The Finch Hatton Arms

We stayed for a weekend in July 2025 and loved it. The breakfast was brilliant, especially the young woman who managed so many tables on her own without leaving anyone waiting. She was incredibly organised. I only realised months later that I hadn’t finished this review or uploaded it. And about time standing still in Ewerby, I hope they’ve replaced the battery in the clock in our room! The Finch Hatton Hotel has a lovely, confident, upmarket feel, though a few parts looked tired despite the work done to bring it up to scratch. There were rusty bathroom fittings, and some of the porcelain could have been cleaner. It’s an imposing historic building, once a hunting lodge on the Haverholme Estate owned by the Finch Hatton family. The Out of Africa story is based on the romance between Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen, which is worth reading about. Ewerby itself is a country village just over a mile off the A17 where time seems to stand still. There’s lots of seating at the bar, both inside and out. We sat outside when we arrived, where I tried a rhubarb cider. It was a little sweet, still and slightly warm, but the suggested ice cubes helped. Dinner was a real treat. You could see the care in the kitchen, in both the cooking and presentation. We started with pea and spinach soup, which was brilliant, with the flavours distinct at first before blending together. Just before I ordered, Linda and I had been talking about Victoria Wood’s “Two Soups” sketch on YouTube. When I asked for “Two Soups please”, Linda nearly lost it. It was her birthday, after all, though I don’t think the young waitress got the joke. Linda enjoyed her chicken and ham pie but couldn’t quite finish it. I had chicken and tarragon ballontine with ham, potatoes and green beans, cooked to perfection and beautifully presented. Dessert was just as memorable. Linda had the Eaton Mess and liked its interesting additions, especially the fruit jelly. I chose the milk chocolate and orange delice with salted caramel peanuts. Among all the other flavours, there was a crystal-like lemon sherbet taste that took me by surprise. It was wild and a joy.

I meant to leave this review after my August stay, but a hangover and long drive must have made me forget. The room was clean and comfortable, with an epic shower that I really enjoyed in the morning before breakfast and setting off. Breakfast was tasty and had plenty of options. The bar staff welcomed me warmly and helped me find a taxi to Ruskington. I got back quite late, but they’d given me clear instructions for getting in. It’s a quiet little village, close to where my family live in Ruskington, so I’ll definitely stay again.

They took great care of one person in our group who is gluten free and coeliac. We stayed two nights, and the hotel was very clean, with excellent service and a five-star breakfast. We didn’t eat there in the evening. Highly recommend.

We were here for two nights for a funeral, and I’m quite picky, but I highly recommend the place. Our peaceful room was perfect, and my six-foot-six husband says the shower is the best he’s ever used. Dinner on the first night was incredible. Bronwyn looked after us at breakfast the next morning. She was lovely and friendly, and made it a really pleasant meal. After the funeral yesterday evening, we stayed to relax with friends, and again the service, food and drinks were perfect. We’ll come back for a break.