jamesplaces.co.uk

Disappointing Family Dinner Experience

We had a family meal at a local establishment this evening, December 29, 2025, with three adults and two children. While the staff was very polite and accommodating, they seemed severely understaffed. Unfortunately, the food was incredibly disappointing. We received our meals without cutlery and had to wait ten minutes for it, causing our food to get cold. We were seated near the entrance and had to eat with our coats on due to a cold draft. I would not recommend dining here. Microwaved meals can be acceptable occasionally, but not repeatedly. The chicken goujons were so dry they were nearly impossible to cut. Overall, a terrible experience.

Date of experience: Dec 29, 2025

Disappointing experience at a local venue.

We had a family dinner at a local venue recently. The service was polite and accommodating, but they were clearly understaffed. Unfortunately, the food was extremely disappointing. Our meals were served without cutlery, and we had to wait ten minutes for it while the food went cold. We were seated near the entrance and had to wear our coats due to the cold draft. Eating here is not advisable. Microwaved meals can be acceptable, but not repeatedly. The chicken goujons were so dry they were nearly inedible. Overall, a dreadful experience.

Date of experience: Dec 29, 2025

Training needed for phone responses.

Date of experience: Sep 27, 2025

Lack of customer support and fairness.

I received a £99 gift voucher years ago and attempted to use it for a weekend getaway. After two unsuccessful attempts to book a hotel due to unavailability, I was told the voucher wouldn’t expire even though it stated otherwise. The voucher was forgotten for three years, and when I found it, I was informed that the £99 was now lost. They offered no assistance, which feels incredibly unfair and greedy. I will never purchase a gift voucher again, nor will I use this company in the future. I feel cheated.

Date of experience: May 29, 2025

Avoid dealings with this venue.

My son gifted me a voucher for afternoon tea worth £49.00, but I can't eat anything on the menu and requested a refund. Unfortunately, their policy prohibits refunds. They suggested using the voucher in the bar or brasserie, but there’s nothing I’d like to order. It’s frustrating that they won’t issue a refund for something I haven't used. I’ve struggled to contact the company, as my messages redirect to the venue. It seems they are only interested in profit and lack communication with customers. I’ll consider this a lesson learned and will advise others to avoid this venue.

Date of experience: Apr 27, 2024

Wonderful winter getaway at a charming hotel.

I stayed at a charming hotel recently and had a fantastic experience. The room was excellent, the historic building was beautiful, the staff were friendly, and the restaurant offered a delightful evening meal along with a lovely breakfast. Truly a five-star experience.

Date of experience: Jan 22, 2024

Great visit to a local pub.

I just visited a local pub and had a wonderful experience. The food was excellent, and the staff were friendly as always.

Date of experience: Apr 30, 2022

Very disappointing stay at a familiar hotel.

I recently had a very unfortunate experience at a hotel I've frequented for 30 years. We were given the wrong room despite having booked for a special occasion with confirmed emails. The staff handling the situation were unprofessional and unhelpful. Although I love the village, I will avoid this hotel in the future.

Date of experience: May 25, 2021

Displeased with new parking policy.

I used to visit a local venue regularly, but I won't return after they changed their parking policy. There used to be two hours of free parking, but now you have to register your car. I was unaware of this change and received a £160 fine after parking for 50 minutes. I plan to contest this fine, but it’s disappointing that the venue has adopted such practices. I will warn others to stay away.

Date of experience: Oct 07, 2020

Terrible customer service experience.

I received a gift card for my 50th birthday but couldn't use it until two years later due to scheduling conflicts. I was informed that the card expired after 12 months with no refund available, which feels like theft. After reaching out for help, I was told a director wouldn’t allow the card to be honored. This practice seems to lead to many lost funds on expired gift cards. I strongly advise against purchasing gift cards from this company as they do not honor them.

Date of experience: Sep 24, 2020