Castle Keep

The Victoria Hotel was just what you'd hope for from a proper local spot. The soups were fresh, the cottage pie rich and comforting, and the toastie came out hot, crisp and generous. Simple food, done well and with care. A satisfying lunch worth stopping in for.

Dan greeted us warmly and showed us to room 3, which was spacious, nicely decorated and had a comfortable bed. The shower was good, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The hotel was very clean and tidy, and the village was lovely, though busier with traffic than we'd expected. Breakfast has to be booked the night before and was fixed for 9am. It was good, but the arrangements may not suit everyone. We didn't sleep well: the local church bell rang every hour, the bright green fire-exit light lit up the bedroom, and the fan kept switching on and off. At 7:15am a vacuum cleaner started in the dining room next door while guests could still be asleep. The towel rail wasn't working either. Some of these issues have been mentioned by earlier guests but still haven't been dealt with. Perhaps we should have asked for a room at the back.

We only just made it in time for lunch, but I'm glad we did. The beef and horseradish sandwich was amazing, with huge chunks of tender beef, a tasty salad and coleslaw. The crayfish and crab sandwiches looked just as good, and the wedges were something else. Everything is homemade, the traditional decor has a quirky modern twist, and the staff are welcoming and homely. A lovely lunch spot in a beautiful village, and dogs are welcome too.

The room was clean and had great water pressure, and we got a peaceful break on a quiet road with a pleasant hum around us. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the hospitality was comfortable and delicious.