Harewood Arms

We chose this place because it was near the hill climb circuit. There was no food on Friday evening, so we went elsewhere, but breakfast was good and the room caused no problems. I liked the bar's digital detox policy.

The drinks were reasonably priced and the service was good, though there were only six other people there. We wanted a local pub for a family dinner, but the notice on the front door said no dogs, phones, children, swearing or muddy boots. To me that made it feel cold and unwelcoming, with no atmosphere or hospitality. It could have been a lively heart of the community, which made the lacklustre feel a shame.

We had a great stay while we were in town for a wedding. The bed was very comfortable, the room was larger than expected, and the water pressure was great. Staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was simple, but nice enough. The only thing we missed was a milk alternative for our lactose intolerant friend.

We paid for four roast dinners, but only two were brought out, with no explanation. After waiting more than half an hour, the other two still hadn't appeared. When we asked to leave and get a refund for the meals we never received, that request was refused. We were eventually told to come to the bar to speak with the manager, after waiting for him. The two meals we did get were dreadful: congealed mash, hard potatoes, overcooked vegetables, a burnt Yorkshire pudding, and one dish missing menu items. It all looked reheated and was barely edible. Staff put the plates down without explaining what they were, but we were later blamed for accepting the wrong meals. We were also told one dish was apparently pork, not turkey, as if that made the mix-up our fault. The visit started with our booking having been made for the wrong day. They seated us anyway because the place was empty, which we now understand. Our two Diet Cokes tasted like fizzy water. At first we were told the full-fat syrup had run out; when we pointed out we'd ordered Diet Coke, staff checked again and said there was a pump problem, offering only full-fat Coke or water. There was no apology or refund. Management spoke down to us, raised their voice in front of other customers and wouldn't listen, while blaming us for the whole mess. Honestly, if he hadn't said he was the manager, it wouldn't have been obvious; he looked like he was off to the skate park. We just wanted the money for the two missing meals so we could leave. We eventually took the two meals that had been sitting there, out of principle, to bin them or give them to someone we hated. That's the only way I'd wish that food on anyone.