What place for Christmas Dinner! (The Berkshire Arms (Midgham))

Member Name: Anne

Product:	The Berkshire Arms (Midgham)
Date:	03/09/09 (59 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A proper Christmas atmosphere for all ages.

Disadvantages: One of the party has to drive home.

We have been to The Berkshire Arms for the past three Christmases, for lunch ( 2006 - 2007- 2008), and hope to go again, this year. This fact in itself should show how satisfied we have been with the food and atmosphere and service that we have received.

Initially, we were dubious about how we would enjoy a meal out on Christmas Day; we had previopusly celebrated with large family gatherings, but in 2006, we found that there would be only three of us , and we didn't want to spend the day hankering for what we had been used to before.

We needn't have worried! The meal was wonderful. We were so full up with the starter, main course and dessert that we couldn't manage to eat the mince pies that came with the coffee.

One of the nicest things about the place is the atmosphere. Nothing seemed formal; there was an unexpected amount of privacy for our table
- they reduce the amount of tables for this special day - and yet there were plenty of diners, including families with young children who were having a wonderful time. (There are complimentary hats, crackers, poppers etc.)

I cannot fault the service. As you make your menu selection in advance, each course came promptly to table. (There is a good selection of food; we have previously opted for the traditional turkey main course, but there are steak, fish and vegetarian options.) The year that I chose a grilled pineapple and mango dessert, the chef came to the table and asked how I liked it. It didn't seem just a polite request; he really wanted to know!

This is a place that deserves Christmas trade. As a customer you get the impression that your pleasure is paramount. In the past, we've gone to dinners in other establishments in the period leading up to Christmas, when customers have been crammed in, uncomfortably shoulder to shoulder, to make maximum profit, and the food is lukewarm and the service is rushed. That has never happened at The Berkshire Arms!

Summary: For three years running, we've not been disappointed.