Dayakanth
Google
The Manor House is undeniably a stunning and historic property, steeped in charm and atmosphere that makes it feel truly special. We first visited a couple of days before our booked lunch and instantly fell in love with the place—its architecture, grounds, and overall magic had us hooked. However, we were informed that dining was restricted to residents only at that time, which was a bit surprising but understandable for a boutique hotel, especially around the busy Christmas period.|We managed to secure a lunch reservation for December 26th and drove from Chipping Norton, full of anticipation for what promised to be a memorable experience. Unfortunately, the reality didn’t quite live up to the hype.|Upon arrival, the check-in process felt unwelcoming—the staff member handling it came across as curt and uninterested, which set a disappointing tone for what we’d expected to be a warm, hospitable venue. Things worsened once seated: we waited over 15 to 20 mins to give the food order and then we waited more than 30 mins for our meals without any communication about delays. No one checked in on us, and I had to visit the reception multiple times just to get some attention. The service throughout felt inattentive and neglectful; we were made to feel like an afterthought rather than valued guests.|That said, the food itself was a highlight and partially redeemed the visit. The dishes were delicious, with beautiful presentation. The deer (venison) was outstanding—tender, flavorful, and the standout of the meal—while the boat fish was good but not quite as impressive.|Overall, the Manor House has immense potential with its history and setting, and the quality of the food shows what it can achieve. However, on this occasion, the poor service and lack of attentiveness overshadowed the positives, making it feel far from the “magical” experience we’d hoped for. We’d consider returning if service improves, but for now, it’s a mixed bag. Recommended with caution, especially for non-residents during peak times.