The Candlemaker

It’s so good, I went back 3 times in one month! The food here is amazing! The BBQ beef rib is one of my favourites, as it just falls off the bone, and is closely followed by the Smok’d burger. I’m also a big fan of the Mac & cheese bites. The portions are quite large and reasonably priced, especially the lunch menu. The staff are always really friendly, approachable and happy to help you with any questions you have or if you need food or drink recommendations! This atmosphere feels like a home away from home with comfy sofa seats and dim lighting, perfect for a bite to eat or chilling with friends with a beer.

Came here after refurbishment. Ambience was absolutely brilliant! In terms of service, I didn’t get my drink initially and had to ask one more time to get the waiter send over. Food - chicken wings were dry, burger order was wrong and had to get the correct one made. Very over cooked beef and dry. The ribs was alright tender but not sure if it was the Smokey taste as it was quite salty to my liking. Overall still giving a 4 star with the atmosphere and the comfort ness of the restaurant. Food needs improving.

UPDATE: Had a great chat with Leigh and went back to give it another chance since they were very open to our feedback. Stopped in for Lunch and can say the 50% off from September probably affected the team, which led to our poor experiences. This time around, they were very polite and the food was delicious (plenty of sauce 😉). We had the Ribs and Chicken Wings for lunch (have added photos) - can say they were delicious! Happy to upgrade my original review from 2 stars to 4 (3.5 isn’t possible so will round up). Original Review: After a few times in since they re-opened, and with the hope it would be better, I can’t give it more than two stars. Food: Brisket is dryer than my trainers; meats are lacking sauce (and hard to find BBQ sauce, must be a shortage?) and overall disappointing bbq (save the £25 Rib) - Chicken wings were also extremely dry (ordered Buffalo, but assume it was on the same delivery order as the BBQ sauce as there was none on the wings). Service: Having just opened, you’d think they care about locals and creating an inviting space… but all the staff (save one very nice older gentleman who I assume was one of the managers) are uninviting. They seem to expect us to cherish the privilege of coming into the pub we’ve been visiting for years and have a very ‘oh well, tough luck’ approach when communicating (main reason we will be avoiding and visiting the other great spots in the area) Atmosphere: hard to tell, you can’t walk into the back, no dogs allowed (because of one person complaining I’m told) and no vibe because of the aforementioned attitude from staff. Check it out while the food is half off, but other than that ‘carrot’ I don’t recommend it.

Me and my friends had lunch at the Candlemaker yesterday and we were pleasantly surprised to discover a promotional 50% discount on the majority of the menu. There was a really good choice of food and great selection of draught beers, all of our main courses were amazing and delicious, however the side and starters were not of the same standards (small portions and quality compared to original price). Overall a good experience and staff was fantastic! We’ll definitely go back to try the rest of the menu!

Special introductory offer for lunch at half price, and that made a grrrreat lunch. Nice decor, arty, a friendly painter actually still decorating the murals (see pics). Friendly staff, good choice of the menu, but (I probably didn't read the fine print) the rib combo wasn't on the half-price offer. Ordered a tasty big portion of brisket with yummy gravy/sauce. My friend had the very delicious babyback pork ribs, 😋. The starter of battered squid rings was light and good. Nice non Alcoholic Erdinger beer. Staff friendly and courteous. Overall, it was a very good experience. Recommended.