"Booked afternoon tea here for a family of seven, based on reviews which raved about the warm welcome, possible tour of the house etc. I was looking forward to learning a little of the history as well as having a tasty afternoon tea. The welcome...was far from warm. We arrived just as a harried young man dashed past us without acknowledgement on the phone. We then waited at least minutes, somewhat awkwardly in the empty hallway until he finished his phone call. He then said ‘Afternoon tea?’ to which we nodded and he escorted us straight to the dining room without another word. So much for the warm welcome. We were then quickly served with teapots and stands of afternoon tea. Food was ok, some high points and some low. A member of staff asked us if we were ok about minutes in, which we were. However, I had read in previous reviews that extra tea and sandwiches could be ordered, but we never had the chance as no-one returned for the rest of our meal. There was no way to attract attention, we may as well have been alone in the house. Having pre-paid for our meal, we then left, having looked around for someone to say goodbye to. Not a soul on site. It really was the most dreadful service. Extremely transactional. A bit like Mac Donalds, really. I’m sure the owner manager would be appalled to hear how badly we were treated at what purports to be a five star establishment. We won’t be returning."
