The Stag and Huntsman at Hambleden

My wife and I stayed here on Wednesday 18/09/2024 and we were very disappointed with the accommodation - 2 bedroom cottage (no. 86). This place is dirty and run down; it is need of a thorough renovation and deep clean. There was green mould on the shower door seal, the carpets are stained, there was dust where the carpets meet the skirting board, the newel post to the stairs has black grime marks and, the cupboard under the stairs stinks of dirty water possibly coming from the filthy looking mop stored there. The bath tub has chips in the enamel, the washbasin is both chipped and cracked, the chrome on the tap has worn thin such that the brass colour beneath is showing, the washbasin plug does not work, the heated towel rail is rusty, the paint is flaking off, the hot plates to the cooker are corroded in the centre. The power cable to a lamp in the bedroom is too short to reach the plug and rather than get an electrician to professionally extend it they simply used an extension lead thus causing a trip hazard. The hot water is scalding hot - but at least there should be no bacteria in the pipes. Quite frankly, I find it disgraceful that this cottage is still being rented out. On the plus side the food was very good. However, the menu pricing is misleading because it states "discretionary 12.5% service charge included" - note is says 'included' and not 'will be added' - but when you pay your bill 12.5% is added. This is such a shame because Hambleden and surrounding areas, including Marlow and Henley on Thames is a very nice place to visit.

We went, just for lunch. I have to say we were delighted our server, Josh, was brilliant. We had an excellent lunch and glass of wine. Not too expensive but delicious plus great service what more can you ask for. We will be back again soon. Many thanks Jean and Lynda

We booked out the whole accommodation at The Stag & Huntsman for the Friday and Saturday of our daughter’s wedding weekend as the marriage was at Hambledon Church and the Reception at a nearby venue. It was magical - just as she had she had always imagined. Having booked a year in advance we were a little nervous in these uncertain times for pubs and restaurants but we had no need to be. Our meeting in June with the manager Marius put any concerns to rest - this was ‘standard operating procedure’ for the Team and Marius himself had only recently got hitched so he “felt our pain!” On the weekend itself Marius had been sadly called home to South Africa for a family emergency, but his wingman Leonard was fully briefed and couldn’t have been more attentive. We had pre-assigned the rooms and cottages which made the check-in seamless and Marius had ‘sorted’ the shared public car-park for us (which is irritatingly now pay and display resulting in cars parking for free everywhere in the otherwise stunning Hambledon village.) There were a couple of minor room issues which were immediately and professionally corrected. The cottages for the ‘Gorgeous Gang of Girls’ were perfect although our apologies to the village neighbours if the fun was shared a little too widely - we won’t make it a habit… On the Friday evening we hosted a dinner for 30 members of the Bride’s family and friends (plus two dogs) in the private dining room -and we will never forget it. We had pre-ordered from the Pheasant event menu - the Sea Bass and Steaks being the most popular. It was served beautifully by the young waiting staff - on time and piping hot for all. The 10oz steaks in a particular were large and juicy although of course they were - this place is run by South Africans! The deserts were huge but all the plates were scraped clean! Crumble & Custard and and Crème Brûlée being the most in demand. The included breakfast on Saturday was important as we all had a very long day ahead. The typical buffet was fine and the choice of cooked breakfast brilliant - from Full English to Smashed Avocado via Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Egg - this is no traditional B&B ! It kept us going until canapés at 3 pm. We had a few complicated room changes on Saturday as some were leaving and others arriving but it all worked seamlessly and the cleaning staff couldn’t have been more cooperative. The smaller cottage was to be used as a Bridal Suite that evening so we added a few decorations. It was a late night but we had all been briefed on the out of hours return procedures and other than some alcohol-induced stumbling all got back to their rooms safely! Sunday breakfast, check-out and billing again worked perfectly with only minor issues immediately corrected. We all left Hambledon on a huge high and the Stag & Huntsman certainly contributed greatly to that - thank you to Marius, Leonard and the Team. Your hawk-like focus on “getting the basics right” certainly pays off!