The Slate

The food was very good, especially the brisket. It's just outside Bangor, but close enough that the location wasn't a problem. The room had everything I needed and the shower was a good size, though the water temperature seemed to fluctuate.

Breakfast was tasty, and the room was otherwise clean and fine, but Room No 11 had some real problems. Trains ran past close by throughout the day and night, and the kitchen extractor fan below our window was noisy and kept sending steam and smells past it. A non-slip shower mat would help because the shower was very slippery. I checked the fire arrangements and found several concerns. Some fire doors were wedged open or didn't shut properly. The escape diagram sent guests across the top of an open, unprotected staircase, which could block escape from a ground floor fire. There was another unmarked staircase that might provide a protected route to a final exit. The fire risk assessment needs urgent attention. Automatic detection was present, but some detectors didn't seem well placed, and better escape signs would help. Parking was manageable when we arrived, but there were few spaces when we got back Saturday night, so we had to park close to other cars. The next morning, a neighboring car that had apparently left overnight had dented our door. Disabled parking provision could also be improved. We chose the hotel for its reviews and proximity to our event. Reception was good and parking was okay at first, but I left these comments two weeks ago and haven't heard back.

The restaurant was busy, so I'd recommend booking. We got a warm welcome there, and the staff were fantastic, friendly and attentive to guests. The menu had a few specials alongside the main choices, and both the food and service were spot on. We stayed for a couple of nights. On arrival, the hotel welcome was great and the room was warm, clean and nicely decorated. The bed was comfortable and the shower just right. We could hear other guests moving through the hotel and using doors, but it wasn't a big issue. The room was cleaned and fresh towels were provided for the second day. A great find.

The service was okay, but the meal was a letdown and cost too much. The Monday menu had only about five or six choices, and I would've liked more variety. My korma didn't really taste like korma, more like a bland Chinese curry with hardly any flavour. The portion was fine, but £18 felt completely overpriced. The hand cut chips were more like boiled potato wedges, with no crunch.