The Butchers Arms, Priors Hardwick Reviews

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The Butchers Arms, Priors Hardwick
★★★☆☆
3.4
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Latest Reviews

“LED Zeppelin ”

★☆☆☆☆

written by 213Welch on 24/03/2017

I have been fed and watered at the Butchers Arms for over 30 years now I have seen staff and customers come and go , a lot of them friends , and I've seen the owners go through more than there fair share of ups and downs but somehow the restaurant just kept going, but I have eaten at the B A twice since the new owners have taken over and I hate to say it , it's going downhill very quickly. What a mess is anyone looking after the place ! Very tired indeed

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“In a different Class”

★★★★★

written by RandolphFarquhar on 06/06/2013

I am intrigued by some of the reviews for this elegant restaurant. I have concluded that these fast food junkies are confused by the name and think it is like some roadside managed public houses that are part of a chain. I have to say they are easily spotted and my wife and I usually play the 'McDonald's customer' bingo game when we dine - if you spot four it's a full house!! Thankfully these visitors are few and far between and we are able to dine in the butchers Arms in very good company. The menu is sumptuous, the food is absolutely superb and the staff and service level is first class. My wife and I would thoroughly recommend it to those of us who appreciate the finer things in life. Lino, they are beautiful people and have developed a restaurant that is unique and in my view cannot be surpassed. If you have the need for ‘mayo on your chips’ or ‘ketchup on your burger’ or perhaps feel that a free salad bar is the height of classic dining I suggest you visit a local town centre or stop at one of those dreadful ‘Harvester’ outlets.

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Nick357's Response to RandolphFarquhar's Review

Written on: 18/06/2013

Laughable Randy, laughable. You clearly don't get out much, do you? If you think this is the opitome of 'fine dining' - then where have you been for the past 30 years? I'm pretty sure it hasn't escaped your attention that a lot of people who have reviewed this place negatively all say the same things. Things like stuffy. Tired. Desperately old fashioned ( and not in a good way, either). Actually, they sound pretty well informed foodies to me - certainly not Harvester people. They also mention poorly cooked frozen food ( one look at the vast menu is a killer giveaway for any foodie that it won't be fresh). Do you actually watch Masterchef? Where's the locally sourced fresh produce? Where's the provenance? Where's the elegance in presentation? Jesus - it still has a sweet trolley that some pensioner wheels around and dollops a black forest gateaux onto a bowl. If that's your definition of a classy joint, you need your head examining. There's about half a dozen gastro pubs, all within 20 miles of this place, that simply cook better food. At reasonable prices. And if vulgar gold jewellery, flashy shiny shirts and WAG-ish 'ladies' bizarrely dressed in mini skirts is 'classy' clientele, then you're welcome to it. Avoid like the plague.

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Randolphfarquhar's reply to Nick357's Comment

Written on: 19/06/2013

The 'laugh' I think is on you Nick357.
I am well aware of the mix of reviews for this delightful restaurant and I note that your comment does appear to be based on what others have said. I am unsure if you have visited this establishment yourself, I hope you have. However this perhaps provides evidence that you are predisposed to examine through other peoples eyes and influenced by other negative opinions, choosing to ignore the balanced view.
Perhaps you should visit again and make a point of reading the information available in the menu informing you of the locally sourced produce. Incidentally Lino will gladly take you on a tour of the kitchens if you request it. You will then be able to provide an informed opinion based on your own experience rather than your current prejudiced view based on some of the diatribe you have read and taken to heart.
I would thank you for mentioning 'masterchef', gave me quite a giggle and further evidence of you personal lack of food knowledge and pedigree. Masterchef is a television program designed to entertain and is as much about art and entertainment as it is food. I wonder how many of those dishes presented on the program you have tasted - alas none as all are consumed by the pompous vegetable retailer and the failed foreign 'chef'. I must admit I quite enjoy watching it but for entertainment purposes only.
Your last point is lost on me I'm afraid I don't subscribe to gold as being vulgar and as to short skirts and bizarre dress - I'm sorry it is clear that you may have dined here just once and maybe these people accompanied but the majority of fellow diners that I am used to have class, are professionals and have been groomed in etiquette. They are not the modern overindulged credit card classes that I think you refer to.
Enjoy your local 'Gastro-pubs' Nick357 I understand they all come with ketchup , mayo and may even throw in the odd free salad (I must admit I would rather eat the hound's meal than attend these 'microwave' establishments

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Nicky357's reply to Randolphfarquhar's Comment

Written on: 23/06/2013

Jesus this is getting boring.

