Review by Jade Davis on 31st March, 2014

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I rang The Dog & Duck on 13th May 2014 to try and book a large party of Approx 20-30 guests for a joint birthday. The lady I spoke with was lovely, she explained that we would have our own area, was great when I told her we had a disabled member of the party and 1 with a nut allergy. She told me to get a definite number, menu choice and to pre pay (this was excellant as on the night we would only have to pay for food) She told me to call in 2 weeks time to confirm everything, I was to take the menu choice that week. So in the mean time I collect menu choices from all 27 guests and money. This was nearly 3 courses for everyone and we wanted to prepay for 9 bottles of wine on the table. This was very time consuming but I didnt mind as I wanted the night to run smoothly. I then called The Dog & Duck on 26th May (2 weeks later), and spoke to a girl called SOPHIE. Her attitude was absolutely appauling, very rude! To be told that The Dog & Duck could not cater for a party this size. I explained that I had already spoken with someone, she told me I hadnt and that only time we could come was 9.30pm at night. I explained this was not what we had planned and it was too late for us to eat - especially with elderly. I also mentioned the fact that I had already booked and paid for 3 x 8seater taxis, to and from edwinstowe/mansfield to The Dog & Duck, costing £85 which I have now lost!!!! I told SOPHIE that I would be making a complaint to the owner, she then told me she would call me back within a day to see if she could sort something out. Also told me she might forget to call me? Which she did!! Overall this has been a nightmare of an experience for all 27 guests and I will NOT be recommending this place to anybody I know.

Date visited: March 2014

Review by jamie fast on 21st February, 2011

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WOW! is the word that springs to mind for me and my family, when we visited the dog and duck for the first time last friday evening. We were just driving past and decided to go in. We were not expecting the interior that confronted us - it was so lavish and unusual. We were greeted by very friendly smiling staff, shown to our table and given a menu. It was difficult to choose, it all sounded so nice. My husband had the fillet steak and i had the sea bass with tiger prawns dish, the kids all had Texas burgers (think that was what they were called!). the food came quite promptly and was exceptional, the desserts were also great!. To sum up we had a lovely, unexpected time, with lovely food and surroundings - cant fault it - will defiantly go back

Date visited: 21/02/2011

Review by Alison Jackson on 21st February, 2011

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I visited the Dog and Duck on Sunday for lunch, we hadn`t booked and they were getting busy but we were greeted warmly by the very smart and efficient manageress. She found us a table, got us some drinks and menus and within no time our order was taken. Whilst we waited we had time to look around. The decor is stunning; very individual, very unusual in these days of faceless and characterless eateries owned by big pub chains. When our food arrived, it was absolutely lovely - home made Yorkshire puddings, soft creamy mash, al dente vegetables and not tasteless mush, beautiful stuffing, tender meat - a delight. We couldn`t manage any pudding thought they sounded most tempting. The staff were friendly, attentive and very professional. And how nice to have a real life pianist, aged only 17 and very talented, playing in the Barn area. A couple seated nearby said they travelled from Rotherham every single week for Sunday lunch at The Dog and Duck, I know why after our visit, and hopefully we will be visiting almost as often. A pleasure indeed, we cannot recommend it highly enough

Date visited: Sunday 20th February

Review by Micheal Lee on 1st February, 2011

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This PUB is outstandingly gorgeous, staff brillant, a credit to the owners. What a beautiful village pub the owners have created, id love to live in that village, food was fantastic, maybe those who pick fault need to release there goin out for a meal not a life changing experience!!!!

Date visited: 29th jan 2011

Review by lynne markland on 12th January, 2011

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Thought the whole place looked fab. The xmas decorations made it feel enchanted. The staff were lovely and we had fillet steak. It was cooked perfectly and it was a decent size. On the whole we had a great evening and I cannot beleive that it has been just round the corner for five years and we never knew it existed. I desperately wanted to take my little girl to feel the enchantment but unfortunately we didn't get the time. If you think you have had better from a caravan on the A1 you have obviously ruined your tastebuds on cows eyelid burgers. So now you should stick to them. will definately return.

