About This Pub
You know, when I think about The Carpenters Arms, it's got this real homely charm that makes it a lovely spot for a bite to eat with friends or family. The food stands out as a real winner – everything's sourced locally, so you're getting fresh, quality dishes that hit the spot, whether it's a Sunday roast or something lighter in that spacious garden. The staff are generally top-notch, adding to that friendly atmosphere, and it's clear the new management has put in the effort to make it a go-to place for all sorts of occasions. But, and I say this as a fair heads-up, the parking situation can be a bit of a letdown; a few folks have ended up with fines just for missing a simple step, which takes the shine off an otherwise nice visit. Service isn't always spot on either – it can drag on or feel a bit haphazard at times, and the place might not be the warmest on a nippy day. All in all, it's a solid choice if you're nearby, but go in with your eyes open for the occasional slip-up, and you'll likely have a great time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food is absolutely spot on – it's all locally sourced, so you get that fresh, authentic taste in every dish, like the delicious duck or those hearty Sunday lunches.
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The staff are really friendly and attentive, making you feel welcome, and they've got a family-oriented vibe with a lovely outdoor garden that's perfect for a relaxed get-together.
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It's under new management and has turned things around nicely, creating a warm atmosphere that's great for special occasions or just a casual meal.
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Plenty of easy parking and it's kid-friendly, so it's ideal if you're out with the little ones or a group of mates.
Cons
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Parking can be a right hassle with fines if you forget to log your registration, even if you're a paying customer – it's put a dampener on more than a few visits.
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Service can be inconsistent; sometimes it's slow or disorganised, like food not arriving together or waiting ages for the next course.
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The place might feel a bit chilly inside, which isn't ideal on cooler days, and overall experiences can vary quite a bit.
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Despite the good food, there are times when things just don't click, like with the odd negative surprise that leaves you a tad disappointed.
Contact Information
Old London Rd, Wickford SS11 8TZ
+441268655113
Pub
Opens at 12:00
Opening Hours
| Monday | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Wednesday (Today) | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 21:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 21:00 |
Recent Reviews
I visited recently to meet clients and was hit with a £100 parking fine for simply forgetting to enter my registration – despite being a genuine paying customer. I appealed and provided proof of my visit, but the parking company still rejected it, and unfortunately, the pub said they couldn’t help.
It’s really disappointing to receive a penalty for supporting a local business, especially when I gained no benefit from parking improperly and left shortly after my meeting. I understand parking rules are in place, but I’d really appreciate it if the management could stand by their customers in cases like this – even just contacting the operator on my behalf could make a big difference.
I hope the pub will reconsider how these situations are handled in future, as it’s otherwise a lovely place with great potential
BEWARE - don’t bother going here and giving them custom. Despite the pub being in the middle of no where, the pub has a system where you need to add your registration or you’ll receive a £100 fine. Partner logged his registration plate on entering yet still received a fine through the post. Which is clearly one big CON by the pub landowner. Tried contacting the restaurant told them we had proof of payment for drinks at the pub and that the number plate was added to be told basically it’s not their problem and to contact the parking regulation direct. Absolute waste of time. Don’t bother going here and spend your money elsewhere! Also ate here in the past with family and it’s absolutely disgusting - food is microwaved, place is unclean. Wouldn’t recommend!
Food was nice but the service was appalling. Half the food arrived and most of the party had finished before the rest turned up at the table. It took a long time for staff to come to the table to ask for our next course orders. Cutlery was dumped on the table in a pile. The restaurant was cold and it was very noisy being sat near the bar and pool table.
I had to ask more than once for help with dietary requirements as the menus had no indications.
The quality of food wasn't good enough to make up for the poor service and we won't be back.
The food was lovely and the staff were nice. Service was good. We both had the duck. It was lovely. Service was quick and I would definitely come again.
Came in for another try this place is absolutely lovely it never fails to impress. I had read a previous 1 star review and i have to say you must be some type of stupid to miss the car parking signs they are literally everywhere including the tables? But this place is lovely great food great vibe and lovely warm welcoming staff
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