The Botolph Arms

+44 1733 234170

465 Oundle Rd, Peterborough PE2 7DD United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Open Today: -

Quick Facts About The Botolph Arms

The Botolph Arms has received both positive and negative comments from customers, providing a comprehensive view of the strengths and weaknesses of the place.

Starting with the strengths, many customers appreciate the old-style atmosphere of the pub. It is described as a hidden treasure and a real pub experience. The setting, with ample outdoor seating and a beer garden, is well-liked by patrons. The staff is commended for their friendly service and the cleanliness of the pub is mentioned positively in some comments. The pub's adherence to social distancing measures and the laid-out distancing system is well-received.

The affordable prices and the selection of drinks are noted as positives. Being a Sam Smiths pub, the prices are described as inexpensive and the lack of branded drinks is seen as fine for a casual drink. Some customers recommend trying the Samuel Smith brewed or bottled spirits, particularly the Imperial stout. The food, described as standard pub fare and well-priced, receives positive feedback as well. The fish and chips are specifically highlighted as being of high quality.

On the other hand, there are several weaknesses mentioned by customers that need to be addressed. One major concern is the change in management, which seems to impact the quality of the pub. Depending on who is running it, the experience can vary from good to bad. This inconsistency creates uncertainty for customers. Another recurring complaint is the cash-only policy. Although some customers find it nostalgic or not an issue, others find it inconvenient and outdated. The lack of modern payment options could potentially deter customers who prefer to use cards.

Poor customer treatment is another issue raised by reviewers. One customer was asked to finish their drink and leave because they used a phone to communicate with a friend, reflecting a strict no mobile device policy. Another instance involved a customer being asked to leave for using an inappropriate word during a game of darts. These incidents were perceived as an appalling way to treat paying customers, especially in the present times. The comment about not being allowed to stand is also seen as too restrictive and may impact the overall customer experience.

The cleanliness of the pub is another concern raised by a customer. Despite the positive remarks about cleanliness in some reviews, there are complaints about dirty glasses, drink spills, and a lack of proper tidying and cleaning. Customers expect basic hygiene standards to be maintained, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In summary, The Botolph Arms has some notable strengths, including its old-style atmosphere, outdoor seating, friendly service, affordable prices, and good selection of drinks. However, there are also significant weaknesses, such as the inconsistency of the pub due to management changes, the cash-only policy, poor customer treatment, and concerns about cleanliness. Addressing these weaknesses would be essential for the pub to improve its overall reputation and customer satisfaction.

Best TL Reviews

Gone downhill. Cash only. Not that clean. Prices have shot up big time. I was asked to finish my drink and leave because I used my phone to let a friend know where to meet me. Apparently they now have an anti device policy. Another man was asked to leave for using the word s**t when playing darts. Oh, and you also aren't allowed to stand. Appalling way to treat paying customers, especially in present times. Unfortunately, I won't be returning.

Very nice old style Sam Smiths pub. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Few rules...no mobile devices inside the bar( beer and conversation...brilliant) and no dogs inside. Cash only, restaurant open everyday except Mondays serving the standard pub fare. Will visit again.

Looks lovely on the outside, a bit more modern in the renovation of the inside. We didn't eat - drinks-wise it is a standard Sam Smiths i.e. inexpensive and no brands, but fine for that. Cash only when I went.

Lovely setting away from the main road;. New landlord who took over in April during shutdown and difficult circumstances.

We were passing and called in for a drink.

I'm not a great fan of Sam Smith's beers but I was pleasantly surprised by what we had. Clean and tidy with a well laid out distancing system. Sunny afternoon and sat outside. Several tables spare.

Cash only at the moment - clearly signed so don't try and use card.

A veritable hidden treasure amongst the all too samey "Gastro Pubs" in Peterborough. Venture out of the centre down the Oundle Road and this idyllic looking imbibement post has a refreshing, some may say quirky, take on today's lifestyle.

No phone's, tablets, computers etc...just talking. Amazing, somewhere that has real, live people talking to each other!!

Cash only

Only Samuel Smith brewed or bottled "soundalike" spirits. I thoroughly recommend the bottled Imperial stout as a sipping drink by the open fire (it's 7%!) or their draught Extra stout for a session. Maybe accompanying that with the best fish and chips I've ever tried, including Whitby, because it's batter is so light.

This one should be saved, please use it or lose it.

PS Sunday dinner is lovely too????

Feels like a real Pub should. And that it would be found out in the country side but is in the city limits. Has an amazing beer garden and ample parking. Is a Sam Smith Brewery pub.

Now the important bit. Seems to change management quite often and this changes the pub from good to bad depending in who is running it of course. As of September 2019 was good beer good food and nice atmosphere. It was one of the hot sunny weekends though do everyone was chilled and enjoying life.

Has the potential to be an incredible pub.

Good oldy world style pub. Nice atmosphere and plenty of outdoor seating. Food well priced standard pub grub, pies very nice. Couple of rules to remember. No mobiles, cash only.

You wouldn't think they've been closed for months. 1 person serving on table service, 30 minutes to get served and tables peppered with drink spills and dirty glasses. Plenty of authorative notices around about Covid, but basic tidying / cleaning not maintained. No it wasn't busy, and yes it's a real shame. You want to wish pubs well and support them, but it seems the amount of time closed has caused a loss of cause as well. Shame.