norman1366's Qype profile

We were lucky enough to be invited to our friends Wedding reception at this 'unusual' venue.
A reception in the middle of a zoo. 
On arrival at the reception drinks were offered. The weather was brilliant so sitting in the sun, outside, with the noises of animals around was different.
The reception area was beautifully laid out with the colours that the bride and groom had chosen. The food was exceptional. Nothing like the usual wedding reception fayre, it would have scored highly in the restaurants of London section. The service, by quite young waitresses, was second to none. Friendly yet totally professional. 
After the speeches they was quiet music in the background that didn't make conversation difficult.
One of the problems at receptions is the gap between the afternoon reception and the evening guests arriving. Normally there is the clearing of tables and the setting out for the evening. This didn't happen as a special treat had been arranged by our hosts. The trip on the steam driven railway around the grounds to see some of the animals in the zoo.
It was really pleasant being shown around the grounds. On a few occasions the train had to slow down as animals, wallabies etc were in the way and at one point the train had to stop to allow an animal to cross. For my international readers, in Britain we have pedestrian crossings across the road called Zebra crossings. This is the very first time I have seen a Camel crossing LOL.
Arriving back at the banqueting suite everything had changed for the evening. Tables had been cleared and extra seating laid out. Fantastic service.
The evening buffet food was wonderful and there was plenty of it. Surprinsingly the bar prices were very reasonable for a venue such as this.
A wonderful day, with wonderful people and fantastic service from The Zoological Society of London  team

Went to a wedding in this magnificent church. Worth a visit just to take in the outside with its stained glass windows. The interior is even better.
I am not in any way religious but the Rev. Didier Jaquet gave a sermon that was less the old type sermon that I was used to as a child (which turned me from religion). It was informative and 'humorous'. More down to earth. A very nice person and very approachable.
He MADE the wedding ( not forgetting, of course, the bride and groom).

Shame I have to give it even 1 star. The worst budget hotel we have stayed in.
Entrance unlit so had to use a torch to get the parking ticket. Yeh, parking was £2 overnight.
Reception staff were friendly and helpful. 
Arrived in the room to find that there were NO light bulbs except for the main light. Window had no lock on it and you do need to shut the window because of the traffic and garage noise.
Reception changed our room and it was 'adequate' until a group of guests arrived at 3.00 am to proceeded to have a heated (no, violent) argument in the hallway outside our room. Seemed too dangerous to complain so let the disagreement to carry on throughout the hours until early morning. Must admit, that isn't the hotels fault.
Went to have a shower but noticed only one set of towels. 
Anyway we had breakfast to look forward to. What a laugh. Powdered egg scrambled, crap bacon and the sausages looked as if they were from the day before and heated up. Coffee was terrible and the orange juice watery.
Anyway, repeat, avoid this hotel as it is the pits and from some of the guests at breakfast, seems to be a drop off for the jobless.

I was taken here for a birthday treat by my daughter.
What a fantastic pub/restaurant!!!!!
The service is unbeatable. The food, so mouthwatering with an extremely varied menu. Unlike some restaurants they cater for veggies. A full veggie menu which pleased my daughter. Not the usual baked peppers or bean casserole but a varied menu.
As you sit there waiting for the food there is so much to view. Full of old relics of a bygone age from scientific instruments, farm implements, cobblers tools etc etc. Like a museum.
As I have said, the service is second to none. Professional yet very friendly. They do all they can to make the visit enjoyable. The 'landlady' obviously runs a tight ship and she is a 'character' (I'll say no more but hope that on your visit you will meet her).
Thank you all for a great birthday treat. In the words of Arnie 'I will be back'.

I loved the place. Very commercialised because of the filming of Heartbeat in this area but well worth a visit. You HAVE to sit in the Aidensfield Arms (in fact the Goathland Hotel) and have a pint. With Scripps garage opposite and many of the old Ford Anglia Police cars on display. Even the Anglia used in the Harry Potter films.
And as the last reviewer stated....grab the steam train (North Yorkshire Railway) from Pickering to get there.

Absolute magnet if you are around this area. Picturesque, quaint and it takes you back centuries. Bit steep going down and, then, you have the thought of going back up!!! Get a few Yorkshire pints down you in one of the great pubs and the climb means nothing.

Lovely place in the middle of the forest to stop for a 'cuppa'. Next to the wonderful Falling Foss waterfall. Great service, lovely atmosphere.

As a rather large family group we ventured, for the first time, into this quaint old worlde British Pub for Mothering Sunday Lunch (I hate the use of Mothers Day).
We all, but one, had their roast. The beef was to die for, thick, yet very mouth watering. I am assured that the roast lamb was none the poorer.
Service was friendly and professional.
Looking at the menu on the blackboard they have many 'offers' of two or three course choices for a set price. Also, they have one of the largest selection of whisky or whiskey that I have ever seen. As a single malt lover I was surprised to see that the Welsh have a whisky!!! Once I find a designated driver I'll give a few a try.
We will definitely be going back.