I have mixed feelings about Mar Hall - I had my wedding reception here, so obviously it will always be a special place to me. And it definitely has a genuine "wow" factor when you walk up to and into the hall. When my wife to be saw the place she knew instantly that she wanted it for her wedding reception. I have stayed several times and the rooms are also pretty nice
But - the service and actual food can be all over the shop. Perfect example - I attended yesterday for a champagne afternoon tea. My sister had got me a voucher about a year ago. Upon close inspection a few weeks ago, it seemed the voucher had expired in April (why give a voucher a 10-month lifespan? - seems very arbitrary).
Anyway, I got in touch and reception kindly agreed to extend the voucher. So far so reasonable. However, yesterday I was greeted by a manager who said "I believe you have an expired voucher". Why was mentioning the expiry, which I had addressed, relevant in any way? Was I supposed to feel like I was being done a favour? Quite rude I think.
Further the voucher clearly stated "champagne" but no champagne was offered. As it happened I wasn't that bothered, but that's still not very impressive. And the afternoon tea itself was distinctly workmanlike (particularly the sandwiches) - the afternoon tea at the Butterfly and Pig on Bath Street is half the price but knocks spots off it.
As we left we heard Robbie Williams' tour manager speaking to reception. Perhaps everybody was just too excited about Robbie's arrival! read more