I have reviewed my experience of Churnet Valley a number of times, and have always been truly impressed by every aspect....... until my latest......
My wife booked the breakfast train for my birthday, and, having been previously were really looking forward to it.
We had booked a table for 2, and anyone who has booked a table for 2 Im sure, knows what that means. A table with the 2 people who booked it, sat at it, yes? No. Churnet Valley, or perhaps the company who now seems to manage their special events, have decided that a table for 2 can be a table for 4 without any notice. Its worth mentioning here that the same policy even applied to a VALENTINES SPECIAL (read the relevant reviews). Now, who doesn't want a romantic steam train ride crammed into a booth with 2 complete strangers? I digress.......
On arrival we were given our table number. Entered the carriage and found no spare table. On board manager showed us to our table for 2, and we discovered we were to be crammed into a tiny booth with 2 strangers, who, I will add, were thankfully pleasant enough, and equally as dismayed at the situation.
I expressed my dissatisfaction to the on board manager, who instantly lied to me and said I should have 'ticked' the box saying I wanted a private table. That box doesn't exist.
I raised my concerns with the railway themselves, who couldnt really have given any less consideration to our ruined morning. One email response even started, 'Oh Hello Again'.
We visit a couple of times a year, always for the special events, spending quite a lot in the process. No more. Treated so badly, day ruined, and the staff could care less.
Take your time to read the reviews if you really must book. I do confess, this is my worst experience of all the times I have visited, so could be down to the new management company as I have already alluded to.
On a positive food was good.
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