Knaresborough - observations
Just back from a fantastic two night stay at Knaresborough. The wardens have worked their socks off to get it looking fab and both couples were really friendly and welcoming.
It's with a little sadness that I have to say that the only negatives we encountered were from other members either in what they said or their (non-witnessed) behaviour.
Whilst most that we met were chirpy and clearly there to enjoy their break, I found it astounding that even on day one people were happy to stare at that black dot on the enormous white canvas without taking in the beauty of the white surround.
Let me elaborate:
- Having a meal in the Bistro -food fab, service definitely slow - it was opening night and I think they'd misjudged just how busy they'd be but more that that'd booked most in at the same time. They were incredibly apologetic and kept us informed all the way through. One couple on leaving actually came over, interrupted our eating to tell us that if we complained we'd be able to get either the wine knocked off or we could probably "push for a free dessert". They then went on to tell us in some detail about their own meal and its pitfalls. Our was lovely by the way -can whole heartedly recommend the pork belly and the seafood platter.
- By 9 pm on day one, the usual dog poo littered the dog walk. There was a bin at the entrance but I suppose some people find the art of picking up their own dogs poo a struggle. I often wonder what sort of people buy a pet with no intent of cleaning up after it.
- One of the hairdryers had broken in the ladies toilets - another member using the other hairdryer was almost gleeful in telling me that it wasn't a good sign if they couldn't even get THAT right on day one. When I replied it was just teething problems she responded that the whole CCMC site was going 'down the pan since the name change". I am not sure of the correlation between a faulty appliance and a re-brand but maybe she has great knowledge than I
- As my OH washed the BBQ tray, matey (let's call him matey as he didn't stop chatting about this) moaned endlessly about the width of the pitches and how the design encouraged people to walk next to his van. My husband asked why he'd not taken a pitch with its back to the fence, the response, "to see if the wardens would do something about it"
- Matey also took umbrage with the fact that some young boys were using their scooters around the site which caused his dog to bark and that the wardens should also sort this.
- And finally (bear in mind we were only here for two nights!) and one which I thought had gone away, another "matey" moaned to me at the bins that next door's fairy light were on all night. When I asked if it had kept him awake, he replied that that wasn't the issue but it was amount of electricity they were taking.
I can't and probably will never understand people who just want to share how rubbish /awful something is when we are in a beautiful site, with fabulous weather, enjoying a BH. If they really really don't like it, why not just stop coming.
I'd highly recommend the site, the bistro, the pitches and we will absolutely return.
Comments
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kdee69, thanks for the post I've just had a good laugh. Isn't it a shame folk can't just get on and enjoy themselves without finding something to moan about all the time. Hope it didn't spoil your break away, we've not visited the site in question but it is on the to do list.
PS our fairly lights are solar, that would upset matey, nothing to moan about.
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Great post, KD. You've summed up beautifully why this club and its members have a certain reputation.
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Good report, you do wonder about our fellow human beings sometimes!!! Don't forget to add a site review.
David
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Do people go away to enjoy themselves or find fault? Maybe they can't enjoy themselves if they can't find faults?
Thanks for your post KD
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Matey also took umbrage with the fact that some young boys were using their scooters around the site which caused his dog to bark and that the wardens should also sort this.
Indeed they should. People must not be allowed to bring dogs that bark!
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Great opening post! Serial moaning is alive and kicking on a lot of Club Sites. What is even funnier is that despite all the moaning, the ones that do it just keep on paying the membership fees!
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It's like I said they love it
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Interesting opening post Kdee69. Other people's views of their holiday experience is useful for those new to the hobby of caravanning. and you have recounted those views which were told to you, in an explicit and excellent manner . Well Done !!!
Of course you will find that a few on here will not in any way countenance any adverse opinions of any CMC sites, but the good news is that as those elderly members give up caravaning and younger people take their place, a more balanced and friendly approach to caravanning on CMC sites will emerge.
Live and let live is my motto when on holiday.
K
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OK; I'm already behind the barricades before I start but, what the hell!
Been a regular visitor to Knaresborough in the past and have used and enjoyed the Bistro on a number of occasions. In near future due to go again for the first time since the refurbishment.
When making a slight adjustment to the booking via the site sought from the very helpful Warden confirmation on the position of dogs going into the now named Wanderer.
No these, dogs, are now NOT allowed although there is an outside patio area.
Feel this is a retrograde step and in my humble experience many using the Bistro were accompanied by their hounds, not in the bar area but in the main eating area. Never any issue of behaviour on any of the occasions I have been there.
Seems a strange position to me as I don't believe there are any laid down H & S 'rules' which prohibit this practice and the number of covers for eating has been increased. Whilst it might be nice for some to eat hot food outside, not very appealing for many months of the year, especially now the site is twelve months opening. Also a rule dogs not to be left on their own in caravans/motor homes!
