The Birchtree Hotel

We had a lovely meal here yesterday evening. The atmosphere was really nice, the food was lovely, and the staff were so friendly. It’s very dog friendly too.

I booked a room expecting to get some sleep, but on Friday night the karaoke downstairs was unbelievably loud. The mattress I was trying to sleep on was vibrating with the noise, almost like being gently tasered for hours. I had to be up at 3am for a cycling event, and was told the karaoke would run until midnight. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have booked. The hotel doesn’t advertise this complimentary immersive karaoke experience, though I think it should. It was absolutely horrible. Stay away. In reply to the hotel: you need to decide whether you’re running a hotel or an entertainment business. Guests book a hotel to get a decent night’s sleep away from home, and you haven’t considered their needs. My friend was riding with me for charity and stayed on the floor above. He barely slept either. The crowd was shouting, screaming and rowdy, and couldn’t sing if their lives depended on it. The MC’s microphone was far too loud. Economics? I don’t think so. Exploitation, probably.

We stopped in today for a bite to eat and had a really pleasant experience. The people were lovely, and they brought a bowl of water for our dog straight away. The place was clean and tidy, and we both enjoyed our food. My wife had pizza, and I loved the jaw breaker burger.

I’d happily make this my number one place for a Sunday roast. The beef was so tender it practically melted in my mouth, and I could cut it with a butter knife, unlike beef I’ve had elsewhere. The roast potatoes were wonderfully crispy, the vegetables were fresh and cooked just right, and even the Yorkshire pudding won me over. I’m usually not a fan, but could easily have eaten a whole plate. Best roast I’ve ever had.