The Old Mill Inn

We had a few cold plates, and the music was too loud and boppy for my taste. The server was polite, though rather brisk, and didn't make us feel especially welcome. The food was all passable, but nothing stood out. The chicken stroganoff was tasty and a good-sized portion, although its sauce was a bit oily and grainy. The steak pie was generous but short on flavour, and the vegetables were undercooked. The fish was tasty, but the portion wasn't large and its batter was sticky and greasy. The chips with the fish and the scampi were cold and soggy. The scampi itself was fine. Since MacAli took over, this was our first time eating at the restaurant. The menu has improved and offers a good range, though not many vegetarian options. Seating is better too, thank goodness most of those old right-angle wooden chairs have gone. They don't serve decaf coffee, either. We were too full to try dessert, but the choices looked good. I'd give it another chance for dinner.

When we came back in October, the service was much better and the food was fantastic again. The woman running the front of house was great, though I didn't get her name. That visit earned the place five stars, and the cheesecake was still the best I've ever had. On our first visit, a Saturday evening, I'd booked a table but they couldn't find the reservation when we arrived. Luckily, they had another table for us. Service was very slow, perhaps just teething problems after the recent reopening. The food was fresh and cooked to order, and all three courses were excellent. We'll definitely go back.

Christiana, who was looking after housekeeping and breakfast, was a star. My mother and I spent the night in the building with no one else on site. The rooms were warm and very nice, but the rest of the place felt freezing because it wasn't in use. The restaurant and bar were closed, and breakfast was continental only, with no cooked option. The owners weren't there, as the property was up for sale. After many lovely family gatherings at the Old Mill over the years, we were very disappointed.

It was very quiet, with lovely scenery all around, yet still not far from civilization. Our room was cosy and nice. The bar was open, although they weren't serving food at this location that day.