3 /5 Georgina Morelle: Visited this evening – beautiful old pub with lots of character.
Ye Old Yew is a charming, historic spot (dating back to the 1300s!) with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I visited on my own with my dog after it was recommended. Staff were friendly, and the overall vibe was relaxed, with a mostly older crowd.
I did run into a bit of confusion with my meal. I ordered a salmon dish thinking it was a hot main course, but it turned out to be a warm salmon salad. While that was mentioned on the menu, it was easy to miss — and the presentation didn’t help. It came in a large bowl but was quite a small portion, which made it feel underwhelming, especially at £24.
I gave some friendly feedback to the manager, suggesting salads might be clearer if grouped in their own section. Her response — “we can’t put a Polaroid on it” — felt a bit dismissive. She also explained the price was due to local sourcing and overheads, which I do understand, but I still felt the portion and value didn’t quite match.
As someone dining alone, I wasn’t looking for anything special, but a little more understanding or even a small gesture would’ve gone a long way.
I did stay for dessert, which was lovely, and the setting really is beautiful — cosy, full of character, and dog-friendly. I’d happily return for a drink and the ambiance, but I’d be more cautious about ordering food next time.