I'll just revert to my original point - I just think you don't get out very much. A few points:

1. I just don't recognise the Mayo, ketchup and free salad at the pubs I eat at, and I'm not quite sure the point your making here.
2. You seem to have a rather condescending attitude that anyone who doesn't eat at the Butchers Arms - or dares criticise its many failings, simply MUST only have experienced a 'greasy spoon' cafe or a Harvester.
3. I find this totally bizarre and you're clearly so uninformed and unaware in your world that - as I said - you clearly think the staple pawn cocktail-steak Diane-black forest gateux 'sophistication, (!) dished up by the pensioners at The Butchers is as good as it gets.
4. It's not. Get out. Drive within 40 miles of the Butchers and just try one of these. Go on. I dare you:

Howards Arms, Illmington
Fox & Hounds, Great Wolford
Farnborough Inn, Farnborough
The Swan, Swinford, Nr Burford
Cherington Arms, Cherington
The Norman Knight, Whichford

I don't think you'll see much ketchup or free salad here. What you will see, however, is a bill which will come in around £70 for two with a bottle of wine.

But then you're getting locally sourced, seasonal dishes, excellently cooked and elegantly presented.

You want to try 2013 sometime. It's not that bad...

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“Great food, atmosphere and service!”

★★★★★

written by SuzyP on 27/03/2012

Have to say what a fabulous meal we had at the Butcher's Arms last week. From the warm welcome on arrival, the staff were great. I chose from the set dinner menu and enjoyed delicious home made soup followed by the best home made steak and kidney pie - plenty of beef and light pastry. The portions are generous I struggled to make room for the dessert - but the cheesecake looked and tasted so tempting, couldn't resist! There were 8 of us, all had something different and everyone really enjoyed their food. We had a great evening and I would definitely recommend a visit.

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“Extremely dissapointed”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 05/12/2011

We visited the Butchers Arms and expected great things but on leaving felt both ripped off and let down. Anyone who recommends this place has not been to a restaurant in 20 years. The menu and food is presented in a mid 80s style with no grace or presentation skills. The waiters stand watching you eat and the atmosphere is very stuffy as a result. The price of £25 each for fillet steak is a tad expensive but when it was presented in a similar way to a Sunday roast I was fuming. They poured the steak sauce on my plate which completely covered the steak. The vegetables were both under seasoned and el dente putting it mildly. This restaurant believes its great but believe me its far from average let alone great. Avoid at all costs.

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Guest's Comment

Written on: 19/12/2011

09/12/2011

Party of 8 went to butcners arms had a great time everything very good,we all go often and are not disappointed at all.Will certainly be going many times in the future.

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“Dog runs around the restaurant, disgusting”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 28/10/2011

Been in this place one, never to return. Disgusting, I was eating and a dog was scratching it self right next to me. Also going to complaint to Heath and Safety

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“I have just been to this restaurant and feel I have to...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by malpass007 on 27/01/2011

I have just been to this restaurant and feel I have to write a review, the place it's self was very nice, in a pretty village a very nice setting. The car park was full of Range Rovers and more sports cars than you can poke a stick at, the menu inside looked promising and the place was packed although alot of the ladies wore very tight lycra dresses and alot of the gentlemen had too much gel in their hair. The restaurant must hold over 200 people and one would assume that many of the people had been to eat here before, so what I want to know is WHY was any body here? I could of eaten at Raymond Blanc's for less the service was very poor and the food was extremely bad. Why in a recession are people willing to pay for a bad meal that cost's far too much. Oh and by the way they don't serve nice bread, there is a pile of MELBA TOAST in the middle of the table UURRGG!! It is stuck in a 70's time warp. Beem me up Scotty. If your thinking of going here for a meal please don't.

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Guest 00's Response to malpass007's Review

Written on: 03/02/2011

I found this review not helpful because...it didnt give enough information about the bad food or service to throw some light on why there were so many customers dining there.

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Randolphfarquhar's Response to malpass007's Review

Written on: 06/06/2013

Another visitor from the fast food world. It probably is a shock to most commoners to find a restaurant that serves real food, cooked on the premises and served by staff who know what service is.
Clearly this person was upset that there was no free salad bar and the tomato ketchup was missing.
I'm sure they could have found a Nando's nearby

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“I have just been for a lovely dinner at the Butchers...”

★★★★★

written by on 25/01/2011

I have just been for a lovely dinner at the Butchers Arms for 3, just relaxed and friendly, I only went for the rack of lamb it was delicious served with all the trimmings and fresh mint sauce, with a gorgeous herb crust, but ended up having the whole works apsaragus and hollandaise sauce to start and a bit of creamy cheese to finish off the burgundy pinot wine afterwards. The party of 30 locals near by were so friendly I made some new fiends as well. The staff were so kind I will be back next time I have a special occassion, I felt very welcome on a cold January evening thanks to Terry and Grace who looked after us so well.

