The Mary Arden Inn

Having the pub reopen has made a real difference to the village. The new team have done a great job turning it into a lovely local with good food and drinks. You can pop in for a quick drink, catch some entertainment, or join one of the socials. There are plenty of footpaths nearby, too, so it’s a brilliant place to stop during or after a walk in the beautiful countryside.

The menu looked pretty uninspiring, and the plain presentation had me thinking about other options. But the food was so good it proved you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The locally sourced sausage and mash was cooked and presented beautifully, with superb ingredients, plenty of kale, and rich gravy. A humble dish made to perfection, and one of the best I’ve had. The sticky toffee pudding was as sticky as expected, but surprisingly light. The Black Sheep Ale was spot on too. I’ve had a pint poured by Paul Theakston at the Black Sheep brewery, and this was just as good. I stayed two nights on a business trip. The room was roomy, clean, well serviced, and full of character, with a very comfortable four-poster bed. Some updating would help. The pub and building are lovely, and the service was good. Give it a go, and don’t let the bland-looking menu put you off. The food and drink are top drawer.

On the surface it’s a solid local pub, but Mark and the team are what really make it. Mark is dedicated to the village and looks after the locals. You don’t often see such personal service these days, and they’ve got it right. Well done, keep it up!

I went with a friend who lives nearby and felt welcome straight away, both from the warm atmosphere and from Mark and Lin’s smiles. They chatted and joked with the regulars in a friendly way without intruding. I’ll definitely go back.