Lime Wood

This is a superb place, exquisite location and impeccable staff. So visiting the Hartnett & Holder renowned restaurant we were looking forward to the experience. First the price of things reflects it links to the Hartnett & Holder credentials. Whether that is value for money is for each to decide. The food for 4 was a bit of a mixed bag. The risotto and starters were good - the terrine which was a slice of upmarket pork and venison pie was enjoyable but not overwhelming. So having had the slice of pie I was looking forward to my ‘main course’ size gnocchi - which was a complete let down. A couple of dozen pasta and potato balls in a creamy pepper sauce with one crispy sage leaf being sold for £38 was a level of upscale inflation that I would have been embarrassed to serve at home for free. The mark up on wines eye watering extortionate, as with a bottle of sparkling water. The desserts were simple ice cream, sorbets and profiteroles for our order and were good palate cleansers. What made the occasion was the ambience and location - what was a complete let down the expectations we had for a Hartnett & Holder food experience - not bad, not exceptional but simply good - not so for the charges applied way beyond the underwhelming nature of the food. Would we recommend this place - yes. Is it value for money - no. Would we return ….. maybe.

In March my son & I went to the Courtyard on the spur with no booking. He had a hot snack, I am mainly gf, & asked if the gf, vegan, cream tea would be available, as it usually needs to be booked. So was delighted to be told the scones could be baked to order, so after 20 mins 2 large, golden, warm scones arrived with generous servings of cream & jam. I enjoyed it so much I opted to return on my birthday, so this time my son booked in advance & ordered the same cream tea, he was asked if it was a celebration & said it was my birthday. But the experience could not have been more different. When the eagerly awaited scones arrived, the cream & jam was the same but the tiny flat, pale quite hard, cold scones could hardly be seen on the white plate . . . . really disappointing. So a good job I am no longer intolerant to wheat, as that was obviously what I was served the first time, & though the last thing I wanted was a fuss on my birthday, what was the point of asking if it was not mentioned?

Fabulous hotel , staff and surroundings . Superb restaurant and excellent breakfast . The spa facility is so relaxing , 2 days felt longer . Clean , professional and friendly . So many choices of rooms , all wonderful . A real treat for the heart , soul and the tummy .