The Carnarvon Arms Hotel

Apr 30th, 2023

The breakfasts I had were lovely but my husband was disappointed by the porridge. Staff were eager to please on the whole. Bed supremely comfortable and housekeepers were delightful. We did hear one member of staff mouthing off about a guest who had been rude to him ... that rant would probably have been better shared out of earshot of other I understand his frustration. As guests we should always treat the people who work in hospitality with respect.
Apr 29th, 2023

Stopped in for a quick lunch as were nearby. Beautiful surroundings. Car park was full but restaurant relatively empty. Were were shown to a table but then ignored. We gave up and ordered at the bar. After our mains arrived we asked for a table sauce. The staff member stomped away and gave us a near-empty mayonnaise bottle. Apologies for asking him to do his job. (The pub has asked that I alter my review despite not naming the staff-member). No one checked back to see if our mains were okay. We couldn't ask for more mayonnaise as were being ignored again. No puddings because no one bothered to ask! We gave up and paid ta the bar ans left. Probably would have spent a further 20+ on drinks and puds. Apparently they are not interested in maximising revenue. Clearly this place is getting by on its proximity to Highclere and all the Americans wanting to visit "Downton Abbey." Whatever, hope it works out for them. Based on the menu we were contemplating coming back for an evening meal, but as the service was deplorable, we'll probably give it a miss. Edit: with regard to the response below, there were plenty of staff around on the day. Going to a table to take an order does not (usually) require the input of senior mgmt. Bringing sauces to the table does not (usually) require the input of senior mgmt. I wholly reject their reasoning for the bad service. Food & drinks: Nice food, deplorable service
May 1st, 2023

Well where do I start! Everything about our experience from start to finish was amazing. We entered a raffle at a fundraiser for Forever Loved Horse Therapy and won a meal for two with a bottle of wine!! We decided to add a hotel stay onto it and didnt regret our decision. We were greeted at check in and shown to our room. Inside it was lovely, it had a comfortable double bed, coffee machine and snacks (there is also a draw of extra snacks as part of the menu) and a lovely modern bathroom (shampoo, conditioner, soap and a hairdryer supplied). A few other nice touches made the room comfortable, bright and accommodated to all of our needs. Whilst waiting for our dinner reservations we had some drinks in the pub garden in one of the outdoor booths. At the dinner we ordered the steak and the Ham chicken and leek pie. We couldnt fault the food the drinks or the service. Breakfast the next morning was at the same level. Throughout our meal and stay we were served by Joshua, Jessica, Sophie, Claire and Becky. I would recommend to all!
Apr 30th, 2023

Tried to book online for 12.30 today. Stated no availability until 2pm. We thought we would try on the off chance as was near where we were heading. Walked in to a half empty place and got a table instantly. Waited a while for waitress, ordered drinks. Didn't have to wait too long. Drinks handed to us through an opening. Went fownhill from here. Ordered food. Waited a while. Presented well, tasted ok. However, burger was spoilt by oversweet onions and gherkin. Didn't state gherkin was in it. Partner and I both dont like them, nor the taste it leaves even when taken off. Chicken dish all piled in a bowl with items stacked, so couldnt get individual taste of ingredients. The sauce was mushed into puree! We then waited over half an hour for someone to clear our plates. We asked to see a dessert menu, from young male waiter. He brought dessert menu. Waited again and he finally came back after another 15 minutes and said " do you want the bill?" We said no, we would like to order desserts, to which his response was. "Oh, well there's at least a 40 minute wait!" For what? To cut a slice of swiss roll and put a blob of ice cream on?! By now it was just gone 2pm, so we left as almost 2 hours from arrival and just 1 drink and course is ridiculous. Service is a lot to be desired. No one asks if youd like desserts, drinks etc. Why did he not say was duch a wait either, when we asked for dessert menus. Won't be in a hurry to return. High price pub, low service.
Apr 29th, 2023