Hornsbury Mill

Came here as a treat for a special birthday. I had said this was the case but they obviously didn't care about that! Ordered our drinks for 7 and given the tiniest milk jug, had to ask to be refilled & then for a bigger jug! Tea a huge disappointment, nothing like described or pictures seen. Barely enough for amount of people. 3 types of sandwich (2 for vegan guest) on basic sliced bread. Beef (so dry sandwich couldn't stay together), egg (no cress or anything) and smoked salmon & cream cheese (even though I had spoken & emailed them that one of party couldn't have cheese). 1 each of bite size sausage roll (Tesco's?). Cakes exceedingly poor. Nothing homemade about them. Between 6 we had - 4 fairy cakes, 4 finger slices of lemon drizzle (more drizzle than lemon), 4 small scones cut in half, and 4 very small croissant ends (not sure what happened to the middle?!?). Had to go & find someone to ask for butter, jam & cream for scones. It came on two big plates (red jam looked like someone had dished up some liver). Our vegan guest got a couple of 'chocolate' rice crispy squares. Also had 7 small mince pies with the comment 'the vegan can eat one of them'. So all in all a terrible experience. I should have been warned when they wouldn't email confirmations (chap did say why did I need one when he'd just told me it was okay). Also had to pay full amount 3 days before - they said as they bought in ingredients especially - not for anything we had - local supermarket would have had it in their budget range! So my advice DON'T go, for any reason but especially not for a special treat!!

The Wheel Room restaurant Sunday Roast was wonderful. The water wheel was quite a lovely backdrop. It was lit up and the sound enhanced the experience. This combined with really nice lighting made it quite a nice experience. I immediately wished I was with my wife and will bring her as soon as we can schedule a visit and a stay. There is something special about this place - historical, warm, and quality come to mind. I can’t quite explain it. I had a hard time choosing from the menu and finally settled on the Pistachio, walnut, lentil and Brie Wellington. Which was really something I had never experienced before. Normally, I go heavy for the meat, but chose this one because it was something unique and interesting. In the past I had regretted my choice, but in this case I was not disappointed in the least. The dessert menu also presented a challenge to choose and I had to go with the crumble and it delivered! Pleasantly surprised and would go back. I would recommend it for couples and friends.

We stayed for a week just the two of us. Very nice ground floor room with a wet room which was great . Very atmospheric and the staff were really welcoming. The food was very good and of a high standard, for breakfast and evening meal. The lounge and bar were both very comfortable. The bar sold premium lager, pale ale and Inch’s cider, all on draft. The water wheel works and is impressive. It also had a decent wine list.The setting of the hotel could not be any better.The lake was stunning and the gazebo was picturesque. The whole place was ideal for any occasion or just a holiday venue.