please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
No Test and Trace system in operation but they freely admitted that they don't get many non-locals visiting (which I assume meant they already know who visits when). In fact, judging by the numbers there yesterday lunchtime, they don't get much custom at all. However, my pint of Hooky direct from the pin was in very good condition and it was a nice touch to be asked through the serving window whether I wanted a handled or straight glass. Some evidence of internal refurbishment taking place at present.
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Wow - the front door was open at 1pm on a Saturday afternoon. There was some sort of meeting going on.
We were told that the pub wasnt open.
I asked when it was. Met with conflicting answer but the overriding opinion was "Sunday Lunch". This, despite a sign outside saying "Thursday Night is Burger Night"
Sometimes you wonder why rural pubs are in peril. Sometimes you know exactly the answer.
Millennium Way and a much better pub experience blogged at http://bit.ly/2eYw195
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Went to The Carpenters Arms last year and wasn't impressed at all with the food and was a bit dubious about going back but I had heard through the grapevine it had changed hands and was worth another try. Outside has been smartened up, windows painted, new roofs and new signs which are more up to date and marry well with the building, there was an array of baskets, pots and planters all looking like they have been recently planted and should look great in a month or so. We were very impressed with the warm a friendly greeting we received on entering through the front of the building which leads you straight into the restaurant room, we hadn't reserved and I did think I should have done as the restaurant was quite full, but we were shown a table and once seated asked if we would like drinks from the bar. This wasn't like our last experience as we had to go to the bar for our own drinks. The table was already set out and we were given our menus, there were also specials boards which is always a bonus. We decided to go the whole hog on this one and have 3 courses and it wasn't a mistake although it was a struggle as the portion sizes are very generous. The menu was excellent and read very well. I have to say we were more than impressed with the quality, flavours and presentation of each dish and such excellent value for money. The staff were extremely busy but still very attentive to everyone.
The decor of the restaurant hasn't changed much and looks a little tired but there was evidence of re-decoration in the process, the toilets were very clean and my husbands comments on this were "the gents smell like a flower shop and very tidy". The bar was busy with all different "types" but the atmosphere was a happy one.
To sum up, we would definately recommend this pub and it's food to you, it's a proper country pub, with proper food at proper prices and at last run properly by it's current landlord and landlady. A credit to you, well done.
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My previous report is a little out of date what with there being Another New landlord in the Carps. It still appears busy & the clientele still sit on their stools in the area better left for others waiting to be served
( But it's a small village pub & that's what country folk seem to do !! ) The clientele still appear to be the Horsey type so expect to see green wellies instead of Reebok trainers
Their restaurant / room seems possibly even busier than before so something must be right with the place
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Back under the stewardship of Mark Higgs after several months of a number of others !!
It's not so busy which is not such a bad thing because your able to get to the bar without pushing your way through young farmers / yuppies sat around the bar area not just at the bar ( see other reviews )
The staff seem quite helpful even if the older female appears to leave alot to the other making out she is to busy to serve by rearranging the crisps & the likes
Ok for a couple of drinks not somewhere I could stop all night but probably still the best one around for several miles( Give the Plough a wide berth )
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It was a nice summers evening so I thought it was high time to visit the Carpenters Arms again.
The first thing that became obvious as we walked towards the courtyard / carpark from the road was the Smell of old chip fat coming from the ventilation unit on the side of the building & then the trails of grease running from it down the wall. Once in the bar area Two things struck us one being the smell of Fish & the second being how empty the bar was for a Saturday evening there being only one person stood at the bar.
The other end of the building was packed with people eating ( all of them fish I would think ?? ) We moved to the garden at the rear of the building to get away from the Fish & with the wind blowing the Chip fat in the other direction the area was quite pleasent.
The Pints of Hooky & Lagers were all top quality & the Lady behind the bar was cheerful enough. We were soon joined by other couples who mentioned the Fish smell so it was not only us.
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Haven't been in here for a long time - what a pleasant surprise!
The pub has a new manager who is clearly doing a fantastic job. Apart from being extremely personable, she is very knowledgeable and passionate about real ale and takes great care to serve the Hook Norton beers on offer in top form.
The pub serves excellent food and simpler bar meals, which are very good value.
On the day I was there a nice new outside seating area had just been opened too.
Definitely the best pub in this corner of Northamptonshire.
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This is a good pub serving good beer and food. The landlord and staff are friendly and helpful. I agree with the other comments though about regulars blocking up the bar - this is the worst pub I can remember going in for this. About 20 people (who always seem to be in there regardless of day or time) who stand all around the bar and won't move away for anyone who wants to buy a drink - a real problem for the landlord - I know a landlord doesn't want to alienate their regulars but this lot put off potential customers. Beware of Friday and Saturday nights - full of Hooray Henry's.
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The Carpenters Arms(The Carps)with the present landlord of 2 years has been totally refurbished these last 12 months.By knocking into the downstairs living quarters of old they have produced an eating area which is a little too Gastro/Bistro for my liking. (With it becoming somewhat of a clone of the nearby Wharf or Hollybush). But it does appear busy in that area so they must Be doing something right !!!
The Bar area has been built on two levels(Alas doing away with the Dart board & Skittle table of a passing era).The clientele appears to be of a mixed age group most of whom appear to be Horsy types or Farmers. Many of whom choose to sit in the middle of the bar area on stools making reaching the bar or passing rather difficult at busy times.There are amble seating front & rear of the Carpenters for the family trade & a smoking shed for the neady.
It is still an Hook Norton house and well worth a visit or two if in the area.The staff are cheerful & willing to serve which not all village pubs can claim in this area.
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