The Kirkfield Hotel

The food was spot on for 17 of our 18 guests, and the bar staff were friendly enough with decent pints. The chefs looked physically drained after their shifts, and I can imagine the mix-ups were frustrating for them. I don’t blame them. Two guests stayed overnight and said breakfast was marvellous. We’d booked a big family meal for my partner’s 30th birthday, but it’s become “meal-gate” among my in-laws. The online booking system seems pointless if a list of 20 guests’ orders isn’t passed to the kitchen and servers. When we arrived, a young girl showed me a handwritten list and asked if it was right. I checked with as many people as I could, confirmed 18 guests had turned up, and thought that was sorted. It wasn’t my job, but I’d arranged the evening, so I did it. The orders then came out badly out of sequence. We’d finished our meals before my father-in-law’s steak arrived, and my aunt and uncle got theirs as people were starting dessert. When my father-in-law asked whether the chef had started his steak, the server said she had other people in the restaurant too. We’d placed the order two weeks earlier. The manager snapped at me several times, accusing me of putting something on the list that staff should have handled. She was rude enough that other guests commented. The girl in the waistcoat, maybe the manager, also accused me of adding to the meal orders. Why hand an order list to a guest to sort out in the first place? I called at 10:07am to cancel one fish and chips order that had come out. We also cancelled two others at around 18:30, which might have caused some confusion. My father-in-law ended up paying an outstanding £30 for a meal that wasn’t eaten. The whole thing felt like a system problem, and the place doesn’t seem able to manage large parties. The front-of-house staff need better conflict resolution training. We’ve had good visits before, and as a large family of Newtonians who like supporting local businesses, we have several big gatherings each year. Get the system working for large pre-booked groups and we might come back.

Had a catch-up lunch here and both dishes were fresh and tasty, with generous portions. We shared a chicken kebab and a fish finger sandwich. The waiter, Lewis, and the waitress, whose name I didn’t get, were lovely, friendly and attentive. A really nice afternoon in comfortable surroundings. Thanks to Lewis and the team.

We stayed in this quirky little hotel and found the bed comfy, with plenty of cupboard space, a telly and a great hot shower. Complimentary toiletries were provided too. Breakfast was included in the stay, with an excellent continental spread: fresh pastries and croissants, sour dough bread, jams, fruit, yoghurt, cereals, juice, cheese and cold cuts. There was even salmon and cream cheese bruschetta, and the coffee was great. The pub is in a perfect spot on Church Street, right opposite the church. It’s a real gem, with a top selection of cask ales, and I was pleased to be able to get a glass of bubbles there. The staff were friendly and service quick. We were pleasantly surprised by the dining room menu. I had the recommended Red Thai Noodles and my husband chose the chicken and chorizo linguine. Both were delicious. We chatted with some of the staff and found out everything on the menu is made from scratch. As a foodie, I was impressed. I’d recommend giving it a try for a staycation. Wish I’d taken more photos.

We booked a one night Valentine’s getaway and felt welcome from the minute we arrived until we left. Our room was spacious, and the bed was so comfortable we slept really well. The staff were lovely, especially belinda, the housekeeper, who was such a happy, pleasant lady. We had a lovely chat with her, and 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!