One garden centre near West Ayton has allocated 'dog' owner tables which are situated in the main area of the eating area. Seems to work. Why not Knaresborough as before or some 'accommodation' for dog owners which does not involve eating outside? The potential clientele has been severely reduced by the new policy.
Also rather strange is that the new publicity for the site trumpets the provision for the first time of a dog walk!
Seem to be losing the friendly sociable common touch.
Bernard in Tring
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BernardinTring I think you raise a very valid point. Don't suppose HQ will read or comment on this thread so might be worth an email to them. But if you use fb you may comment there - responses are far more likely on that medium 😉
I would try reporting your post to get some attention but that doesn't seem to get any response IMHO these days. Certainly no acknowledgement since the Web upgrade. Are reports received and read? Who knows??
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I guess not everyone wants to eat around dogs, wouldn't bother me but I guess there is a hygiene issue that club are looking at. I can't see it being a problem though can the dog/dogs just be left at the caravan or motorhome just a few yards away ?
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If it is a hygiene issue why wasn't it before? Not picking an argument but comparing past and present. I don't have an issue personally SO LONG as the dogs are quiet, under the table and not a trip hazard and do not sit on the chairs. I realise that allergies can be an issue and that is difficult but there are plenty of no dog places, and if dogs are allowed outside they need to be away from the walk to the entry point otherwise it's defeating the object. 😉 I don't know the restaurant but could there be an area?
I'd rather the dog be in the restaurant than left alone in a van 😃
We don't have a dog, but occasionally look after our son's and that comes with us, very different sort of trip if it does. We also have a 'holiday dog', so called cos they dont take it on holiday, that I wouldn't dream of taking anywhere they allowed dogs indoors because he'd be an embrassament 😲 as allowed far too much freedom at home. He probably thinks our house is boot camp 😂
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There's a halfway house at Hillhead where dogs and owners can enjoy the restaurant facilities under a heated enclosed retractable canopy. Maybe that idea could have been included at Knaresborough if there is room. Maybe there are take away facilities like Hillhead?
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You've taken a small piece and run with it.
The discussion was regarding the previous restaurant allowing dogs and now it doesn't inside but does outside.
As I pointed out we don't have a dog so doesn't affect me.
I can't see your body language and I hope I have misinterpreted your reply!
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I'm not sure there isn't anything to misinterpret , I was just confused by your post. I have no idea what the reason are as to why dogs are now not allowed at all, you did appear to be in favour of allowing dogs but suggested others could choose restaurants that do not allow dogs. I was only pointing out that this is one of those restaurants. Sorry if I misunderstand your post.
I shall be at knaresborough end of September so will give the bistro a go .
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I totally accept that many eateries do not allow dogs but this situation seems rather odd.
Dogs used to be allowed but now are not. Why the change?
This restaurant is situated on a caravan park where people holiday with their dogs. Dogs are not allowed in the restaurant but, on the other hand, we are urged not to leave them alone in vans or cars.
Seems to me that the simplest answer is not to use the cafe.
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Moaning about things is often a way people seek to build rapport with others as we all like a good moan eg "will it ever stop raining?". Key for the CMC is differentiating between a moan and a serious issue that needs tackling.
kdee69 has encouraged us to go back to Knaresborough. It was a site we used to visit regularly.
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Hi there, I just wanted to clear up any confusion. I've checked with a colleague in sites operations and I am pleased to advise that dogs are welcome in the Wanderer Bar and Kitchen at Knaresborough Club Site. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding and hope this helps clear up any confusion.
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Do I feel guilty over this, yes, but honestly I did speak to the Warden and the information was as conveyed. I'm not blaming anyone for these 'crossed wires' and I personally am very appreciative to Rowena for taking the trouble to enquiry and quickly rectify/clarify the position.
Yes, I am affected as a dog owner as can be seen from the 'identification picture' and we will definitely be patrons of the new eatery.
I had already written to Emma Cox, Site Operations Manager, but she is on hols until the 5th September.
So sorry once again for the mis-information and any high blood pressure caused, but I for one do appreciate the status quo on this one.
In passing, Apenshaw, not sure what point you were trying to make about this particular 'dog issue' and the change in criteria. Certainly not a moan on my part.
Bernard in Tring
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Hi Bernard in Tring, I'm so sorry for the confusion and have asked the sites operations team to make sure everyone on site is aware that dogs are allowed. I'm really happy you will be able to enjoy the Wanderer bar and kitchen with your 4 legged friend next time you're on site.
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I took both my dogs in on the first night and they made doggy friends there and lots of children also made doggy friends of my doggies too
However, like you Bernard, the warden did advise us that it was a "no" but we booked anyway thinking we'd eat outside and then the lady who ran it informed us otherwise...
It was Day One so I'm sure they get things wrong occasionally and as a very wise proverb says, "to err is human, to forgive ...divine" so I shall go down the divine route
Katy
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