Stay At Watergate

Mum and I had a lovely short break here and would definitely come back. It felt like a home away from home, with a chatty, helpful team and a family-run feel. The quirky rooms are spotlessly clean, with comfortable beds and individual upcycled decor. A few things to know about the old building: the stairs are steep and narrow, some ceilings are low, and the floors can be uneven. Parking is a short walk away. Our midweek visit was quiet by about 10-10:30, though the rooms are above the bar, so there was some evening noise. There’s live music most weekends, which I imagine could be loud.

Breakfast keeps getting missed because I’m always too comfortable in the beds! The rooms are great, and I liked the random artwork and modern art improvisations. The staff and owners are lovely, and the service has been second to none. I’ve been on crutches this past week and they’ve helped me out loads. There’s a huge beer garden outside, with live music and lights that make it come alive after dark. I recommend it to anyone staying in Sleaford. Thanks, guys. Dave, that random chap from Stoke who never seems to go home. 😀😀😀

The Christmas cocktails were to die for, and there’s a wide choice of alcoholic drinks beyond gin. The Small Plates menu was unusual and excellent, too. It’s a quirky, interesting family-owned pub with really friendly people. If you prefer things laid back, midweek is ideal. Weekends are probably livelier and may suit a younger crowd better.

The atmosphere was nice, the staff were very friendly and breakfast was good quality. For comfort, though, I’d give it only three stars. In the middle of summer the duvet was far too thick, and I struggled with the shower because the water seemed not to mix and was much too hot. The door to the rooms also doesn’t lock easily when you leave, so it was left unlocked several times. That makes the access code feel almost pointless.