The New Inn by Roomsbooked

From check-in to departure, I felt looked after by people who genuinely seem to enjoy their work. The staff were exceptional, the cleaning crew took pride in what they did, and the amenities were solid. Breakfast was a treat, thanks to a chef who’s close to mad genius. The barkeep, regulars, and passing travelers all made for real, unhurried conversations. This place deserves a small conversations award. The New Inn in Gloucester feels like stepping through a crack in time. Built in 1450 to shelter weary pilgrims, it still carries centuries in its sagging beams, tilted creaking floorboards, and plain, honest rooms. The medieval world lingers here, even as everything else keeps changing. The announcement of a Queen Lady Jane Grey the nine days Queen happened here. There are also rumors of William Shakespeare's company being on its list, the lord Chamberlain's men. It’s more than a hotel, it holds cherished stories. At night there’s a foggy feeling, a hush in the courtyard, and the sense a spirit or two might still wander the creaky halls. Maybe that’s why the place sings to all the senses and feels oddly familiar, as if I’d walked these corridors in another life. Have my very ancestor's celebrated life here. It’s authentic, imperfect, alive, and unforgettable, the kind of place that reminds me why I travel. You leave wanting to return. The wandering Bostonian approves.

Chef Phil’s chicken with veggies was a cluckin’ masterpiece. The chicken came out golden and crisp, and the veggies were full of flavour. Every bite tasted like it had been made with love and Phil’s own secret superpower. It filled my heart as much as my stomach. I’d be president of this dish’s fan club. Chef Phil, take a bow, and please keep cooking.

The room was clean and the location was excellent, but the service was nonexistent. My WiFi kept disconnecting, and nobody offered to help with my very heavy suitcase up two flights of stairs. It was also very noisy, with paper-thin walls.

The room was tidy, with a comfortable bed and clean en suite, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was good value too. The only drawback was an air conditioning unit outside our bedroom that hummed, though it didn’t run all night. It’s a lovely, authentic old coaching inn, brilliantly located for Gloucester town and the Docks. We stayed to visit the Christmas market, which was great.