I did my IR at Stapleford in 2003. Instruction was very good (to the point, no pomp and circumstance just getting on with the job); All Ops staff were friendly and supportive. Booking system may not look very much but it works very well. This may sound like common sense, but nothing is as annoying as turning up for a lesson just to find there is no aircraft/instructor. I had no such problem at SFC; for every slot I booked there was an aircraft/simulator and instructor at the agreed time.
I did my renewal in 2004 at SFC; as some of the instructors had left, the atmosphere may have changed, but still the renewal was a good learning experience (I would never call an exam "enjoyable").
Only gripe: I would agree with the comments on the restaurant
Ps. I have no affiliation to SFC