The Falcon Hotel

Afternoon tea. Lovely location and room. Service was not what anyone would expect for this level of price and establishment, sadly. Food was OK, but took a while to arrive, which we assumed meant all freshly made, but alas no the sandwiches were not, and the fillings were average. The thinnest slice of cucumber ever seen in a sandwich, for example. The scones were a delicious highlight, but not served with enough clotted cream, and when we asked for more, the waiter said they'd "run out". Service charge added to the bill and I wish we'd refused to pay, but we didn't want to end our experience on a sour note. 3 stars is probably too generous.

Firstly, this is a lovely venue that’s had huge investment from the owners. Very high end bar and restaurant & boutique hotel that’s a pleasure to spend time in. Unfortunately that’s where the good things end. The service here used to be impeccable - up until about 12 months ago when I get the impression they have outsourced the running of the bar area to an external outfit. Now when you walk in, you are barely greeted and you have to catch the eye of the lacklustre bar man / manager to even get served. There’s no pleasantries - such as “hi - how are you / how can I help you”. You give them your order, they do the bare minimum in return (apart from handing you your drink). There’s no offer of “would you like to see the drinks menu” or “would you like to eat with us this evening”. You’re left to your own devices to find a seat / table and you’ll be lucky if you see another server again for the rest of your stay. They really couldn’t care less about you or whether you are having a nice time. I’ve made 3 visits in the last year to give them the benefit of the doubt that it may get better - but it never has. Got worse if anything, We used to come to the restaurant a lot as a couple or with other friends for breakfasts or dinners and always had a great time. But with the new servers and (lack of) service standards - we wouldn’t risk it. Considering that the prices are at the very high end, you expect the service to match. I won’t be coming back anytime soon (which is a pity as it’s very local) and knowing how competitive and difficult the service industry is to be in, I’d be surprised if they stay in business for another year. If Lord & Lady Northampton (the owners) ever read this - please arrange for some mystery shop visits to your bar / restaurant and have some independent feedback for yourselves. It really needs a management and staff training overhaul ASAP.

Just visited for a light drink and though the venue is delightful and the interior is designed with a real eye for taste, the eye watering price of both the tomato juice and the cranberry juice certainly caused a little lifting of the eyebrows and the additional £1 service charge, presumably for the ceremonial unscrewing of the bottle tops was somewhat unexpected and, to be honest, unnecessary - I could have removed them myself without too much physical or indeed emotional strain.

Underhand behaviour with service charge last visit didn’t realise got that on bill eaven though going to bar for my own drinks, Today ordered drink at bar checked bill today before I paid and challenged why service charge bar man said nothing and reprinted of new bill with no service charge, so do find this very awful behaviour and very poor practice

I've been for a drink there several times and it's always been busy staff nice really good atmosphere this time they have changed the grass was not cut place looked a bit untidy ordered some drinks so we could sit outside no draft beer bottles only ! Had a pimms and lemonade bottle of lager and an orange juice £27 !! Did not realize til sat down they had changed £3.20 service charge for what ? I've never paid a service charge in any hotel in the world Total rip off already over paying for drinks anyway they might as well charge for parking your car will not be going again

Love this hotel and have stayed several times. Still love the hotel, the rooms, it's surroundings and the lovely staff it was just the change of menus I was so disappointed with. The tasting menu for breakfast is a little strange....The salmon was nice, the Sally sourdough toast delicious as was the scrambled egg but how it is served and only with a very small plate makes it difficult to eat. The fruit juice as tasty but as a shot it was far too small. I also find it a bit odd to serve turmeric chai with breakfast although it was very nice but it doesn't fit very well with a morning cup of coffee or tea. The lack of choice when staying for three breakfasts isn't good. I appreciate the emphasis on health and wellbeing but we need a choice. I also was disappointed with the dinner menu in Eyas. The food was still cooked beautifully and was very tasty but it's not the same dining experience you get with the tasting menu. Please change it back again! Saying all this we will still return!

This place is truly fantastic. After signing out of a dreadful hotel nearby (The French Partridge) this place was truly fantastic. It epitomised real service which is a credit to the hotel. It has amazing grounds and views and I hope you visit this place of a gem. It is pricey but it is true silver spoon value.

We have been to The Falcon quite a few times as we live locally, generally just for drinks as the patio in the summer is glorious. We love the environment, it’s very chilled and opulent. It is quite expensive but you get what you pay for, it’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon. However, I draw the line at putting a service charge on drinks. Even if you go to the bar and get them yourself, they still charge a 10% service charge!

Lovely hotel but don’t ask them to book you a taxi and find one yourself as was very expensive for a 5 min drive !