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The Whitwell Country Pub
Review
About
This property is temporary closed Welcome to The Noel at Whitwell, your charming retreat nestled in the heart of Rutland, England's smallest and most picturesque county. Located in the quaint village of Whitwell, our venue offers the perfect blend of rustic charm, modern comfort, and warm hospitality. Just a stone’s throw away from the stunning Rutland Water, one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes, The Noel is the ideal base for exploring the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you’re here for cycling, walking, birdwatching, or watersports, our proximity to this renowned destination makes us the perfect choice for adventurers and leisure seekers alike.
Features
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Healthy
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available
Menu
Does this restaurant have private dining rooms?
Order delivery
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wednesday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thursday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Friday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday
12:30 pm - 10:00 pm
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4.3
276 reviews
Excellent
185
Very good
43
Average
13
Poor
10
Terrible
25
Tanya A
11 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
The previous reviews for June are not wrong, but having taken time to speak to the staff it turned out that they and other establishments in the vicinity had been victim to a Booking.com scam where rooms were allowed to be booked and paid for even after the hotel was full. Hence the double bookings. Karen was incredibly stressed but still managed to be hospitable, I wouldn't have been in her position for all the tea! I understand that local establishments rallied round to help out and room those that the Noel simply did not have the capacity to accommodate. Not ideal but the best of a bad situation.
In the evening, Colin the Chef, but he of every other hat that night, had taken over as barman, front of house and Chef. He did his absolute best and as far as I could tell the other 2 table in the restaurant all enjoyed there meal as much as we did. My mother who is a fish and chip connoisseur declared it to be the best she'd ever had. My burger with trimmings was also excellent. Perhaps £19 for a burger was a little steep but I can't compare with others in the area to accurately comment. Yes, they weren't able to take card payments but in this day and age none of us in the restaurant had any problem with Bacs transfer.
I really hope that The Noel bounces back from this ordeal as the area needs pubs such as their's, so many are closing down, leaving the large faceless establishments to "clear up". Good luck! We hope to see you next June.
Written 5 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucie B
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • family
We stayed at the noel as a family if 5 in the family room over night as were visiting family in the area.
The owner Karen couldn't have done more to.make us feel welcome and her staff were lovely. We had an evening meal which was delicious and reasonably priced and the cooked breakfast was great after a lovely, peaceful and comfortable nights sleep.
Would love to stay again when back in the area.
Photos dont do it justice... very stylishly decorated and also dog friendly which is lovely
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen MacGregor
Hi Lucie
Thank you for SO MUCH for this lovely review - it really means a lot - not just for me but to know that you enjoyed your stay!! Call me directly if you ever want to stay again.
Kind regards Karen
Written 25 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marilena R
United Kingdom10 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
This was our first time visiting and we were pleasantly surprised by the hospitality and the delicious food served. We had 2 chicken burgers, a vegetarian burger and nachos and for starters we chose squid and calamari. The food was homemade, delicious and well presented. The host made us feel very welcomed especially that we arrived quite late in the afternoon for lunch. It was a lovely experience. Next time we will try the al fresco pizzas.
Written 22 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqui B
Suffolk25 contributions
Sept 2023 • couples
Firstly, the pictures on trip advisor bear no resemblance to the actual place, which is now very modern, having had all the character stripped out. The public rooms are certainly bright and clean but more like a Chinese restaurant than a lovely country pub. Stayed here for one night. Under new management but can’t see it staying open for long if this is how they are going to run it. Bedroom (large cupboard really with tiny window too high off the ground to see out of) was clean, as was the bathroom but the bed linen was badly creased. We hope it hadn’t been slept in previously!! We were never given a key to our room. Dinner was OK. Main course was quite tasty but after waiting 20 minutes without seeing anyone we had to go and interrupt the staff who were playing video games in the bar to request a dessert. Waiter came when we had finished and asked if we wanted a dessert, oblivious to the fact the empty dessert dishes were in front of him! Breakfast was served by a man in dirty shorts and T shirt who said he was off to do some decorating. There were no cereals, no juices etc. we were brought a full English which had obviously been keeping warm for some time, and toast. We had to ask for juice and marmalade. Tea was served in two cups with a tea bag in each. We pointed out the usually at breakfast you expect a whole pot, which surprised them.
When we paid our bill for the meal they did deduct the cost of the beer and spritzer we had the previous evening and the dessert but as we had paid almost £120 for the room and breakfast we felt this was the least they could do.
