The Carpenters Arms

No reception when I arrived. No answer on telephone either.Hustled 15 minutes to find keys on doors to get room myself. Reception opened only when restaurant opened.

The positive - plenty of parking, attractive inside and out, friendly and helpful staff. But the service was incredibly slow and the food was over-cooked convenience fare from the freezer and cheap commercially made sauces. All the starters on the main menu are breaded or battered. Satay chicken skewers were disappointingly dried up, with a sweet sauce. Beer battered fish was curled up on the plate, it was so overcooked, and despite waiting so long, was sent back to the kitchen. Sticky ribs weren't sticky, only the sauce poured liberally over them. The lasagne too appeared so overcooked it didn't look appetising. The only plate that got a thumbs up was the burger.We didn't have dessert. We chose the Carpenters based on a recommendation, and perhaps the kitchen was just having a bad day, but sadly we won't go back.

On arrival, first impressions are very favourable. This is a nice-looking inn with loads of character. We arrived out of hours and had to call the number for check-in advice. No problem, this was fairly smooth. Unfortunately, our room, which was otherwise OK, had no aerial cable to reach the television. After 5.30, when the bar opened, I popped in and asked about this. We were promptly swapped to another room, room 3. Room 3 needs to have the toilet properly plumbed in. At the back of the lavatory, there is no drop. In fact, the waist is actually having to work against a very slight upward gradient. This meant that every time I flushed, I had to help the flush with a bucket of water. Sometimes, even then, taking several attempts. Otherwise, the room was clean if not a little tired. There was no housekeeping on our second day, so I had to ask for tea and milk top ups. Apart from that, it would have been fine as we only had 2 nights. On the second night we ate in the restaurant. The food, though it took a while to arrive, was very nice. Although when we were asked if we wanted gravy, which wasn't on the menu, we were charged £1.95 each. While one of our group couldn't have a banana split, we were still charged for it. In spite of her alternative being cheaper. So a nice It was our first time at the Carpenters Arms and a few nigles that could be ironed out fairly easily for a more memorable stay. Would I return, perhaps, I wouldn't rule it out.

What a great place to eat. Myself, my wife and both sets of parents had lunch at the Carpenters with our dog. Very dog friendly. Between us we had the Liver and onions, Steal and ale pie, one cod and chips and one Wiltshire ham egg and chips. All cooked freshly and what a joy. Everything was piping hot and cooked to perfection. Great service from the staff who made us very welcome. Friendly, caring and smiling from the beginning, what more can you ask for. The pub /restaurant is well presented and clean. Great parking as well. If you want a great meal at a sensible price this is the place to go. We will be back on numerous occasions I think. Thanks to everyone at the Carpenters for making all of us feel special.

I visited with my friend, but she'd been here before & I hadn't. It's a nice pub with character in South Marston, a lovely village & just off the A420 Oxford Rd, and had good parking. Nice inside, but maybe could do with a bit of a refurb - the carpet looked a bit old & tired, but of course, that's up to the owners. We both had steak & ale pie, very nice! Then both had a sponge pudding - also very nice, very hot & fresh. Would definitely recommend a visit.

We decided to book here for my daughters 16th,as in the pass experience it’s faultless. Food was piping hot and freshly made.There were 9 different food dishes served and all came out at the same time all nice and hot.Staff have always got smiles on there faces even at busy periods.well done to all who work here ,you all work as a team that also goes for the back of house that cooks your food to perfection and the presentation of your food is to a high standard.If you have not been here I fully recommend.