The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

Our first visit to The Marcliffe for dinner since change of ownership celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. Delighted to report, absolutely excellent. Lovely welcome, beautiful menu and fabulous wine list. The food was AMAZING!… staff - brilliant. 10/10… Jenna looked after us - wonderful. And absolutely delighted Graham still on the piano, anchoring the prior Marcliffe to today - his soft touch on the keys is beyond compare. Congratulations to the chefs, waiting staff, bar staff snd reception… well done everyone, so much appreciated. Jon & Sue Ruszka

I am rather sad to be writing this review of a hotel I've known and admired from the day it was opened some 35 years ago. We arrived 10/15 minutes before the time we'd booked (which was 7.30 pm) and, as expected, were shown to a table in the lounge. It took some considerable time for us to be offered drinks and then a little longer for them to arrive. We then waited an age to be given menus. We declined more drinks and our order was eventually taken and we were shown to our table almost one hour after arriving. I accept that it was busy and food is cooked to order but if the kitchen cannot cope then surely fewer bookings should be taken. We were certainly not late and therefore the kitchen should have had us scheduled in. Over the course of the evening we were served by a variety of staff and twice were brought drinks when none had been ordered. Also, twice, we received apologies for delays. As the restaurant thinned out considerably we were asked if we wanted sweets and replied in the affirmative. However no menus were produced and we had to get the attention of a server and ask again for them. As we had our sweets the only other customers left and we were treated to staff setting tables for breakfast and the chefs, who work at an open kitchen, cleaning and tidying up and eventually leaving - this at little after 10.00 pm. The food was excellent and some of the staff were very engaged and pleasant. However we felt the attitude of one person (supervisor?) in particular, left much to be desired - drink we had not ordered and failure to return with menus.

Dinner was a fabulous experience and our waitress Jemma provided the best service and entertainment making our night 100% perfect. We are sure that having her on staff is the reason for at least 3 of the 5 stars this establishment boasts. Thank you for a memorable evening ✨️ 💛 💕