Bawtry

We come here regularly for drinks and always feel welcome. It's a lovely venue in the heart of Bawtry. My first pint of ale wasn't great, but the bar staff replaced it straight away, and the next one was perfect.

Don't come for the coffee. It had a really odd, funky taste, like it came from a cheap pod machine that hadn't been cleaned. I asked for another cup, but it tasted just the same. Then I went across the road to Coopland's, where the coffee was much better and made with freshly ground beans. For a four-star hotel, I expected better.

The location was the one good thing about dinner. The staff spent more time on their phones by the till and gossiping about customers, apparently unaware we could hear them. The wine was poor and just left on the table without giving us a chance to taste it. The food was below average for the price, and I sent mine back barely touched. The room was cold enough that I put my coat back on. Disappointing and expensive for that level of food and service. There are much better places to eat in Bawtry.

The restaurant meal was okay and the service there was good, but the hotel needs some work. I was told I'd been given a superior room, though it felt like a standard one. The bed was okay and the tea and coffee setup was basic. Bottled water would've been nice. Getting the kettle under the bathroom tap to fill it was awkward. The room was cold despite the radiator being on full, and the bathroom towel rail stayed cold too. The sash windows banged in the wind, and I could hear the main road clearly. Lighting was poor: there were two bedside switches, but only one did anything. The bathroom extractor didn't work, so it steamed up after a shower.