Date visited: 2212/10

Review by Norah Davis on 19th November, 2010

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Excellent meal in delightful surroundings with good service from our smiling waitress. We shall definitely return. I was surprised to read other reviews criticising the portions, my starter of liver parfait was generous as were all our main courses. The diner who complained about his risotto being like Ambrosia rice pud obvouiusly doesn't know that the Arborio rice in a a proper Italian risotto should be soft and cramy - if you want any other way, eat Basmati with a curry! We loved the decor, very OTT but added a sense of occasion and so much more interesting than the current minimalist styles you get in most places.

Date visited: 18th November 2010

Review by Sue Swift on 23rd October, 2010

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Just wanted to agree with Sherrie Hewson - we had a wonderful time and could not fault anything about the restaurant - the staff - and most of all the food. Would recommend it to anyone - no problem - and cannot wait to return.

Date visited: 22nd October 2010

Review by sherrie Hewson on 5th September, 2010

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It is fantastic !!! great atmosphere , beautiful decor , fabulous service, food wonderful, elegant yet not intimidating , thank God you can dress up if you want to. Phil the owner is not only eye candy but a wonderful host aswell. Thank you everyone for making the evening very special can't wait to come back.

Date visited: 4th sept

Review by Mr Price on 12th July, 2010

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Having heard good reviews of the Dog and Duck, and travelled by there several times, noticing a busy car park,today with high hopes of an exellent meal we decided to try it for ourselves. The pub itself looks nice and the staff were polite, but that`s where the mild compliments end. Our meals were shockingly bad. My wife had, Tiger Prawn & Seared Scallop creamy herb risotto, with lemon grass, chilli, ginger & spring onion topped with fresh coriander £14.95 Sounds nice. In reality it should read, 3 small scallops, and 3 very small prawns in their shells, covered with risotto that resembles Ambrosia rice pudding, topped with watercress. I had, Poached Fillet Of Salmon - plum tomato, fennel & watercress salad - chive & shallot creme fraiche £14.95. Which should have read, One small salmon steak (the type you get from tesco)on top of a tiny piece of watercress, 2 cherry tomatoes and 4 blobs of very bland creme fraiche. Fennel not included. If it had been a starter, I would have thought it OK, but the meal was tiny. If the meal was tiny but tasted nice I wouldn`t complain, but their cooks, (I`ll refrain from using the word chef) seem not to Know how to use salt, pepper or herbs to flavour food. They obviously cannot try their own cooking before it is sent. Amazingly though the place was busy, which just goes to show how daft people are, give them nice surroundings, pleasant staff, well presented food, which I must say it did look nice, and over inflated prices, and they will go there because of the snob in them. I will definitly not be revisiting, and suggest the folks who have written reviews complimenting the food, should really try somewhere else. I would recomend any of the caravans along the A1 as a starter to improve your taste buds.

Date visited: 12-07-10

Review by sammie patel on 19th March, 2010

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the pub is my ideal place. the layout the decor, the service awesome i love this place food was gorgeous and i wish it was mine

Review by john on 16th January, 2010

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party of 6 all enjoyed the night from start to finish . staff very nice and helpful, food was very very nice. wil be going back again at the end of the day you get what you pay for.