We were told the new owner was actually arriving that day to take over. She has a real uphill battle to get this place to anywhere near acceptable. We wish her luck but we certainly would never stay there again.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen MacGregor
Hi There, its Karen, the lady that is running up the hill slowly!! I am so sorry that you had a bad experience. The renovations and refurbishment that have taken place have actually been long overdue. The look is reflecting the outside - as in the bird wallpaper etc and actually there was no character before as the decor had been there in that awful state since the 1980's. Unfortunately I cannot change the structure of the property - as in the window too high off the ground to see out off!!! There is no usually when you stay at a pub, B&B as this not a Premier Inn set up so you do have the wonderful element of a personal service - ie requesting and asking for what you want at your table as opposed for looking for it at a buffet style breakfast. Just to clarify you food would have been kept warm on our serving area whilst everything was ready to be served to you - cooked fresh at your request. Toast cannot be kept warm BUT may have cooled down whilst your bespoke breakfast was ready to be served to you. BUT, the staff and their interaction with you and their service I agree was unacceptable and for that I apologise. You should come back because this a wonderful location and I believe that The Noel at Whitwell deserves a second chance!! Especially with me here now running up that hill like Kate Bush!!
Written 20 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vicki_1609
Northampton10 contributions
Aug 2024 • friends
Wow what can I say….
First of all, I would like to say the 2 young girls managing the bar, were helpful and polite. Thats where it stops I’m afraid.
Me and a friend were going to a friends wedding and thought we would find a pub for lunch, this was the pub..
We were greeted by a young girl and then we sat down.
I went to the bar and asked for 2 lemonades, no ice. The girl proceeded to get a bottle of TESCO own lemonade out the fridge and pour us drinks. I was shocked but then there on the bar was 3 glass bowls full of TESCO OWN crisps that I can only assume were for sale. On giving us the drinks, the 2 glasses were different, same style but one was considerably smaller. We was then charged £4 total (£2 each) for what I now know is 55p bottle of lemonade! (Blue and white stripe bottle clearly labelled Tesco) Outrageous!
I wish I’d have taken some pictures because I just couldn’t believe it!
I then asked about food but unfortunately they had stopped service, fair enough, however I’m pretty glad now looking at other reviews!
On returning to my friend, I told her and she mentioned a really funky smell.
Needless to say, we didn’t even finish the flat lemonade and we left!
Needless to say, we would never return and we went elsewhere.
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Poppy L
24 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
The biggest let down, after speaking in length with the owner it was a massive let down. The food was extremely slow and when it did arrive came out 2 portions at a time, then would be 5 minutes plus and another 2 meals would be delivered. Most people had to eaten alone and one meal was completely missing, when it did finally arrive the chips were not cooked and raw. The 2 young girls were clearly trying their best. We could have accepted the slow service but on attempting to pay was extremely rudely spoken too - I can only can assume is Kevin the owners husband. Now some lessons in manners is recommended. I wouldn’t speak to a dog poo like he did to our party.
Couldn’t get a receipt for a breakdown of each meal and wasn’t able to pay separately either.
I would recommend avoiding unless your happy to be spoken too like dirt.
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DetaW
42 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Absolutely dreadful meal we were a large party out for our daughters pre wedding day evening meal. Told to be there at 6 p.m. before it got busy I'm afraid it never did get busy....The service was dreadful so so slow we waited for our food over a hour and then they brought out a couple of plates at a time so some people were finished their meal when others got theirs. The gentleman!!!!!had to be called to take payment and then completely rude when we wanted to pay as seperate couples because we had all paid a deposit he cound not do it or in other words he could not be bothered. Most certainly will not be recommending it returning.
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise O
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • family
We booked here for my birthday meal as this was previously an excellent place to eat. Since our last visit it has been refurbished and put under new management.
Here’s how our visit went..
First of all we were greeted by someone in socks, and waiting for them to put their shoes on should of been enough for us to walk out, however we decided to see if the food could outweigh the worst service we’ve ever received in a restaurant. Unfortunately it didn’t, one meal out of 5 was at an average level, the rest was very poor. All of this on top of dreadful service I’m sure the man serving us was drunk.. he even sat down at our our table to take our order! No one came to check if our food was ok, take our plates, offer dessert, more drinks, etc. The bill was £100.00, and after my complaint he offered to discount the bill by £20.00 he then asked for £50.00 I’m no mathematician but I’m sure it didn’t add up 🤣 one waiter then asked the table next to us if they were ready to order and they had already eaten 🤣 all very laughable really but considering the high standards of previous owners very disappointing.
