The Carpenters Arms, Daventry

Went to The Carpenters Arms last year and wasn't impressed at all with the food and was a bit dubious about going back but I had heard through the grapevine it had changed hands and was worth another try. Outside has been smartened up, windows painted, new roofs and new signs which are more up to date and marry well with the building, there was an array of baskets, pots and planters all looking like they have been recently planted and should look great in a month or so. We were very impressed with the warm a friendly greeting we received on entering through the front of the building which leads you straight into the restaurant room, we hadn't reserved and I did think I should have done as the restaurant was quite full, but we were shown a table and once seated asked if we would like drinks from the bar. This wasn't like our last experience as we had to go to the bar for our own drinks. The table was already set out and we were given our menus, there were also specials boards which is always a bonus. We decided to go the whole hog on this one and have 3 courses and it wasn't a mistake although it was a struggle as the portion sizes are very generous. The menu was excellent and read very well. I have to say we were more than impressed with the quality, flavours and presentation of each dish and such excellent value for money. The staff were extremely busy but still very attentive to everyone.
The decor of the restaurant hasn't changed much and looks a little tired but there was evidence of re-decoration in the process, the toilets were very clean and my husbands comments on this were "the gents smell like a flower shop and very tidy". The bar was busy with all different "types" but the atmosphere was a happy one.
To sum up, we would definately recommend this pub and it's food to you, it's a proper country pub, with proper food at proper prices and at last run properly by it's current landlord and landlady. A credit to you, well done.

26 May 2011 19:14