The Kirkfield Hotel

We'd had good experiences here before and hope the system for large bookings can be sorted out. We're a large family of Newtonians who like supporting local businesses, and have several big gatherings a year. Two guests stayed overnight and said breakfast was marvellous. We booked for my partner's 30th birthday, but what should have been a lovely family meal was overshadowed by what my in-laws now jokingly call “meal-gate.” The online booking process seemed pointless: why have 20 people fill in a form if the list isn't then used by the kitchen and servers to track orders? On arrival, a young woman showed me a handwritten list and asked if it was right. I checked with as many guests as I could and confirmed 18, the number who'd turned up. It wasn't my job, but I organised the evening, so I did it. Then the meals came out. My father-in-law was still waiting for his steak after the rest of us had finished. When he asked whether the chef had started it, the server said she had other people in the restaurant too. We'd placed the order two weeks earlier. My aunt and uncle's meals arrived as people were starting dessert. We were the biggest table and bringing in the most income. The manager snapped at me several times and accused me of adding something to the list that her staff should have handled. She was so rude that other guests commented on it. My father-in-law had to pay a £30 bill for food he never ate. I called at 10:07am to cancel one fish and chips order that later came out. We cancelled two other orders around 18:30, which I understand may have caused confusion. Still, why hand a guest the order list to sort out? You wouldn't get in a taxi and have the driver hand you the keys. The food was spot on for 17 of the 18 people, so credit to the chefs. They looked physically drained after their shifts, and I can imagine this was frustrating for them. I don't blame them for the mix-ups. The bar staff were friendly enough, and the pints were decent. This seems like a system problem, and the place doesn't seem able to cope with large parties. Front-of-house staff also need better conflict resolution training, particularly the girl in the waistcoat, perhaps the manager. Sort out the system for large pre-booked groups, and we may consider coming back.

After a long day of meetings, it's a relief to have a good dinner here without needing to look elsewhere. The food is consistently full of flavour and carefully prepared, well beyond what I'd expect from a typical hotel meal. The rooms are spotless, and the staff clearly take care with them. The beds are soft but supportive, and I sleep really well. I travel for work a lot and often feel like I'm living from a suitcase, but this place feels like home. From the moment I arrive, the staff greet me warmly and make the stress of travel fade. Their attentiveness and genuine kindness make me feel like part of an extended family. I've stayed in several hotels, but none match the comfort, quality and heart I find here. That's why I return every week. Thanks to all the staff for making time away from home easier.

We had a lovely, comfortable afternoon catching up over lunch. The chicken kebab and fish finger sandwich were fresh, tasty and generous portions. Lewis and a waitress whose name I didn't catch were both friendly and attentive. Thanks to Lewis and the rest of the team.

We had a lovely Valentine's getaway for one night and felt welcome from the moment we arrived until we left. The room was spacious and the bed so comfortable that we slept really well. The staff were lovely, especially belinda, the housekeeper, such a happy and pleasant lady. We had a nice chat with her; she's a credit to the hotel and its owners. Breakfast was spot on too. My wife and I would definitely stay again. Five stars from us, thank you!