The Shoulder at Hardstoft

**⭐️ 2 out of 5 stars** We were really looking forward to our meal here, but unfortunately the experience was disappointing from start to finish. When checking in at reception, the staff member actually stopped midway through dealing with us to serve someone else. Even the other guest apologised for his rudeness — not a great first impression. The menu was another letdown. It wasn’t the one shown online and instead was a much smaller, limited version. Considering the pub was fairly empty, the service still felt rushed and chaotic — like they were on a timer to get food out as quickly as possible. Two of our plates were practically thrown onto the table, and the staff seemed more interested in getting back to something else than actually serving customers. It honestly felt like we were an inconvenience. We were also seated at a huge oblong table, which made conversation awkward for our group of four — hardly the cosy, family-style meal we’d hoped for. There was a live singer in the next room, so perhaps the staff were distracted or under pressure, but it still doesn’t excuse the poor service. As for the bill — £130 for four meals, with no alcoholic drinks, felt excessive, especially when two of those meals were just sausage and mash. The food itself was okay, but certainly not worth the cost given the overall experience. All in all, an underwhelming visit. A shame, as the place has potential, but we definitely won’t be rushing back.

Fabulous Saturday evening out. This place is excellent such a friendly pub with fabulous staff. Tribute Act Queen ( Justin Gilbody) was excellent, the best Queen Tribute Iv ever seen such an amazing voice. Food always fab here also so overall cannot fault anything and would highly recommend 👌

Average place with average facilities. Poor quality shower. Tv has very few channels. Bed was comfortable but a bit small and I’m only 5”10.

Positioned in a nice area, xlose to local villages, near the 5 pits trail and hardwick hall. Apparently has nice events here, which we have never been to. Lots of parking. Not great for walking to from the local areas and is situated away from shops, but a nice open location next to main roads access. Can be difficult to get to if not driving, it would be a taxis, there is a bus stop very close by but they are buses are very few of these running along there. We are local and never been here for food. We decided to give it a try and prebooked here for a meal with other local friends. Confusing behaviours from staff & owner upon arrival about seating us. We was seated in the snug area to the right. Seemed to have a weird sewage smell behind our back. We was given an A4 specials menu, no other menu. I am a vegetarian that does not eat fish, not vegan. Only one vegan option. We reviewed the online menu, to make sure there was something we all liked. Despite us questioned this, we was told the one online is a sample menu. It is not, this is not stated online. 2 of us wanted lamb shank, this was not an option at 6pm, apparently they had sold out of the "cheaper" options. We was not pleased with the options available, or the prices. The only steak options were T bone at £34.95 each. Plus added cost of sauce which was not stated. So peppercorn or Stilton sauce at £3.50 each. I was not impressed with the price of a vegan lasagne at £16.00 I was told only salad comes with it (salad being leafs no onion, tomato, cucumber, Peppers anything at all just leafs and balsamic vinager). So I ask if I could order a side of chips. Food came, but came with chips. The young lad said he would remove off the bill because of what i had been told. The chips were like chip shop chips too, looks of hard inedible scraps. I was left underwhelmed. My Husband said his T bone was nice but not worth the money. Upon ordering the steak, they were asked if they would like it cooked? That left us confused. Another guest in our group had the shoulder burger at £16.95. Which they said was ok, but they didn't want this. They wanted something off the online menu. Each cocktail I ordered (priced between £8.50 to 8.95 each), the owner would bring them over present it and introduce what was in it. I knew as I had a menu I had collected myself from the bar. It was a bit cringey. At one point a lady joined him to ask if it was one of our birthdays, when I answered no she just disappeared and it was all very unusual. The pudding was nice. We had sticky toffee pudding. We approached the bar for our bill. As we had been consuming a few alcoholic beverages we did not notice they had not removed the chips cost at £4.50 and they added on a gratuity charge of £10.10. Which i do not have a problem with but it would be nice if the bill had been given at the table so that we can review it and determine what was what and if it was earnt. Instead we had to get the bill with the owners waiting fo

I picked this place to stay overnight in our motorhome it being in Britstops and very convenient to visit Hardwick Hall the next day. There is plenty of room in the car park and I was directed as to the best place to stay. The staff and locals we met were very friendly and helpful. We chose to eat a meal in the bar and were looked after by Demi, a delightful, confident young lady. We chose the catch of the day which were generous portions of sea bass served with asparagus, pea puree and potato. It was both delicious, well presented and reasonably priced.

Lovely little village pub, very friendly owners and staff, amazing [affordable] food , very clean and quiet, definitely worth a visit either for overnight stay or just good food and drinks .. our room no1 was very clean and quite spacious, small shower room , but all we needed for a few days away ...