The Carpenters Arms

We booked for a weekend away at the races, we weren't quite sure what time we would arrive so emailed ahead and also booked in for dinner at the restaurant, If you're looking for good home-cooked food you're going to be disappointed, because the food is exceptional and we really couldn't believe what was coming out of the kitchen. It took us ages to choose, I had salmon with blackberries and beetroot, the salmon was really well smoked, and the blackberries balanced the savory and sweet tastes my partner had wild mushrooms on toast with poached egg, the mushrooms had been cooked in garlic butter and were really fresh and not overcooked. For main I had venison haunch which was cooked on the rare side of medium-rare so it wasn't tough or chewy, which came with the smoothest mash potatoes, cavolo nero and, balsamic baby onions my partner had the kiev which was huge and oozed garlic butter. The pudding was chocolate and raspberry brownie/cake with raspberry sorbet which was really rich but the sorbet added that tart sweetness, my partner had the eaton mess cheesecake which she really enjoyed. Great selection of drinks from the bar. The room was across the car park in a cottage that had been converted, our room was on the ground floor two large arms chairs and a table in the bedroom with a metal-framed bed, tea, coffee, chocolate, biscuits and water provided in the room, a second room with a large table in and then a bathroom with a full-size bath and mixer shower, the room was clean, the bed was comfortable and the linen was really good quality. We had breakfast the next day I had a full english and cappuccino and the only thing that let the breakfast down was the bacon, a thicker cut dry-aged bacon would make it a great breakfast. My partner had avocado and poached egg on toast she couldn't fault it, the poached eggs are really something here. Gemma and Shaun have done an amazing job in 11 weeks

Perfect location for our visit to Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey. Lots there were also going to Newbury Races. The breakfasts were great and evening meal there were lots of choices. We are not vegetarian or GF but lots of choice for those who are and the chef is very flexible and will cater for all needs. Lovely friendly staff, and the landlords are fabulous. Lots of outdoor areas if you are coming in the summer, including a covered area that was showing World Cup matches while we were there. Many people who were staying in nearby places said they had come to The Carpenters Arms for food for the choice and good prices. Accomodation is in a house tight next door to the pub.

We had by the admission of the landlady the smallest room they offered and she was keen to show us some of the other rooms that they had to offer when they were free. Hence the loss of one star as it was very tight. That said it was clean and had a good size bathroom. They are trying to think of a way to improve it. If we hadn’t picked a busy weekend we might have been in one of the much bigger rooms which are delightful.

Beautiful place. The woman who checked us in was Very nice indeed. we felt so welcome. Loved the garden. Our two small dogs were made very welcome . Only stayed one night but enjoyed it .

Cooked Breakfast wasn’t included in our booking but we paid for one . It was Very very poor, didn’t taste good , Didn’t enjoy it at all . Works out Very expensive too once you pay for everything separately . A Full English should have, cereals , fruit juice, tea ,coffee, toast. And then the cooked breakfast itself. Left feeling a bit ripped off really , Not nice when a customer feels like that so , it Spoiled an otherwise nice stay.

The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Choice of drinks in the bar and lovely food. In particular Madelaine and Kim went that extra mile for all the customers.

The management could have been more visible and certainly more supportive of their staff. For example a party were prebooked for lunch but Kim was on her own in the bar and had one very unpleasant and impatient old woman to deal with. I have to say she dealt with it perfectly, but shouldn't have had to. Those staff worked so hard, a bit of support is deserved.

really welcoming village pub with everything to tick all boxes - especially comfortable room and ample food during the stay. will be good to return in the spring or summer.

very minor niggles. the door proved difficult to open and lock. probably as the wood in door had swollen. No electrical car charge points which are increasingly necessary for the overnight stay. also, there’s a fireplace in the front lounge and rear dining room but neither were lit while we were there and it was the expectation of an open fire that attracted us to the property in the first place.

Very convenient to visit Sandham Chapel and Highclere Castle. Nice breakfast. Nice variety of treats provided for guests.

Not a single coat hanger provided. Just hooks. This is a very isolated property and without transport is difficult or expensive to get to from Newbury Station. There are NO weekend buses, and only 1 Mon-Fri. There are no shops at all. There is a walk around the village, otherwise, nothing to do there , ( after visiting the Chapel and Castle).

Great location for our visit to Highclere Castle. Lovely little pub with nice friendly staff, room was nice clean and comfortable. It could do with a little freshen up with the decor but the pub manager said they were in the process of renovation. Regardless of that it was lovely and would definitely stay again and recommend to others.

Only negative was that the on the breakfast the eggs had been poached with vinegar which I hate so it put me off. (my fault for being fussy!)

comfort & style was fab and excellent for me and the dog. nicely lit at night outside when I had to take dog out and plenty area around to walk him and he was welcome in every part of the pub even for breakfast.

the young lads didn’t always get it quite right (eg. no fork for supper, no plates out for breakfast, no sugar offered for coffee) - small things but they matter yet super helpful when asking them for all of these things .. maybe experience thing

Bedrooms were comfortable , bed , well stocked with good snacks, tea’s and Nespresso coffee . Quiet as bedrooms are in the cottage located Across from pub . Sunday pub closes early so quiet if staying Saturday night . Lovely full English breakfast in the mornings as well as other options . Staff very friendly and accommodating . Will stay again if need to come back to area

Nothing

A lovely room, spotless and comfortable. The bathroom had a shower and bath and the room had a welcome basket of apples, crisps, and a slice of cake! The coffee machine was a Nespresso, and there was a fine selection of teas. Breakfast was included in my booking and the Full English I chose was very good and beautifully presented.

The only slight issue was that I was awoken by what sounded like an alarm from a room upstairs at 6am. I am a naturally light sleeper, but it did seem as if any slight noise from outside was audible.