The Manor Hotel By Greene King Inns

I was here for a function, so I can’t rate the rooms. The staff were exceptionally helpful and polite. Tea and coffee at the bar seemed very reasonably priced, and the bar area was comfortable and quiet for sitting in mid-morning on a weekday.

Our server was the best part of the evening. She was looking after around ten tables on her own and still worked hard and attentively. She did a brilliant job under pressure, and I want to thank her. The rest of the meal was disappointing. We arrived with a group of five around 6pm and waited about 10 minutes to be seated. Drinks and our order were taken promptly, but the food took far too long. Starters came in 10-15 minutes, then mains about 30 minutes later. We waited around 45 minutes for the Bramley Apple and Blackcurrant Crumble Pie and Vegan Caramelised Biscuit Cheesecake, then cancelled the desserts and left around 8:30pm. Only afterwards were we told there’d been a large group booking, probably a Christmas party. That seemed to explain the delays, but felt like poor management and understaffing during a busy season. The Manor felt overrated compared with all the talk about it. After this visit, I’m not sure I’d return or recommend it.

We had a ground-floor room because we brought our dog, and stayed one night while visiting family. The rooms are dated and could use a makeover, but I know that takes time and money. The main part of the building was clean, tidy and welcoming, and the staff were excellent and helpful. Dinner was perfect, and breakfast was great quality and worked for my food intolerance. I’d recommend the place or stay again if I needed to.

Breakfast was wildly different across the two mornings. On the first day the cooked food took 25 minutes, and when it arrived it was overcooked and cold. The next day it was fresh and very nice after 10 minutes. There was a good spread of other options too. We ate in the restaurant one evening, where the service was great and the food very tasty. The hotel is old and showing its age, so it could use some TLC. The large car park has plenty of spaces, though passing customs can take up room and limit your options. Our twin room was large enough, with two comfortable beds, enough storage and desk space, and a decent-sized bathroom with a bath and shower over it. It was clean but dated, and very warm, so we had to turn the radiator down. You can get to the restaurant and reception without going outside, though some stairs are a bit challenging. I’d stay again, but I’m not sure Yeovil has enough to bring me back.