Breath of Fresh Air!!
Having just returned from a 3-night stay on the newly refurbished site at Knaresborough, it really is a breath of fresh air and hopefully, the way forward for the Club.
The pitches are all a good size and well spaced out and the site is well laid out. The only criticism with the main layout is some confusion caused to some drivers with the reception building being on the right as you arrive. The two lanes are clearly marked with NewArrivals on the left, but some new arrivals insist on stopping in the right hand lane and completely block access for those already on site.
We were on pitch 39 which is on the extreme right of the site as you enter and we felt that pitches on this side of the site could benefit from a service point, otherwise you either have to walk right round or, as a number of people were doing, cut through the hedges and across other pitches to get water / empty toilet waste etc.
The toilet / shower blocks were spotless and well maintained, with the additional facilities adjoining the Bistro being of a very high standard.
The Wanderer Bistro / Bar is a very welcome addition to a club site and we enjoyed one of the best meals out that we have had for a long time. Friendly and helpful staff; excellent food served on hot plates and well presented and all in a friendly, warm and cosy atmosphere. The Club have set a high standard here and it is hoped that as other similar facilities come on line throughout the network, this high standard can be maintained.
Not sure about allowing dogs in the Bistro however. We are dog owners, but our dog stayed in the van while we ate. There were dogs in the bistro and they were well behaved, but it is an eating establishment and one staff member told us that they have already had to recover a seat due to animal damage and also replace plates due to diners putting their food plate on the floor for the dog to lick!!!
We were told that we are also to be 'threatened' with a large screen TV in the Bistro on the approach to the World Cup. Please, NO!! This will completely change the ambiance of the Bistro for quiet dining and is likely to turn the whole place into nothing more than a noisy bar for those wanting to watch the football. Most vans have TV and if people want to watch the match they can do so, but many just want to enjoy a quiet, pleasant evening or afternoon having a drink or enjoying a meal.
We will certainly be back to Knaresborough if only to enjoy the Wanderer Bistro again (hopefully without being forced to watch TV during our meal.
A great improvement by the Club - hope to enjoy similar facilities at other sites soon.