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“we had a superb lunch at the Butchers Arms, with all...”

★★★★★

written by H pires on 08/11/2010

we had a superb lunch at the Butchers Arms, with all the family this sunday, It was a cold day but the huge log fire in the bar was very welcome we studied the menu which we already new was all of our favourite roasts, all five of us chose completely different things and it didnt disappoint tender slices of beef perfectly cooked and the lamb just melted in your mouth, afterwards we couldnt resist the dessert trolly but i had a bread and butter pudding from the kitchen, granny was happy with pavlova and cream and the children had the profiteroles, we were very happy to relax with a coffee in the lounge afterwards, and watch the staff buzzing around they were so friendly, we are just looking forward now to our next special occassion so that we can return as soon as possible. Thanks everyone at the Butchers you made our day very special

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“we went first time the other day with some friends who...”

★★☆☆☆

written by on 30/06/2010

we went first time the other day with some friends who said it was great.... even they changed their minds... the food is nothing great just normal food that i could do better and expensive. the restaurant is lovely and location and garden....... but allot better places be warned... ps this is the first time i have felt the need to write a review on the net.

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Randolphfarquhar's Comment

Written on: 06/06/2013

Clearly it didn't meet the standard you are used to.............the local Harvester

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“Tired. Old-fashioned. Vastly over-priced. ”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 16/04/2010

Tired. Old-fashioned. Vastly over-priced.
A 1980s time warp for the uneducated, ignorant masses with a flash Beemer and a few quid in their pockets.
Haven't the owners ever watched Masterchef?
Avoid at all costs.

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Randolphfarquhar's Comment

Written on: 06/06/2013

Isn't it satisfying to know that the English class system is preserved somewhere.
Clearly this restaurant is in a class above this reviewer.
When you have an understanding of elegance, service, fine wine and dining you have a totally different experience.

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“Very overpriced and old fashioned, the quality of food...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 15/03/2010

Very overpriced and old fashioned, the quality of food very poor the staeks didnot taste of anything and the sauce was very poor. The tornedo rossini was served on a whole slice of bread on the menu it said croute. The a la carte menu is very expensive you could eat cheaper at Simpsons in Edgbaston for £30 and have half a bottle of wine on Sundays it is a Michelin restaurant with amuse etc. Won't be returning.

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Randolphfarquhar's Comment

Written on: 06/06/2013

Stick to what you know commoner .......... fast food

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“Heard from a few old people that this place was...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by Hansolo on 13/03/2010

Heard from a few old people that this place was supposed to be good but its reminiscent of the 1980's and thats why they like it! Oddly there were people in sparkly dinner gowns when we went. Also they served supermarket bread and toast with nearly everything, it really is bog standard lunch box bread! We were served by about 8 different waiters dressed like something out of Allo Allo... at one point we were passed by a suited and booted waiter with half a melon on a plate... literarily it was half a melon with the seeds taken out and thats about it no garnish no nothing just melon and spoon. Have been to the Fox and Hound in Harlestone which is better quality, better menu and far better value compared to this overpriced time warp.

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Randolphfarquhar's Response to Hansolo's Review

Written on: 06/06/2013

Stick to McDonalds - clearly this is out of your league

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“excellent in EVERY way”

★★★★★

written by on 30/01/2010

excellent in EVERY way

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“”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 13/12/2009


If it's good enough for Bobby, it ain't good enough for me

In the restaurant in the Butcher's Arms "pub" there's dozens of signed pictures of minor celebs telling owner Lino what a "wonderful" meal they've had at the Butcher's Arms. People like Bobby Davro and some actor you've never heard of from Crossroads.

And that really tells you as much as you need to know about the Butcher's Arms. Like Bobby Davro's comedy routine, it's stuck somewhere in mid-1983. Flash, but uninspiring. Fussy and dull. The epitome of thinks-it's-better-than-it-really-is populated by people who don't-know-any-better.

It's clearly escaped the owners' notice that we live in 2009, in the world of Gordon, Heston, Jamie, Hugh et el, and places like this just shouldn't exist. If Ramsey ever got his hands on this place, he'd just go ballistic.

From the 114 starter options to the 139 main course dishes (including about 36 steak dishes lovingly cooked like its 1977), to the achingly old fashioned stuffy silver service, sweet trolley and massive portions of the 30%-40% overpriced dishes.