Date visited: 15/01/2010

Review by Bill Whitton on 2nd January, 2010

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Had it just been the two of us (my wife & I), we would have walked out as soon as the waiter informed us that our table was booked for another party in 2 hours time. Of what bloody interest was that to me? My initial drinks order might have been for a crate of their most expensive champagne and then drinks all round. From that moment on it was all downhill. Cramped, too warm, little ventilation. Scruffy and not too clean when you look closely. Pretentious, very expensive for what is supposed to be a pub/restaurant close to a pit village. But then the majority of the population around here think tablecloths are 'posh' so I shouldn't be surprised. The food? Bland. Tasteless. Chewy meat. No seasoning. And why did I find brussels sprouts in my vegetables? Trying to get rid of them after Christmas? No thanks! Why, in a place that is charging £25 for a steak do I have to ask for condiments? The place needs a kick up the backside. By the way, as an ex-Army Fire Officer, a visit from the local Fire Prevention Officer wouldn't go amiss, is my thinking: too many tables, too many chairs, too many lights covered with material, and only one entrance and exit as I could see. Very critical you are no doubt thinking but then I don't think they have too much experience and because punters are stupid and far too scared to complain they continue to get away with it and have become complacent. So what (I hear you ask) qualifies me to be so harsh? At 22 years old I ran the UK's biggest fish restaurant with in excess of 2000 covers per day. I was a restaurant waiter (my boss and trainer was ex-Savoy Hotel). I ended up managing the place following a time in the kitchen learning how that functioned. My wife was a senior waitress. I served in the Army as a soldier and retired as an Officer. I was President of an extremely vibrant Warrant Officers & Sergeants Mess running many kinds of functions from simple BBQs to Regimental Dinners to Summer and Winter Balls. I managed the Regimental Bar. My wife was Officers Mess Manager. We know our stuff! The Dog & Duck needs a shake-up! This should be a wake-up!

Date visited: 28 Dec 2009

Review by Laura on 30th December, 2009

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This was my second visit to the establishment. I went back in September when I was 9 months pregnant and it was fantastic, the staff were amazing, but there was a gentleman who was believed to be the manager on his phone as I entered and he shut the door in my face he was that engrossed in his conversation - but I put it down to him having a stressful job and not even noticing I was there as he was on his phone. My second visit which was today with my 3 month old son and my partner was not very good at all. As I entered the building the same gentleman was stood in the porch areas - again on his phone and again was oblivious to everyone around him. We were however greeted by a lovely young lady who seated us and was absolutely perfect throughout our time there. Anyway, the time between starter and main was over an hour - the waitress came to say sorry I will check on it, came back and had been informed it would be 2 minutes, 10 minutes later another waitress came over and said let me find out where it is, then came back with both meals. My meat was cold, I informed a waitress and she said she would get the manager to come another, another gentleman possibly a joint manager came over, I informed him my meat was cold, he offered to take it away and get me some warm, but I refused as it had taken so long and had a 3 month old baby wanting to get home, I just said I wasnt happy it had taken so long, his response to my disgust was "well we are busy" no apology, nothing, and then walked off. I thought it was terrible and this put me off completely, it was as if yes they have a successfukl business so the odd unsatisfied customer they can live without. Well this means unfortunately for them that I will not pass on good reviews, I will be not visiting again, and I will definitely advise people to stay clear, unless an apology is eventually made to me for the rudeness of he manager. The waiting staff though - they were lovely!!!

Date visited: 30.12.2009

Review by glenys slatcher on 28th August, 2009

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Ialways bring my visitors here They and i love it My kentish visitors in particular love the prices and food plus surroundings and service My local friends, family etc that i bring are always suprised we have you.I mean , come on where else? IM 70 YRS SUNDAY My son is taking me for lunch Where else? Ilike to sit in the window ,1pm lunch for2 with a large glass of chardonnay thankyou My grandchildren love coming as a treat and have been told by staff they are the best behaved children.Keep up the good work, see you sunday lunch

Date visited: lots of times

Review by michelle gray on 17th May, 2009

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We recently visited the dog and duck after being recommended by a friend and was very impressed. Not only was it fabulously decorated but the staff were great from the minute we walked through the door. From reading the other reviews left on here it is hard to believe we visited the same pub. The food was fantastic, freshly prepared and quickly served and with a great selection on he menu. The staff were very welcoming and friendly even with a screaming newborn in tow! We would definetly return and highly recommend visiting this establishment.

Date visited: 14th may 2009

Review by Pat, Nottingham on 6th May, 2009

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I visited the Dog and Duck with my wife and four small children on this bank holiday Friday. The service and food were superb. We were particularly impressed with the friendliness and courtesy of the staff who were very attentive and especially accommodating to the children which is usually not the case in most restaurants we find. I would not hesitate to recommend this establishment and would definitely return.

