The Kings Arms

Lovely pub and great service! However the Sunday lunch was a bit pricey for what it was. Roast Beef excellent but roast potatoes were tasteless and obviously had been reheated even though we were there at 12 noon. Cauliflower cheese very dry too. We were expecting better quality for £21 95 each.

This used to be one of our absolute favourites for Sunday lunch. Sat in front of the fire with a glass of wine and waiting for our delicious lunch to arrive from the kitchen. Bit disappointed to find the old landlords had moved on, the on tap beers now all Butcombe and the fire not lit so the pub was pretty cold. Dinner arrived. Belly pork was actually very good. But the “crackling” wasn’t edible. The roast potatoes had obviously been sat for a while and and were dry and tasteless. The cauliflower cheese had no browning on top. For £22 it was a bit sad really. The dessert was lovely though. And the staff were super as always. But I don’t think we’ll be going back. That lovely cosy pub and comforting Sunday roast feeling just isn’t there.

The King's Arms is seriously in need of refurb. The main stair carpet is threadbare and had not been cleaned for some time. The bathroom woodwork needed painting and the shower unit and tiles were discloured and needed to be replaced. The shower in one room failed to work. Breakfast was acceptable but could have been hotter. But the porridge was not acceptable: on the menu as porridge with blackberries, poached apple, almonds and toasted seeds: it came as porridge without apple, blackberries, almonds or toasted seeds!! Avoid this pub until it's upgraded.

We booked this pub as we were going to westbirton arboretum 5 minutes away. The pub is a nice location for a drink, and the staff were pleasant and helpful, but the food was very disappointing. Definitely not a destination pub for food. Shame.

Having known this pub for many years and being Butcombe loyalty Club members, we wanted to introduce friends to both! Unfortunately we will not be going back.. since our last visit, The menu has not improved In choices available, (not a lot for weight watchers either.) We were there at 12.30 and told the pie of the day was chicken, ham and leek which 2 of us ordered.the other 2 found it difficult to choose due the lack of variety, and were not enthusiastic about what was on offer! Then our very nice waitress came back to say there were no pies left!!! I settled for Chicken Caesar minus anchovies, our friend chose the pork chop.All of us were taken aback when the food arrived, very small portions for the money charged. Although the waitress did say that the Chef was adding on 2 extra pieces of chicken to my salad as it was a starter/lighter choice….l could still taste anchovy in the dressing despite me telling her l hated them and l am sure she told the kitchen. The Lamb Kofta was a main course but you would not think so, even served on a dessert size plate! It was the smallest fish and chips l have seen in any other Butcombe! My salad, well for £9.25, what a profit must be made on that…2 tiny bits of chicken and a few small lettuce wedges. We were told there was no Panna Cotta on the dessert menu. We left the service charge on solely because our waitress was brilliant, but as far as the kitchen is concerned, a great disappointment. Butcombe, you need to review your menus, this is not the first time we have been to one of your pubs and been disappointed with your menu, so we will be taking a break and having our weekly lunches elsewhere.

Visited with Family for Sunday Lunch, no complaints just six empty plates. Recommend Chicken, Beef and the Nutroast all well presented and freshly cooked. Friendly staff and we were not rushed at all. We will return.