The Three Swans Hotel

We really enjoyed our two nights at The Three Swans and would return. The town centre location made it easy to get around, and the rear accommodation was quiet. It looks as though the original inn has had a lot of additions at the back. Our room was clean and comfortable, though it could use an update to feel brighter. The sunny courtyard was lovely, the staff were helpful and friendly, and dinner at the hotel was very good and nicely presented. Breakfast was included, with plenty of options in a lovely upstairs room. We were visiting with friends for a birthday, and it made a nice base for seeing this lovely town.

I’d broken my ankle and needed a stick, so steps were a struggle. The staff kindly arranged a different room with a lift, and the upgraded room was beautiful. Even the cleaner showed me how to use the coffee machine. They really do go out of their way for you. We stay at The 3 swans twice a year and have always had lovely visits. I’d gladly recommend it to anyone thinking of coming.

This is a review of the food, though the review system only lets me rate the hotel and rooms. We had to find our own table after staff acknowledged us with a nod. There was no sign or direction, and we weren't sure whether to seat ourselves or pick up menus. The Sunday roast was well below average. The meat was a fair portion, but overcooked and poor quality. The potatoes weren't warm or crisp, the vegetables were basic, and the cauliflower was waterlogged under gratinated cheese, which didn't make it cauliflower cheese to me. The Yorkshire pudding was too dark and soft. The gravy seemed to be powdered mix, and the apple sauce was a cheap bought-in one. When I asked for a dessert menu, a man said, “err, they are on a table by the front door” and walked away. The crockery felt oddly over-specced. They seem to have spent on plates instead of ingredients, the chef's skill, or staff training. The price was reasonable, and it wasn't a bad meal exactly, but it was on the wrong side of average. It felt like they serve a roast just because it's Sunday, and the quality didn't match the online reviews or photos. Maybe it's just the roast that disappoints. I wouldn't recommend or return based on this meal, though I might try the standard menu sometime, with some scepticism.

We were in room 105, one of the Deluxe Doubles in the conference building, in the 100s. The room had a Juliet balcony, which let in plenty of fresh air, and was clean with good quality new furnishings. The bed was firm but comfortable, with both a thin and thick pillow to choose from. There was good storage for a few days, a large bathroom with lots of shelf space, and two chairs with a table. Cards and dominoes were there if you fancied a game. The room controls for the lights were beside the bed. The sockets there were USB-A and C, so I only needed a cable, no adapter. The main downside was the parties below us. We could hear some noise in the room and people outside, but it all settled at midnight when the music stopped and the last noisy stragglers moved on.