Date visited: 1 May 2009

Review by Jonathan turner on 21st December, 2008

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In regards to our conversation earlier this evening, we were under the name Turner booking. We have visited your resteraunt on a number of occasions mainly for special occastions and have enjoyed everything but unfortunatly tonight has made us all agree that we do not wish for another family meal at this resteraunt which was our favourite place and local to us,But our meal took an hour to deliver to us then we had to ask for the chips with the lasange as the waitress forgot about them.When we got the meals we ordered drinks and we waited 30 mins then we reminded staff 4 times after. After an hour we gave up and decided not to bother ordering a sweet either so we cancelled drinks and left, myself and my family are very disappointed and this ruined what should have been a good night, we all expected some delay due to the busy christmas period but this was unacceptable, so what started to be a nice christmas family meal has turned out to be a disaster and we would of had better service at KFC, hope these problems will be sorted out soon for the other customers,

Date visited: 21/12/2008

Review by H A Draycott on 11th November, 2008

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Had a table for 8 good sevice and could not wish for a better waitress booked for Dec 11th for 15

Date visited: 04/11/2008

Review by Mike Runnalls on 18th September, 2008

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I was recocommended this restaurant by a local B&B. Lovely decor, good food very well presented at an average price. The waitresses were polite and smiled a lot (except one waitress who could'nt look you in the eye). I would visit again if in the area. One complaint - turn the piped music down!!

Date visited: 16/9/08

Review by sarah parker on 31st July, 2008

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I have been to the Dog & Duck several times lately and have been very satisfied on each visit until today!30/7/08. As i have read in other peoples reviews yes the decor and surroundings are nice the food was also nice today , however after having our meals my sister and myself wanted to finish off a otherwise great birthday treat off with a coffee like you do. I procceded to go order them from the bar was absolutely gobsmacked to be told by one of the (PRESUMABLE) owners "god i hate making those sorry no someone else can do those i`m going ! off he stormed and i was left standing there.Then to add insult to injury the other (PRESUMABLE) owner then said who`s next to which a gentleman pointed to me i repeated my order to which he said " no they take too long sorry no i`m not doing them !" i was that shocked i did`nt even make a stand., i just said fine and stormed out. Why even have a menu if they have no intention of serving it, i could understand if the machine was broken but to just be that rude and refuse to serve someone because they could not be bothered is just not good enough. I would reccomend that if anyone was intending to visit please think twice before you do as i`m sure there are better places around with more manners too.PS in all fairness every other member of staff was fantastic however the owners leave alot to be ! desired they should learn some manners from their members of staff !!!!

Review by Lina Arulanantham on 30th July, 2008

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We had looked at the reviews about this restaurant and initially were reluctant to try the place out. We are so glad we had lunch on July 29th. The ambiance was breathtaking, the food superb and good value for money and the bar staff were plesant and friendly. To the critics who comment about the waiting time for food - if it's cooked fresh it will take time!!! We will definitely go again and again....

Date visited: 29.07.2008

Review by David on 24th June, 2008

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the dog and duck is what looks like your average village pub, don't let this exterior fool you. on entering the bar & Restaurant you are greeted by the absolutely fabulous decor and polite and friendly staff. me and my partner visited the dog and duck to celebrate my birthday. we arrived a little early and as it was extremely busy, we were asked to get a drink from the bar and wait until our table was ready. We resided to a gorgeous little snug are with some rather majestic seating, it was not long until we were then showed to our table in the fantastic barn area, we felt so comfortable here and were told that we had been given the poshest seats in the house. we ordered some more drinks from our table and when they arrived ordered our food. We waited about half an hour for out starters but didn't mind as it was very busy and we were warned of the waiting time when we were seated by the waitress. while waiting for our main dished to arrive after those very tasty starters a spectacular grand piano began to play itself. i relaxing and classy touch this area of the restaurant. The mains arrived and looked fantastic and tasted it too. i had the " boston beef" it was delightful. the service was fantastic all night and we were served drinks by an older gentleman who was very polite and friendly just like all the staff, we were very pleased with the whole evening and shall recommend the dog and duck and will return to it ourselves.

