Friars Head - Richmondshire

Went as a party of 5 for a birthday meal last night. The food was lovely, the staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. Service was great. Very atmospheric with the Christmas decorations and music. They even sang Happy Birthday. The seafood platter, Tuna and mulled wine were particularly nice.

We visited a few months ago as a family of 5 for Sunday lunch and received a less than satisfactory service due to exceptionally slow service and the poor quality of the meat in particular. However at that point we put down to teething problems due it new owners so decided to give them the benefit do the doubt and it another go. This time we visited as a larger family group so had pre-ordered from the festive menu. When we arrived there was no one behind the bar to serve drinks so made the way to our table. The pre-ordered starters arrived relatively quickly and were tasty however there was then an hours wait before the mains arrived. The turkey main was very nice however the veg advertised as seasonal, was not (baby corn /mange tout) and the beef bourguigon was full of fat and gristle. Once we had finished our mains the desserts, frustratingly again, took another hour to arrive. If they were home made warm desserts or presented/displayed with some sort of care and attention, I'd understand. However the profiteroles, advertised as being filled with chantilly cream and served with a hot chocolate sauce, were the very cheap shop bought variety with squeezy cold chocolate sauce normally used for children's ice cream. The were thrown in a small bowl with zero effort made in the presentation. The cheesecake was slightly better but again served in a bowl with little care to the presentation. The bill we had to go and seek out at the bar after 20 or so minutes of waiting. It then took another 15 mins to sort out with the poor waitress having to individually input each item. The waitress staff were very friendly and attentive when they can be found but there are serious issues with the exceptionally slow service (it wasn't very busy) and the quality of the food. We won't be trying for a third time which is disappointing as we were frequent visitors for many years before the current owners took over. Be prepared for a very long wait if you do give it a go!

Came with a group of ladies for the Christmas fare lunch. We had a long wait to receive our lunch but on its arrival we were pleasantly surprised. We all had turkey and it was beautiful and succulent. The trimmings were tasty and the yorkshire puddings were great. Lots of lovely vegetables and the gravy was really nice. Only one staff behind the bar Curtis), one waiting on staff and one chef. They all did a fabulous job despite being so under staffed. The management need to recognise these staff and provide more man power to make the service flow. Not their fault, they only have one pair of hands !!. Compliments to the chef sorry, don't know your name), you did a fab job. Management need to more visible to answer concerns and suggestions and not leave this to the front of house staff.

Fantastic Sunday lunch, I booked online for 12 of us , Alison rang to confirm the booking, she was so friendly. It was lovely, we were made to feel so welcome and they couldn’t do enough for us. I would definitely recommend and I can’t wait to go again.

Had a small Parma chips n salad n my husband had a large one was the best parmo we ever had took home in a box coz was stuffed would recommend we back having another one was lovely and staff are lovely and friendly