The Sawley Arms

The food was very poor, apart from the mozzarella chips, and the whole visit was awful. We waited nearly an hour for our meal, then got no apology or empathy when it finally arrived. When we raised our concerns while paying, the waiter got rude and defensive, made excuses, and still didn't apologize. We even heard him mutter something as we left. I had to stop my partner from going back in to confront him. Getting to that point was bad enough. We stood for 15 minutes before anyone seated us, while staff walked past without acknowledging us. After we finally got a table, it took another 20 minutes for someone to take our order. We asked for haddock and chips without beer in the batter because we're non-drinkers, but the waiter said the chef couldn't arrange it. He also wouldn't do the halloumi chips, saying they took too long to prepare. After a lot of deliberating, we settled on fish pie, though the menu wasn't really suited to halal meat eaters. I wouldn't give the place even one star; that feels too generous.

It was a bit like a Fawlty Towers episode, mostly amusing rather than unpleasant, but I probably wouldn't go back. There were eight of us, and the manager or owner looked puzzled from the moment we arrived about how to fit us in. Once we were told we could eat, nobody gave us menus, and the mix-ups kept coming. Order steak with skinny chips and chunky chips would turn up. Ask for a pint of lager and a similarly named cider could land at the bar instead. A very unusual visit.

The Inn felt warm and welcoming, and the lovely fire made it extra cosy. My friend and I had a catch-up lunch and stayed overnight. Highly recommended.

We came across this pub while out driving, and the roast beef on Sunday was absolutely delicious. I'd fully recommend it.