Vandykbywildes Avis 

Went with 7 friends. Even though I had booked weeks before, on arrival we were rushed to order because they were busy! (Half the restaurant was empty). The food was expensive - £26 for a burger and poor quality. Chips were under cooked and inedible . £6 is the most I have ever paid for a cup of coffee 🤔. My friend were also disappointed with thir meals. Have been many times before the recamp but will not go again.

I would rate this 0 if I could.
Booked here today for my mums birthday for Sunday lunch, big mistake!
We have been multiple times before with no issues hence booking this today.
We ordered Sunday lunch it came with beef, Yorkshire pudding, scoop of mash, roast potatoes, 1 carrot 1 parsnip & hardly any gravy.
With going before we normally got broccoli & cauliflower cheese that came out separate.
Not anymore! The menu has changed. You have to pay an extra £3 for so green veg when you’re paying £21 for the meal! There is no mention from the staff or on the website that the menu has changed
There were 16 empty tables in there and now I know why!
The service was poor the waiters were young kids holding plates with bare hands.
The floor was dirty & food on the chairs.
Not to mention the food wasn’t great either so thank you very much Wildes for ruining my mums birthday meal gift from me & my fiancé!
Speaking of fiancé we were looking at booking our wedding here next year and after today we will be looking else where!
Judging by the other bad reviews it seems it’s just not us what experienced a bad time.

This hotel restaurant looks great however..

After a valentines meal I was left ill for 5 days!
The establishment offered very little help whilst I was there, and even less concern after I left.
I found the staff in compassionate, verging on rude, particularly Marc!

So if you want an over priced meal followed by 5 days in bed, this is the place for you

Food and robot service was ok - staff and customer service shocking
Indifference from every staff member and lack of knowledge on drinks shocking
Sent email no response

I agree with all the critical reviews posted to date. I together with Family and Friends have experienced many happy occasions there usually spending large amounts of hard earned money over the years.
On Sunday 27th October 2024 my Wife and I hosted our Family to our 61st Wedding Anniversary timed for 3pm and reserved weeks prior.
We arrived early and told the Restaurant Manager we were there and would have a drink in the bar around 3 20 pm not having received a dinner menu we asked for one the waitress said that the only choice of meat available was Gammon despite the fact there was a choice of 5
I asked to speak with the Restaurant Manager who took 10 minutes to come and see me. The RM when asked why there was no choice replied with a smirk First come First served, " I beg your pardon that was not what I was told when booking weeks ago" choose something else from the menu "OK will a consideration be applied under the circumstances" no chance I've told you First come First served that's it.
Can I see the most senior colleague on site please 10 mins later a Gentleman in working clothes came to us and confirmed the situation as being correct. I asked for the drinks bill one round £62 not a problem expected to spend 4 to 5 hundred pounds anyway. Time around 4.15pm went to another venue spoilt our Wedding Anniversary Family day.
Sent an email no response rang a few days later and was told the Management did not think my complaint warranted a reply.
I nor my Family kicked up a fuss on the day but in hindsight I should have given the Arrogant Restaurant Manager a dressing down for all to hear. The owner has not contacted me despite my requests to do so, therefore I post this to confirm the ignorant attitude of the Management who obviously need training in customer diplomacy and relationships.

Terrible! Food nothing like on the photos and afternoon tea is a complete waste of money!!!
Staff rude and un helpful and chef can’t follow simple instructions! Will not be returning and do not recommend!

Don't ever go to Van Dyk hotels. I just had my Year 13 prom there and got kicked out after an hour. Absolutely disgusting behaviour from the first time my boyfriend and I stepped in. I was told that I needed parental permission to stay in our booked hotel room, so I got it and he even called my mum but I was still denied access to the room. When my boyfriend then contested this and asked for a refund as he did not want to stay the night without me. He then said that he does not support sexual relations between 17 (me) and 18 (boyfriend) year olds and said that it is seen as grooming and he would need to call the police, even though it is NOT illegal in the slightest. The owner then later denied that any of this was even said. On top of this they refused to serve alcohol to anyone, accused the organiser for lying and even threatened to report my head teacher. After this, my boyfriend wrote a bad google review in anger at this at which they THREW HIM OUT. The owner himself threw him out for apparently lying in said review. Due to all this I left with him and will never be coming back. Terrible service, horrible staff and the worst possible experience.

Have complained directly by email but no response, am not usually a ‘Complainer’ but the Royale Afternoon Tea was shocking, definitely ridiculous, nothing like the photos - was as if they collected all the small things left and the scones were chewy - The sandwiches were fine - not what I expected from Van Dyke, I should receive a refund as it was extremely lacking. Will NOT sadly recommend again to anyone for Afternoon Tea

Firstly I think they need to make it clear about their offers 2 for 1 afternoon tea but consists of what looks like enough for one person which is very overpriced! Wish I had taken advice from a few people not to visit this overpriced establishment. Will not be returning

Defiantly looks nice and what not but it is all just a cover up for the absolute disrespect they show their clientele. My friend got married here yesterday (28/5/23) and well what can I say firstly the way they spoke to her on check out was disgusting. Telling her the kind of people she brought to their establishment weren’t capable of behaving! The staff on the bar were rude to guests the prices are a joke £7.20 for a pint of lager!! The management don’t like complaints being raised as they just speak over you and try and shift the blame. I wouldn’t be recommending this place for a wedding anytime soon 👎

As wedding photographers, we were thoroughly impressed by our experience at Van Dyk. This luxury 4 star hotel, with its 1 Rosette award for food, is truly a hidden gem located in the picturesque county of Derbyshire. The venue's prime location, with close proximity to the Peak District and the historic town of Chesterfield, makes it the ideal choice for a wedding or any special occasion.

The historic charm of the building, with its beautiful country house gardens and stunning period features, provides the perfect setting for a wedding that exudes glamour and elegance. The ballroom is nothing short of mesmerizing, and the Rosette Food Award-winning team of chefs at Van Dyk truly know how to create an unforgettable dining experience. The 69 magnificent bedrooms provide a comfortable and luxurious stay for both the bride and groom and their guests.

One of the highlights of Van Dyk as a wedding venue is its flexibility. The option to choose from one of their exquisite wedding packages or to tailor make your dream countryside wedding is truly a testament to the hotel's commitment to providing the perfect day for its clients. We would highly recommend Van Dyk as a wedding venue for anyone looking for a memorable and luxurious experience.

Kindest regards
The Kensington Photographers