It's probably survived on the back of a (totally undeserved) reputation of the fact that there's nowhere else "posh" to eat within 30 miles. Yet there is.

The Butcher's Arms - certainly the night I was there - just isn't a relaxed environment. Women in sparkly evening gowns. Late middle aged men, true blue collar stock, who've made a few quid as sale director of Widgets & Co, in black ties thinking it doesn't get any better than this. Sad.

Sophisticated it ain't. AA Gill should book himself in one night. He'd have a field day. If you know anything about food, anything about elegance, in short - anything about TASTE - just don't bother going here.
Yes, it'll make you laugh for a few minutes. But then as you wonder why it still exists in 2009 - it'll make you cry. A bit like contemplating the point of Bobby Davro.

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“This restaurant has a very good reputation so I was...”

★★☆☆☆

written by on 13/12/2009

This restaurant has a very good reputation so I was looking forward to our meal celebrating my Birthday. Our table was booked for 19:30. On arrival (19:20) we made our way to the bar and were handed the menu. We sat next to a lovely large open fire to enjoy our pre dinner drinks and choose from the menu. So far so good. After about 20 minutes a jovial old chap (I assume to be the owner) came to take our order. From this point on the dining experience went downhill to what can only be described as farcical.
We sat for about 45 minutes waiting to be taken to our table. There were several other diners who had also booked for a 19:30 sitting who had arrived before us who were also left waiting. Eventually the old chap walked past us and another couple nonchalantly stating without addressing either couple that "its ready" before wandering away again.
As we weren't quite sure what "its ready" was an instruction to do and indeed not knowing where our table was located we sat and waited as did the other couple. After another 30 minutes the old chap re appears to tell us that we should go to our table. He was about to walk off again when we stopped him and asked where our table was located. He looked at his pad and told us we were on table 10 and started to walk off again. Again we stop him and ask where the table is. He tells us to go to the dining room and ask the waiting staff. By this time it is 21:00. So off we troop to a rather small dining room that is jammed with tables and diners such that you can barely get through the gaps. We are shown to our table and sit down. It soon becomes apparent that the table has not been set correctly and that the bottle of wine we had ordered was already opened and sat on another empty table across the dining room. Eventually the waiting staff set the table correctly, retrieve our wine and replace the basket of thinly sliced toast (I can only assume it was from the previous diners) with a new lot.
Because the dining room was so packed it was very noisy to the point that you could not hold a conversation without raising your voice and even then it was difficult to hear what was being said.
Our starter arrived and was ok although by this time we had lost our appetite. Eventually our table was cleared and our main course promptly arrived. I had ordered a rare fillet steak in stilton sauce. A medium to well done fillet steak in gravy arrived but because it was so late and my wife's food was on the table I just accepted it.
The vegetables were served by the waiter. The only greens available were Brussel sprouts which my wife does not like so she just had carrots. Again the food was ok (albeit not what I ordered!) but nothing special.
The table next to us (2 inches away) tried to order coffee. The arrogant waitress said "I don't take coffee orders" and walked off.
By this time we had had enough. We got up and squeezed our way out to the bar and asked for the bill. The bill came to £90. We left without any of the staff acknowledging that our custom was welcomed or indeed any interest in our dining experience.

Given its good reputation I suspect that the proprietor is either a victim of his own success or that he can get by with looking after their regular clients to the cost of first time visitors

So all in all it was a very disappointing evening out for us. The service was poor, the food average and overpriced. We will not be returning.

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“Ive eaten here for over 20 years, it has been somewhat...”

★★★★☆

written by on 09/11/2009

Ive eaten here for over 20 years, it has been somewhat disapointing the last two times, quantity isnt what it used to be, and at those prices thats not what Ive come to expect, sadly

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“Simply the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We have...”

★★★★★

written by Peter11 on 29/08/2009

Simply the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We have enjoyed our night there! Go to the The Butchers Arms and visit it!

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“Disappointed to find that although advertised on the...”

★★★☆☆

written by on 30/03/2009

Disappointed to find that although advertised on the The Butchers Arms web site you were not automatically offered their Lunchtime Menu of 3 courses for £20.00. Food was beautifilly cooked and presented, service OK

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“The staff at The Butchers Arms were amazing, and the...”

★★★★★

written by on 15/03/2009

The staff at The Butchers Arms were amazing, and the whole family felt relaxed throughout the entire meal. It was the most enjoyable meal out i have ever had.

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“The Butchers Arms was quite old fashioned in style but...”

★★★★★

written by Johny1111 on 18/11/2008

The Butchers Arms was quite old fashioned in style but the staff were very friendly and accommodating. The menu was not vast but there was a bit of something for everyone.

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