Sparkling Afternoon Tea for Two at Best Western Normanton Park Hotel 10771040

We were welcomed at reception with a smile and the shown to our table in the conservatory. Where a charming gentleman made sure everything was just right .The sandwiches were freshly made as were the scones ,and the choice of cakes was a real treat . We really enjoyed our visit and finished it off with a glass of champagne which was all part of the Sparkling afternoon tea experience.

Had to put it off for a while but it was worth waiting for

The food was amazing,fresh and plentiful served in a beautiful setting with friendly service

We had a lovely time the hotel was great and booking it was easy

Great service and great food

When I rang to book, the date I asked for was unavailable as there was a wedding taking place, I chose a different date but the receptionist did not take the voucher code and it felt a little disorganised. We were the only people in the restaurant and they did not appear to be ready for us, but after bringing us a coffee, the afternoon tea plate was produced. Sadly there was no offer of a top up of coffee and there was no offer of choice for the sandwiches or scones. But despite this the food was really nice, it was fresh and well presented and the view sat looking over Rutland Water was lovely.

We chose the Best Western Normanton Hotel at Rutland Water. We were a little early and had drinks whilst waiting for afternoon tea service to begin at 3pm. At 3:20 pm I asked at the front desk when our tea would be served. Shortly afterwards a teapot and two teas were served, each for 2 people. We hadn’t been asked about sandwich choice and it was clear that the cakes were shop bought and cut up. The scone was fruit but no choice of plain or savoury. I told the manager that I was disappointed in the quality of the fare and that nobody had cleared the cutlery, which was set for a 3 course meal. The wine glasses on the table were water marked and one had traces of lipstick. The manager cleared these giving us more space and brought some ham sandwiches without mustard as requested. We were given our ‘bubbles’ and brought cups, milk, extra hot water and decaf tea, all of which we had to ask for. After that no staff approached us or were visible at all. Nobody asked if we were ok or wanted anything like more tea. We decided not to let the shocking service and corner-caf fare spoil our day but it was my 70th birthday and memorable only for really appalling service, a very poor afternoon tea and an apologetic manager. Who to his credit, waived the cost of 2 glasses of wine and 2 glasses of squash our foursome had consumed. We have received many buy-a-gift vouchers over the years and always received excellent value and service. I cannot in all conscience however, recommend this hotel. Truly appalling. Our family and friends buy us vouchers and we’ve always chosen our venue well but not this time. Best Western need to look at this hotel. I rarely complain but on this occurrence, what should have been a pleasant event became embarrassingly bad as I had my wife and best friends with me.

Great

Highly recommend