. We had two cappuccino’s very nice, but the breakfast was under whelming. Tinned mushrooms, very cardboard like bacon, the sausages were nice. Overall is was ok , but a little pricey. Would t have it again sorry.

Initially called for a drink before looking around. The tea was good but the latte was half froth if not more. They had no tea spoons so I asked and some were brought out but looked like they had not been cleaned. I pointed this out and the girl looked at me blank. Called in for lunch the jacket potato with cheese was pitiful and the. Chilli wasn't any better. Once again the latte was 65% froth even when asked to remake. In future I'll eat elsewhere or spend my £19÷ on a picnic feast. Sorry but not impressed at all.

On arrival at the restaurant look for a 'Reserved ' markers just inside the door and take this to your chosen table note the table number and then go to order your food and drinks at the servery. There are menus on the tables and also a 'specials ' board near the servery, which normally has two or three extra hot dishes. There is more seating at the back, upstairs and also some outside. The food is generally good, both the hot and the sandwiches, which are made daily. The several types of scones are also excellent along with the various cakes and what you would expect from the National Trust restaurant/cafe.

Visited here this morning Saturday 28th August 2021 with wife, daughter, her hubby and 4 year old grandson. We were early and it wasnt very busy . Taking the order for us and the same with the lady in front took ages. The staff behind the counter one being the supervisor didnt seem to know what they were doing. We sat down with our drinks and seemed ages for the toast to arrive, there was a whole slice missing so another wait of a couple of minutes. We were given one knob of butter for 2 slices of toast which isnt enough so i had to go to the counter again. wasnt impressed at all and will ot use again. also the price was very expensive

After the lockdown, we were eager for refreshments during our visits to Hardwick Hall and its beautiful parkland. Unfortunately, the food offerings have not improved. The menu now consists mostly of pre-packaged sandwiches, sausage rolls, soup, baked potatoes, biscuits, cakes, and scones. Previously, they used to offer proper main dishes. On a recent visit, the service was disorganized, with staff members apologizing for a shortage of personnel and struggling to keep up. This led to long waits and a crowded counter area. Such restaurants used to enhance the experience of visiting a National Trust property, but now they detract from it. It's time for the National Trust to improve their food a...