We stayed at this hotel last night and overall it was quite fine. I'd needed to e-mail them a few…read moretimes, and their responses were incredibly prompt & exceptionally polite. Both of the young women working at the reception desk - one when we checked in and another one when we checked out - were very friendly. Since there's no elevator and we were staying on the second floor - and we'd both had back problems recently - we needed to have someone carry our luggage up the stairs, and two very friendly people carried our luggage. The room was spotless. The negatives: The soap and shampoo were in "liquid soap"-type dispensers and it was *extremely* difficult to use them. Seriously, only a miniscule amount could be obtained with each attempt and it was really irritating to use those things. The hairdryer was inside *the desk drawer* and it was attached to the drawer, plus the fact that the switch needed to be held down *continually* while using the hair dryer. The switch was really miniscule and it was literally *painful* to hold it down for that amount of time. I have some arthritis in my thumb and it was excrutiating. The mattress was hard, although we were exhausted and therefore it didn't end up being a problem. The hotel has long been owned by one family and they've had multi-generations of family members work there, so that's a really nice aspect and it's undoubtedly why everyone was so friendly and helpful.

To be perfectly honest, I would stay at this hotel again as a matter of convenience more than…read moreanything. The staff was friendly, the room was very tidy & welcoming, and the bar was absolutely enjoyable - fantastic even; however, there are a few things that put me off. 1. There was no telephone to be found in the room, despite there being a directory. As an international traveler with often questionable cell phone service, a phone in the room would have been useful. 2. The shower had no curtain, instead it had more of a half glass door that did not adequately prevent water from going all over the floor. 3. I feel that the hotel could really benefit from a laundry service (self or paid) of some sort. I spoke to the front desk to inquire about such service, and the gentleman told me there were a washer and dryer in my room... after a careful look around I said that there was no washer or dryer to be found. He asked my room number, and upon giving it to him he advised that only suites have a washer and dryer (this would have been helpful to know prior). To be fair, this is disclosed on the website under the 2 bedrooms suite tab... which for our circumstances, I would not have thought to check. 4. Breakfast... I apologize for sounding petty, but this was probably the most irritating aspect of our stay. The first morning we ordered the cured ham, and eggs Florentine.. the server came back a few minutes later to let us know that they were out of ham, and out of spinach, so we would both have to order something else off an already limited menu. The next morning we went down for breakfast and the server (while extremely apologetic) informed us that the chef was very ill and that we would not be able to order off the menu... our breakfast choices were limited to toast, cereal, and fruit. Having worked in the hotel industry in prior years, I was a little perplexed that a back up is not planned for this situation, and why the chef was still in the kitchen if they were so ill. I don't fault the chef at all, as sickness is sometimes unavoidable.. it's the poor planning that I found irritating. To the hotel's credit where it is due, they did offer to refund the breakfast portion of our bill for that morning, but the amount and when I will receive the credit remains to be seen. To the hotel management and staff - you have a gem of a property here. I first stayed 20 years ago with my family, and as a child remembered it to be a magical place. I know it has changed hands since, but you have such a lovely prospect in your hands. I would not write this hotel off, and hope to give it another chance in the future. Please consider this review simply as honest feedback, and constructive criticism.

From the owner: Historic hotel bar serving cocktails, craft beer, extensive; wine list, selection of draught beers…read moreand spirits. A la carte restaurant, 120 cover banqueting suite ideal for weddings. 23 bedroom hotel on site with private river terrace overlooking the Thames.

Amazing fine dining restaurant. You'll feel like a food critic!! Very inventive menu with a range…read moreof cooking and presentation techniques.

Stayed there on business saw restaurant review on trip advisor.I was not disappointed.Rooms were…read morecomfy food was great.lovely breakfast nice staff.

What an experience! The food in a word, excellent. My bangers and mash was superb plus the mushy…read morepeas just made me smile. But having a private dining room for our party of five in a space that Charles Dickens made his office was simply priceless. The Leather Bottle is everything an American could ask for if your dream is to have an authentic "tourist experience" without the hype of London. Take the train in from The City and book a room for the night. You will not be disappointed.

Lovely and charming village pub. They don't have the best selection of drinks in the world, but the…read moreambience more than makes up for it. Plus the food is amazing: I had a spectacular brownie with white chocolate sauce.