The Blacksmiths, Clayworth

"I tend to be quite critical with comments because if people like a place they overlook faults and just give it 5 stars, or 1 if they hate it. This place really deserves 5 stars. The food is excellent, most of the service very good and someone has put a lot of thought into the details of the interior. I have been in the lucky position of eating in two Michellin starred restaurants this week. This place can hold its head up in the company of either of them. I'll be back as soon as I can and if necessary will get down on bending knee to ask the chef to make me some more of his Black Pooding Hash- a minor accompaniment to a pork dish, but absolutely fabulous! Go eat some before the menu changes!"

"1st visit under the new management, well modernised pub, with a good selection of wines and spirits, staff were pleasant and efficient. The menu is in 2 parts the standard varied menu in the form of a table menu and a much more varied chalk board menu, we had the Pork, beef cheek, mussels and Sea bass, all the food was cooked to perfection with good portions, unfortunately too full to try the desserts. This is definitely an “in” place to eat the food, atmosphere and service deserves a good 8 or 9 out of 10, booking essential £165 for 4"

"Everything was superb. Staff were attentive, friendly and professional without being intrusive which is lovely. All decked for Christmas which added to the lovely ambience We had lobster thermador and monk fish. Absolutely cooked to perfection and beautiful flavours and accompaniments. The bathroom was beautifully set up and clean. We had a lovely evening."

"We used to be fairly regular at this pub, so we were really pleased when the place reopened after such a long time. Great to see some old friends, and to see the place open again. However, the landlord was extremely rude and completely incapable of giving any kind of welcome. I really can't understand why someone with such an obvious dislike for people has gone into the pub trade. A shame, as it's a nice pub."

"Went for a meal at the weekend. The food is amazing, with the staff providing excellent customer service. The atmosphere was very comfortable, with plenty of room to navigate around. The wine was superb! The friends who I took are typically fussy, but they enjoyed every minute. Next time I will be staying in one of their rooms, which I’ve heard are also amazing. Overall, I could not recommend this restaurant more."