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen MacGregor
Hello, it has taken some time to get on track but I am the leaseholder, the heartbeat of the business BUT I was not there for your reservation and I completely agree with everything you have said and I am so sorry for your bad experience. It is and was not acceptable and everything has changed since I am now here. I would love to you to try again and offer you personally lunch or dinner or ME - if you decide to do that please call the business landline and talk to me directly. Kind regards Karen
Written 20 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elizabeth P
7 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
My husband and I stopped here for lunch after a walk around Rutland Reservoir. I had a burger and it was awful! Rubbery and tasteless. It came with coleslaw (at least that’s what they called it). Tasted and looked disgusting! My husband had a chicken baguette which was so saturated with bbq sauce that it was practically inedible! The only reason I gave it a 2 rating is because the chips were actually not bad. Service was extremely slow considering not a complicated order, and we were the only ones there until another couple and a family of 4 arrived after we had ordered. The manager seemed totally disinterested in our feedback. Not a customer focused guy. The decor could use a refresh as well. Some ugly furniture. I think this would be a great candidate for one of those do over TV shows. They really need to buck up.
Written 4 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noel W
Many thanks in taking the time to leave a review. I am sorry that we didn't live up to your expectations.
Written 5 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
orangegirl4
Hertfordshire20 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
It was clean & had a comfortable bed but, curtains were hanging on with string which made it difficult to open/close. It did have tea/coffee making facilities but no biscuits. No drinking glasses for water.
We went down for breakfast and the chef had a day off & there was one poor guy in his own serving breakfast so after reading a pretty good breakfast menu the only thing we could have was an English breakfast or toast, but I’m not sure if it was freshly cooked, the bacon was very crisp! On the whole it was a pleasant stay but just needs a bit more!!!
Written 29 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanette Rooney
Thank you for the review. We have taken on board the comments and will act on them in future
Written 21 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stella C
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • family
We stayed at The Noel for three nights with breakfast inc and chose to dine two evenings, the whole experience was superb.
We visited with an open mind after reading various reviews but now realise they are rectifying things that went on in the past which were out of their control & are now successfully turning things around.
We were greeted by the loviest of staff who continually went out of their way to be helpful. I stayed with my two adult daughters & a baby, not the easiest guests however nothing at all was too much trouble.
The food was superb & sorry chef, we did mix his menu around to which he was accommodating and everything served perfectly.
All in all a very relaxed, cosy environment, we will definitely return.
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellis M
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • couples
We visited for dinner the first weekend after the new people took over the pub and were blown away with how kind and polite everyone was. The food was amazing, served quickly, and the waiting staff were on point. The atmosphere felt like a proper country pub. Warming and relaxing.
It wasn’t the cheapest place but for a date night, it was exactly what we wanted.
Written 7 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • couples
When we visited The Noel had just reopened under new owners and after a refurbishment. It looks very smart and the food was very good. My wife had a warm chicken and bacon salad in a taco bowl which was really nice. I had the pie of the day (steak and musroom) with red cabbage and champ mash and gravy and it was great. Prices were reasonable. The only negative was that they were very chaotic with their menus giving out lunchtime ones at first, then one and a half evening menus, and then not having menus/prices at the till when it came to settling up. A bit more organisation in that area would make it perfect. With the environment they have created and the quality of the food we enjoyed the new owners deserve to make a sucess of it.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqueline C
15 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
Went for Sunday lunch last week and after a few early hiccups, enjoyed it very much. I had rack of lamb, which was cooked perfectly, and my wife had the chicken, which she also enjoyed.
Couple of points to make:- would have been great to have a "pie" option on the menu and the limited availability of some items on the menu may result in a very limited choice for later diners.
Will deffo go again
Written 20 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liz g
Edith Weston8 contributions
Jan 2024 • friends
Avoid!!!! not only were we welcomed by the owner in her nightwear she also told us she was poorly and all her staff had covid.
the service as dreadful, food was like something out of a garage with a spa attached to it. in fact the sandwiches might have tasted better. the staff had no idea how to look after customers and basic food knowledge was a no go.
very disappointed as I wanted to have a nice lunch with my family but it made it very frustrating.
It's been about 10 years since I had been and hoped that under new ownership it would be better than it was before but it clearly hasn't made any difference.
Written 16 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen MacGregor
WOW!! AVOID!! That is just disgraceful. So, you did not complain at the time?? And my staff (who were off sick) and myself having COVID or a virus is something I cannot control. S0, would you like to enlighten me as to what you had to eat and what staff served you ?And equally if that was bad - did you eat it all and not say something at the time? I live on the premises and have only just taken over the premises. Additionally the week before the whole village was flooded and my business had to close for 4 days so if I was there with a dressing gown - I was there!! Have you run a pub, dining room and B & B in a small village before? So, I would like you to elaborate more on your experience with the food and staff (limited) because I DO NOT RECALL having to offer a discount etc for your so called bad experience and I think you are totally out of order for placing this review. And additionally my customer skills are 100% and I would have explained this to you and all visitors and diners after the flooding and during that week. Thank you Karen
Written 18 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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