Date visited: 14th june 2008

Review by chris wright on 21st June, 2008

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food was ok not great, service was terrible, and defiantly over priced, no more to add

Date visited: 10 june 08

Review by Martin Young on 26th February, 2008

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A family gathering was held at this establishment to celebrate my father's eightieth birthday, in total a party of eleven. The following is indisputable, from entering the building to receiving the main courses was two hours, and we arrived on time, totally unacceptable. The two courses I had personally was the worst I have been presented with in any country. I will not bore people with the details. Generally the food was very poorly / badly cooked, presentation and quality appalling. The experience would have been unacceptable give an "ordinary" night out, but given that the occasion was very special to our family and some travelled long distance for the meal the whole experience was totally shocking and has taken a few days to recover from. On the positive the house wine was very acceptable and the hand pump beer, Ruddles, excellent, the setting is nice so there is hope? No one in my family nor their circle of friend will ever frequent this restaurant under the current management, enough said.

Date visited: 23 Feb 08

Review by p shaw on 28th January, 2008

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Visted the dog & duck for a family sunday lunch. First very impressed by the beautiful suroundings and fabulous interior decor and furnishing. Unfortunatly extremely disappointed with service and food. We ordered mainly traditional sunday roasts and two of the party chose the fish alternative on the menu, after a wait of over one hour our meals finally arrived to our disappointment ALL lunches arrived with veg stuffing and sad yorkshire puddings including the fish. An experience never to be repeated

Date visited: 27/01/2008

Review by val graham on 7th October, 2007

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I have eaten at the Dog and Duck several times but feel the food quality is deteriorating, I think they have become complacent in their attitude. Great surroundings and atmos but the Boston Beef was taken over by mustard as was my friends mustard mash, we both left our main courses feeling that the food standard had declined rapidly since our last visit. Also there has not been a change in the menu in all the time I have visited.

Date visited: October 4th 2007

Review by corinne hudson on 19th September, 2007

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Visited dog and duck today for lunch. A beautifully furnished, comfortable establishment with an excellent menu which is very difficult to choose from. Food well presented and exeptional taste. Service ploite, professional.and very friendly, nothing too much trouble. Not the cheapest place around but you pay for what you get and nobody minds paying a little more if you know it's going to be right. Have been before and will certainly return.

Date visited: 19/09/07

Review by Warhay on 13th May, 2007

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My fiance and I had decided to treat ourselves as the Dog and Duck looked extra special. On entering, we were found a table quickly and all started off very well. We did wait a very long time for starters to arrive, but didn't mind, as it was busy. Starters were lovely, and we were looking forward to our mains. When mains arrived, I had been given the wrong dish (which included a very dry chicken breast and what tasted like bbq sauce from McDonalds and coleslaw from KFC). When we told the waitress, the manager said they'd change the dish, but that what I had ordered was sold out (the waitress did not tell us this). I then changed my order and when that arrived, it was not what I'd asked for either!! Our original waitress didn't return, instead, about 3 other members of staff came to see if we were ok, but never removed empty glasses from our table. We felt that staff were extremely unhelpful and did not listen when we ordered. It was 11pm by the time my 2nd dish had arrived, and we were tired so asked for our food to be put into take away containers. All we got was the chips and steak (my salad had been thrown away, and so had all my fiance's quinae fowl!) We had paid a fair amount for our dinner and when we were told that the rest of it had been thrown away, we were very disappointed. We are relieved to see that others have written negative reviews, as we had began to wonder if it was just us. We are not the type of people to complain, and usually just eat what we're given, but as we were paying for a treat, we decided to say something, and felt very bad about it, but by the time we left that place, we were very unhappy with the service and the way we were treated. I'd advise people not to waist money on this pub, and rather settle for a smaller, more simple place that will give good service with a smile.

