Hilton Avisford Park

Something is not right here. I understand it is under new owners/management who when encountered I got the impression that the building might get converted into a care home or hostel. There were certainly rumours some years ago about possible immigrant accommodation. Called in for morning coffee & for lunch. but had difficulty in tracking down staff in order to get served. I noticed that a room was being used for a speed Awareness Course which would explain the discomfort of attendees as they hung around the bar area during a break. Coffee was poor accompanied by cheap biscuits. The place has a tacky down-market vibe so I cancelled lunch & fled, never to return.

Absolute farce! The drinks I requested were not available to name Ginger Beer/Rose Lemonade or Tomato Juice whilst other 3 guests had their wine. Eventually the found a Ginger Ale. Meal was appalling for me as a vegetarian I chose Mushroom Wellington but was presented with a meat dish alongside the other party members. The chef sent out a small plate of vegetables complementary whilst he set about my order. Then I was informed no mushrooms to make the Wellington by which time the others had got halfway through their meal so I said I would just have the chef's vegetable offering. The first course went well no complaints but the dessert course 3 had strawberry sponge and the grim looking strawberry decor was still frozen solid. We were offered complimentary coffee not much was drunk as the cups were stained and dirty as well as all the cutlery. Yes we had a Groupon voucher but that should have made no difference. I suggest respectfully that the staff and chef are retrained and the dishwashers are serviced! An experience like being in the nightmare of a Fawlty Towers episode the like of which I wouldn't want to repeat. Such an insult to a beautiful building and surroundings.

We have had Sunday lunch several times at Avisford Park, Arundel so decided to book again for yesterday for 1315 (June 28). On arrival we checked in and shown to our table and given the menu. It was several minutes before our order was taken – we were also asked what dessert we wanted. There were only 2 choices – choice of Ice Creams or Carrot Cake (did not state if anything with it like cream). We waited a considerable time until 1415 until our lunch was served with an apology for the delay (but no explanation). We noticed that 2 other people that arrived before us had been served their starter and main course before our main course was served. One of us had the chicken which was tough to cut and eat (even wondered if it was cooked properly) and had pepper on it (the person cannot take anything spicy) which was not stated on the menu. My wife asked for another drink but the member of staff had to be reminded of our order before the waiter served it. After finishing our main course we waited quite a while again before our desserts were served. The waitress apologised that there was no chocolate flavour so I had been given another flavour instead. Although the menu stated 3 flavours, chocolate wasn’t listed but offered by the waitress so it seemed strange to me that it was offered when the staff should have known this flavour wasn’t available. The restaurant was reasonably busy whilst we were having lunch but we did notice that only 1 waitress was trying to do everything and becoming quite hot with all her walking around, although there was another staff member checking guests in and taking orders. This is a good venue for Sunday lunch which we have enjoyed in the past but we will think very carefully about booking again following our experience with the slow service and food.