Rollercoaster - Carta

The Duncombe Arms

➤ The Duncombe Arms Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 2GZ, East Staffordshire, United Kingdom

Carta • Pubs • Beer • Wine • British

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"Despite having heard really good things about the ‘Duncombe Arms’ we left feeling deflated and disappointed! Myself and wife decide to visited the ‘Duncombe Arms’ with our children to celebrate my birthday. Upon arrival we’re allocated seating directly opposite the main entrance. The cold wind blowing through the entrance due to the sheer number of guests coming in was uncomfortable, we asked to be moved however all other seats were taken. As a result my son and wife choose to keep their coats on. We then proceeded to place our drinks order with ‘front of house’ however these took over 40 minutes to arrive and actually came out after our food had been delivered. When mentioned to the waitress she seemed disinterested and blamed it on a computer glitch. The food itself was tasty however portion sizes extremely small. I chose the beef and my daughter had the children’s chicken nuggets and we were both feeling hungry at the end. During the meal no one came to ask how the meal was nor offer to take a further drinks order. At the end we’re presented with the bill and asked to pay a discretionary service charge of 10%. I discussed the poor service and explained to the waiter that we would not be paying this, the waiter accepted this and we left. Overall very poor and wouldn’t recommend based on our visit."

The Secret Garden

➤ Farley Road, Stoke-on-Trent I-ST10 4DB, United Kingdom

Carta • British • Breakfast • Vegetarian • Gluten Free

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"It's a shame about the prices; they are quite steep when you think about it. The queues can be unbearable unless you’re willing to pay a premium for quicker access, which is frustrating. If you only bring your children and don’t visit often, it’s even worse. However, there are some positives. The castle is a stunning sight, and it's a bit scandalous that it hasn’t been restored yet. If it ever is, it would be absolutely magnificent. The gardens are an incredible oasis amid the chaos surrounding them. They feature charming paths that feel quiet and almost secretive. There are lovely spots to escape to everywhere. When you reach the Chinese temple by the lower sea, it feels like you've entered a different world. I spent hours wandering around while my children played nearby; it was so serene. The only downside was that, despite some security personnel present, there were still people smoking in areas they shouldn’t have been. The smell really detracted from the experience."

The Bulls Head Alton

➤ 2 High St, Alton, United Kingdom

Carta • Pizza • Coffee • British • Ice Cream

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"A fantastic meal at the Bull's Head. We booked last minute on a Friday night for 12 people and they were so accommodating. They seated us upstairs so essentially we had a private area, they put music on for us and although we were out of sight the staff were very attentive, friendly and helpful. Thank you Bulls Head Team! Food: 5 Service: 5"

The White Hart

➤ 18 High Street, ST10 4AQ, Staffordshire Moorlands, United Kingdom

Carta • Pub • Fish • Drinks • Burgers

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"We stayed here a couple of years ago when we wanted to go to Alton Towers for a couple of days. We didn’t hesitate to stay here again! The 2 bedroomed apartment was lovely, clean and well presented. It was our daughter’s birthday when we visited, it was a nice surprise for her to receive a birthday card and a bottle to help celebrate the occasion. It looks like we will be doing the same for her birthday in 2025!! Everyone was so nice and welcoming"

The Bull's Head Inn

➤ High Street, ST10 4AQ, Staffordshire Moorlands, United Kingdom

Carta • Full • Steak • Pizza • British

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"Booked a table for 12:15. Arrived and the place looked shut, both doors shut and front door locked. The chairs were still on the tables from the night before. Greeted (if you can call it that) by a rather unwelcoming member of staff, who looked like she’d rather be anywhere else and then proceeded to complete doing her make up in the back of the bar rather than giving us menus. The tables were filthy, the floors had not been swept from the night before and the couches covered in dog hair. It had a smell in the air of wet dog and chip fat and the bar area was dark, and uninviting. The whole time we were there they didn’t put any music on in the background which meant we could hear the cross words had between the staff (awkward to say the least). The waitress did warm up as time went on and was a little more friendly to the few diners that arrived after us. Considering we booked a table for the restaurant area that’s where we should have been seated. Food was average and not worth the price, as there was no music we could hear the microwave for the lasagne. I don’t normally write reviews however I feel the need as hopefully the establishment will reflect and improve for others, especially when the website etc make it look so appealing. People parting with their hard earned money during these times deserve better."