June 2025 by Tezza
A little dissapointing been coming for a good few years had to return coffee twice as was luke warm and didn't taste of much you really need to up your game re coffee it used to be quite nice don't know what's happened, also had chicken toasted sandwich which was very average used to be so much better but that's just my opinion
March 2025 by Christopher Hughes
We visited Vavasour as part of our spa package at Hazlewood Castle which included a 2 course meal. We shared brie for starter and for mains we had chicken supreme and belly pork. We shared sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert which we had with custard instead of ice cream. Food excellent, service excellent, nothing took too long, atmosphere just right, background music and not too much chatter noise.
December 2024 by Ian Brown
While staying at Hazelwood Castle (see separate review), we visited this restaurant for breakfast each morning and for dinner one evening.
The first impression of the restaurant was not great. It doesn't match the expectations that should be associated with a supposedly 4-star hotel. The appearance is of a cafe with bare tables and no tablecloths. The tables were too small, especially for breakfast. We found that there wasn't enough room for all of the plates, cups, tea and coffee pots, etc. This wasn't helped by the staff not clearing away used plates.
Breakfast. The breakfast was a mix of self-service and table service. In my opinion, this does not really work and is not in keeping with this type of establishment. Even the most basic café will make toast and provide it with your breakfast. Here, you have to make your own. The cooked breakfast was good and was freshly cooked and, therefore, hot.
Dinner. The evening dinner experience was better than the breakfast experience, although they still used the same small tables with no tablecloths. It was a set menu with various add-on charges for some options. The food was pretty good, as was the service.
January 2024 by Gemma Thornton
I?m afraid I wouldn?t recommend. It?s just not worth the money. (Eg £30 for a small tuna steak with nothing special accompanying it) None of us particularly enjoyed our main courses. Starters were nothing particularly special. Christmas cheesy classic hits playing on a loop of just 5 songs over and over and over too which was irritating - not what you expect from a restaurant at these prices. I won?t be going out of my way to go back I?m afraid. It?s not a convenient place to get to so you have to drive. As evidenced really by the fact there was only us and one other table in there on Christmas week
January 2024 by Phill Lautman
Company meal out with colleagues great food if a little slow to
September 2023 by Armands Didzus
I recently dined at a restaurant where the food was delicious, leaving a lasting impression. However, I couldn't help but notice that the interior felt a bit outdated, with chairs and tables that seemed like they might fall apart soon. Despite this, the exceptional service and pleasant atmosphere made up for the outdated decor, creating an overall enjoyable dining experience.
August 2023 by John Burns
Nice but small. Food is good and bar is well stocked,staff are great
August 2023 by Katie J
Unfortunately our afternoon tea missed the mark. We were escorted through to a beautiful but cold room (there was a fire on but it had fizzled out as we arrived) which, for the first 15 mins, was empty except for a couple having a wedding consultation. We received our tea but it took 45 minutes for our afternoon tea to arrive (we asked about it after 20 minutes and were told it was on its way, then another 15 minutes later were told unfortunately it had actually been ordered downstairs incorrectly so they were still making it). We asked for one to be nut free for allergy reasons but there were flaked almonds on top of one of the cakes. There were a couple behind us who were also forgotten about in similar fashion. The staff were friendly and apologetic and refreshed our drinks but it just seemed poorly organised and for the quality of the food and lack of ambience it was not worth the £27 per person.
July 2023 by Diane Wishart
Excellent service food and ambience
June 2023 by danbL9786HF
Neat restaurant to have dinner. Loved eating at the castle. Food was very good and the waitstaff was very helpful and attentive.
June 2023 by Kazzachick
Disappointing and very over priced. Having been staying at Hazelwood for a business course we went to dinner. Service was very slow, 45 mins to receive our mains - I had chicken £28 which was dry, parma ham over the top was brick hard, ordered triple cooked chips at £5 which were oily fries. Friend ordered the venison which needed a steak knife to cut it. Water glasses were not refilled. When plates were cleared we were not asked if we wanted a dessert, had to ask. Sticky toffee pudding was good but was £9 and took ages to come. Never asked if we wanted more drinks. I would definitely not eat in here again. My meal - main, desert and a coke cost me £48, a 10% service charge was added as well. Very over priced and not worth the money at all. The next time I stay I will be going somewhere else.
February 2023 by Sally J
I was kindly sent complementary vouchers for afternoon tea by the manager, in a bid to restore faith in Hazelwood Castle after leaving a poor review. Oh dear, the exact same problems we experienced the first time (July 2022) are exactly the same. The bare minimum staff are poorly trained and my, does it show. The negative reviews for afternoon tea have a couple of common themes running through them, and this is what we experienced. I blame the food service manager....train the staff you do have to a high standard, keep on top of things, be kind, & get stuck in and the department will run like clockwork. I think the owners rely on the past glory years of this beautiful place, but you can't fool all the people all the time. Sorry won't be coming or recommending again. I wish you well.
January 2023 by Katherine P
Unfortunately our afternoon tea missed the mark. We were escorted through to a beautiful but cold room (there was a fire on but it had fizzled out as we arrived) which, for the first 15 mins, was empty except for a couple having a wedding consultation. We received our tea but it took 45 minutes for our afternoon tea to arrive (we asked about it after 20 minutes and were told it was on its way, then another 15 minutes later were told unfortunately it had actually been ordered downstairs incorrectly so they were still making it). We asked for one to be nut free for allergy reasons but there were flaked almonds on top of one of the cakes. There were a couple behind us who were also forgotten about in similar fashion. The staff were friendly and apologetic and refreshed our drinks but it just seemed poorly organised and for the quality of the food and lack of ambience it was not worth the £27 per person.
January 2023 by Katherine Pickles
Unfortunately our afternoon tea missed the mark. We were escorted through to a beautiful but cold room (there was a fire on but it had fizzled out as we arrived) which, for the first 15 mins, was empty except for a couple having a wedding consultation. We received our tea but it took 45 minutes for our afternoon tea to arrive (we asked about it after 20 minutes and were told it was on its way, then another 15 minutes later were told unfortunately it had actually been ordered downstairs incorrectly so they were still making it). We asked for one to be nut free for allergy reasons but there were flaked almonds on top of one of the cakes. There were a couple behind us who were also forgotten about in similar fashion. The staff were friendly and apologetic and refreshed our drinks but it just seemed poorly organised and for the quality of the food and lack of ambience it was not worth the £27 per person.
October 2022 by mark7242
Again, like the hotel?Lacking attention to detail. Table not set up properly when we arrived. Water jug way to big for the table. Prawn starter was very disappointing and garlic balls you could of played tennis with. Cheese soufflé was good. Main was duck and fish which was very nice. Desserts again hit the spot. Lots of cobwebs, which just need addressing and sauce stains on pipe work and walls. Again, attention to details. Breakfast was fab and service attentive.
