The King's Head, Bledington

We stumbled upon this pub in 2008 and felt incredibly lucky to have done so. Brilliant food and lovely room. Service was spot-on. It would have been difficult to fault....However, our second visit wasn't the same experience. Unfortunately.

We came back to the hotel as part of our honeymoon in 2009, effectively because of the memories associated with the above post. Sadly this time much appeared to have changed. We weren't sure whether or not it was because the owners weren't present or if it was due to the heavy snowfall that month but the duty staff were surly and facilities were lacking. When we asked to eat in the restaurant the suggestion was rejected as there were too few guests for that to be viable. The bedroom needed a good dusting and the friendly atmosphere seemed reserved only for walk-in customers of the bar.

When this pub is busy and customer-focused, it's amazing. When it's quieter then it can let itself down. Shame really. We're torn between the two experiences and really hope the first visit was 'the norm'.

Will admit that the steak was very, very tasty and worth paying for.

23 Jan 2011 04:12