Stayed at the Pear Tree last night for what was supposed to be the Valentines day special offer. When we arrived the hotel seemed to have no knowledge of our booking (someone of the same second name had checked into our room) and there was no knowledge of us having booked the valentines meal. When we questioned the valentines menu we were given the standard set menu, which did not feature the food we had seen online, or the glass of bubbly we had expected. We questioned this and the bar man said 'this is the one the manager said to give you' so that was that. We went for the more expensive menu in the end as the set one was so limited so the weekend ended up being twice as expensive as predicted. As we checked out there were no real pleasantries exchanged - if we hadn't bumped into who I think may have been the head chef on the way out, who asked us if we had had a nice time, then no one would have bothered. I hope I'm not sounding like too much of a diva! The food was amazing but did feel a bit let down by everything else...sorry Marco!

Having failed to find any of our favourite restaurants open on a Monday in order to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday, we decided to try the Pear Tree, now under the flag of Marco Pierre White. We were expecting great things, and the published samples of the lunch time two or three course menus appealed.

The interior has undergone extensive renovation since my last outing to the restaurant a great many years ago. Sadly the lighting leading into the bar area where the black floor dominates could do with a bit of improvement, especially on a dismal January day. The lack of a welcoming warm fire (despite there being an open fire) was also a disappointment. In fact, the whole restaurant area could have done with something to make it cosier for the few people dining at lunch time.

A pre-lunch drink of a French Sauvignon Blanc was not possible as there was none of what we had chosen in stock so a Pinot Grigio at an extra £ 5.00/bottle was the next best thing. Having perused the menu, we were somewhat disappointed to find a £ 2.00/head service charge on top of an additional cost of £ 1.50 for each vegetable dish (this included the basics of new potatoes) as vegetables did not come included with the main. The published price was, therefore, not what we had expected to pay for either two or three courses.

The restaurant interior is very nicely done with an extensive range of JAK cartoons adorning the walls of the dining area. However, again, the vast area available is somewhat cold and too big for the small number of diners at lunch time. I am sure the building comes to life at night but during the cold light of day it is not very welcoming.

Our starters were tasty. No more, no less. The main course of partridge was a great disappointment. Partridge unless casseroled should be served pink - not raw and certainly not red and undercooked. As someone who has lived in Europe, I am well accustomed to a steak bleu and my lamb rare - I do not like my game underdone. It had to be sent back and quite frankly put me off the beautifully presented dish.

My husband's dessert (basically a creme brulee) was the highlight of the meal.

I have not been to the Pear Tree for many years and sadly will not be returning again in the future. Sorry !

All very run down,no working latch on the bathroom door..........
tables in restaurant covered in strange lace table cloths,food good though.
Having agreed a bed and breakfast price they added breakfast to the bill,when I questioned them they then removed it........also on the bill was £4,when asked I was told it was a cover charge for the bread and napkins!!!!! The bread consisted of two tiny little pieces in a basket....expensive laundering for the napkins!!
Needless to say we did not pay this,and certainly wont be returning.

We stayed for a Saturday night to allow us to visit Bath. It's location is therefore ideal.

We were 'upgraded' to the family room which gave us extra space. however it was the food that was the draw. The menu was seasonal and excellently prepared; the staff were informative and subtle in their service. The bar staff and front of house made you feel special including a run-down on the Marco themed cartoons that cover the walls and even a brief history of South Africa!

As with most Trip Advisor reviews, you need to manage your expectations on what people consider to be 'good' or 'bad'; this is a country pub with rooms at a reasonable price with a reasonably priced menu of well prepared food and a wide wine list. It is not a 5* top of the range hotel with hot-and-cold running flunckies. The Peartree is well above the average at a not-above average price, so I would say give it a go expecting a country pub and allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised at the level of service, and roll with the experience.

Downside? Requirement to be a sightseer in Bath negated the change to enjoy the real fire and fine ales for longer!