The Royal George Birdlip by Greene King Inns

Carol was so friendly and helpful, and we had a fantastic night here during our Cotswold journey. Dinner and breakfast were both wonderful. The location loses a star because we had to walk along a busy road to get there. We only found out afterward that there was a much nicer way in through the inn garden.

The room could have used some upkeep, and the bar and restaurant left us underwhelmed. Still, it’s in a nice, convenient spot just off the Cotswold Way. After our walk, the shower felt good. I asked for a vodka martini straight up, and was told I was confusing the person serving me and that they didn’t do cocktails. I settled for straight vodka, which was a tiny measure with a lemon wedge tossed in. My wife said the menu looked like a chain restaurant rather than a local pub, and she was right. The Royal George is part of the Green King group. I might feel differently if it were family run or privately owned, but this business clearly doesn’t seem to care. We ate dinner because we hadn’t eaten since breakfast and had walked many miles. Otherwise, we’d have left. We’re skipping the included breakfast and walking 3-4 miles to the Monastery instead. If you’re on the Way and only want a pint, you’ll probably be fine, but I’d keep walking.

This was the coldest welcome we had during an otherwise wonderful trip through the Cotswolds, even after spending a whole December there. At our other stops, people showed some friendliness or interest in our journey. Here it felt like, “here’s your key, here’s your meal,” and that was it. We only expected basic hospitality. On the fourth day of our Cotswold Way walk, this was the only lodge directly on the trail, with a beautiful property and an exceptional setting. The location gives it so much potential, but our stay didn’t live up to it. Service was largely absent, and dinner was disappointing, nothing tasted fresh. The milanesa seemed frozen, and my wife’s chicken was no better. At 6:30 the next morning, we dropped our bags for transfer and asked about breakfast. We were told it wouldn’t start until 8:30. We asked if there might be anything earlier, even coffee, juice, fruit or a muffin, but nothing was offered. Most hikers start early, so waiting wasn’t an option. We left hungry and disappointed.

We slept like babies, with no noise from A417, and enjoyed hearing the owls in the parking lot trees. We’d stopped at the Royal George for one night on our way to Herefordshire and were pleasantly surprised. The welcome was warm, the staff extremely friendly, and the rooms clean and nice. We had a delicious light lunch at the great bar, then enjoyed a nice dinner with traditional dishes. It’s a place that makes you feel at home and welcome. Thanks for the great hospitality ✌️👍🙏