Date visited: 12/05/07

Review by Julie on 6th February, 2007

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My partner and I have visited the quite stunning Dog and Duck pub several times since it's re-opening in September. We have always been greeted by friendly, smiling staff, both at the door and at the bar. The waiters and waitresses are always friendly, courteous and always happy to help. We have always been served fantastic quality, freshly prepared food, and have never needed to complain about anything, if you want a great evening with great food the Dog and Duck is the place to go. We would however recommend that the busiest times like Saturday evenings (7-9pm) should be avoided as it does get very very busy indeed, and due to the high volume of customers the waiting times for food goes up and the service standard comes down. All being said we feel that this is probably the best pub food, in possibly the nicest pub in Mansfield, well worth a visit and highly recommended.

Review by Lynne Thompson on 5th February, 2007

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After a visit to this pub with family on a very busy Saturday evening I was absolutely delighted with the whole experience and must say the name doesn't do it justice! Its no ordinary dull place with fading curtains and shabby carpets!! Oh no! its much much more.. On arrival we were greeted by a friendly member of staff who took us straight to our table in the newly refurbished barn area complete with grand piano which cleverly plays itself, (stunning!!) Ambient setting with mood lighting to match. There was great choice on the menu and specials for the night. The waitress was very friendly and helpful and our food order was taken the moment we were ready. Starters were excellently presented and delicious. There was a slight wait on main meals as it was their busy period but be patient as the food is WELL worth the wait. We were informed there may be a delay due to all meals being freshly prepared which we were delighted with. Good presetation on gorgeous food. Again presentation on the desserts was lovely. Would definitely recommend this as a fine dining pub "with extras". Be prepared to wait on the mains on weekends though due to popularity, well worth it, will definitely re-visit and recommend. Dont be put off by mis-leading reviews! Everybody has one bad experince in every Pub.!!

Date visited: Sat 3rd Feb 2007

Review by Janet on 13th January, 2007

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Pub has recently had a refurb and very nice too. Our party of 5 had to wait for 2 hours before starters arrived! We were given varying excuses ie large group of people had arrived unexpectedly so busier than usual, assistant chef not trained to produce specials menu, bar computer not communicating with kitchen computer. Manager did apologise and said starters were complementary - when they arrived they were cold. When Manager came to check if things were okay, one of our party complained - actually said food was c**p, maybe an unfortunate use of words but Manager took exception to this and asked him to leave, she was prepared to serve the rest of us but not him - at this point we all got up and left. Whilst sitting around with nothing to do I did see other people leave as they were obviously fed up of waiting. Wouldn't go again.

Date visited: 10.1.07

Review by david on 12th January, 2007

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The interior of this restaurant has been recently refurbished to a high standard, however it is a shame the management, staff and food have not undergone a similar makeover. Food is at best mediocre but the service is the real let down - slow - but dont bother complaining as the manager is rude and unhelpful. A number of people I have since spoken to have said pretty much the same thing (with one group walking out things were so bad) so - take a tip and avoid!

Date visited: 6th January

Review by Rachel on 12th October, 2006

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Recently well refurbished and under new management. Meal was excellent and service good too. Will definately visit again.

Date visited: 7th October

Review by sean marshall on 6th May, 2006

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Very dissapointing meal, very poor at handling complaint regarding poor meal. Notice in pub telling of 45 minute delay on food, fair enough. What was't fair though was when the food arrived small portions compared to those served to surrounding tables, and poor vegetable selection including frozen pea/sweetcorn mix! Very iffy meat with texture like microwaved! Staff did not want to know regarding poor experience. Wrote to manager several weeks ago, letter ignored. Lesson learnt would advise avoid.

Date visited: April 16 2006

Review by susan on 17th February, 2006

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very good surroundings excellent service and the food also very good. just that the kids menu said cheese burger with side salad & fries but came with out salad. when enquiring we were told no salad with kids meal ? but then why say it on the kids menu

Date visited: 16.2.06