We recently stayed here for three nights' bed & breakfast, and ate here each night…read more
The pub itself is large, with the original early 18th Century building facing the main road, a modern extension at the rear, and a separate accommodation block behind the beer garden. The additions blend in well with the original building; the interior of the pub is all exposed stone, low ceilings and wood, with several real fireplaces (cosy on cold days- which we had on our stay!). Food is served both in the main pub and the dining area at the rear, which is brighter, with a high ceiling.
We booked a superior room (3 nights B&B for £315), and were really pleased with it. It was spacious, with a super-king sized bed (two singles together), tastefully decorated, with a walk-in wardrobe (with iron and mini ironing board). Both ceiling spotlights and bedside lights could be dimmed. The bed itself was extremely comfortable - supportive but with a lovely soft topper and a mix of down and fibre pillows. Once we got used to it (being very different from home) we slept well. There is a kettle to make tea, and a coffee machine (pods).
The ensuite had a walk-in rainforest shower and was well decorated with green glazed tiles, and spotlessly clean. The toiletries were decent quality from Temple Spa. The weather was extremely cold while we were there, but the central heating radiator was excellent and heated the room quickly; the water in the bathroom was also deliciously hot. It was also well soundproofed - you are completely unable to hear the nearby A41 dual carriageway or M40. In our room, you could hear people going up and down the stairs, but this did not disturb us.
Breakfast was included in the price of our stay. There are no cereals offered, just cooked breakfasts. However, there is a good number of choices on the menu, including a full English; a full vegetarian; eggs Benedict; eggs Florentine; avocado and poached egg; eggs Royale with smoked salmon; waffles; and pancakes. We had the full English, the vegetarian full English, and the avocado and poached eggs. They were all good, not too much, but well cooked. (Those used to big cafe fry-ups may be disappointed, but it suited us.).
In the evening, we had on our first night burgers (chicken burger, and a vegan burger); on the second night mushroom risotto with a side salad, and haddock and chips; and on the last night the houmous starter with pomegranate seeds and Italian flatbread, followed the Waldorf salad, and my partner had the salmon, cod and prawn fish pie. The food was well above your average pub grub. The mushroom risotto and Waldorf salad were in particular excellent - the risotto being one of the best that I have ever eaten in a restaurant.
Service in the evening was very good, and we felt very well looked after by Neville and Henry. Service was a little slow at breakfast one morning but, overall, we were very happy with our stay. We would certainly consider returning and would recommend it both for accommodation and to eat.
