The Commodore Inn

The decent pint of Guinness was probably the best part of our recent visit to The Commodore Grange. The bar felt sticky and not well maintained, and the staff seemed grumpy and hard to approach, which made the place feel unwelcoming. Closing time was frustratingly unpredictable. It might be 10pm, 11pm, or last orders at 9:30pm, apparently depending on the bar staff’s mood. It’s hard to know what to expect, and it left me feeling like customers were an inconvenience rather than valued guests. Approach with caution.

We were passing through from out of the area and stopped for a drink after seeing signs for a vegan Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding. It didn’t disappoint. Great food, friendly service, and dogs are welcome.

My last visit to this licensed premises was in 2004, when it was just okay. Yesterday, the service, Guinness and food were all very good. Nothing was too much trouble for the landlord or his able assistant. We’ll be back before too long.

The view from the Porthole room was lovely, and the staff apart from the young man who checked us in were much friendlier. He greeted us without a smile and showed us to our room. We stayed two nights, but the condition of the room put us off eating there because we weren’t sure the kitchen would be clean either. The bathroom door wouldn’t close without a bang, which can’t be good for people in the rooms above or below. The shower head badly needs replacing, the curtain was mouldy and the bed had seen better days. I know things are difficult for hospitality, but at £175 for two nights, room only, I expect a clean room up to a reasonable standard.