Interesting but having visited the Dartmouth Arms recently I am not sure I agree. The sign in the car park is a bit vague but it does say it is for registered users only, so it does make you ask the question 'how do I register'. The obvious thing to do to find out how to register is to ask when you check in to the restaurant or at least to ask your waiter. There is also a sign in the restaurant at the area where you check in (and where they do the registration process). So I don't think they are trying to dupe anyone. Maybe the waiter could ask if you have parked in the car park when they first sit you down.

I agree incidentally that the food has slightly gone down hill but still one our better restaurants.

Last time I was there I was very annoyed by a large group of people who seemed oblivious to everyone else eating and stood up, stood between tables, wandered about hugging and kissing and almost sitting in other diners meals. I eventually complained and they more or less sat down.