The Royal Hop Pole

The Hop Pole is perfectly placed for town centre shops, river walks and pubs. We were pleased from the moment we arrived, especially with how friendly, welcoming and helpful the receptionist was. Our room was clean and comfortable, and breakfast was good value. A 10 out of 10 place to stay, and not overpriced.

I’ve had the mushroom hollandaise before without an issue, but breakfast this morning was a letdown. The muffin base was so hard I couldn’t cut through it, and the eggs were overcooked. Nobody checked whether the meal was okay. I told the person clearing plates, and she said she’d pass it on to the chef, but there was no apology. I was planning to come back Wednesday, but I think I’ll skip it now.

A good place to stop if you’re driving along the M5. I visited on a Saturday evening when it was busy, but there were still a few tables free. It was a relaxed crowd, often families eating and talking, not a load of drunken partygoers. The pub looks great inside, with lots of wood on the walls and a big, beautifully decorated fireplace that’s especially nice on a rainy day.

A great base for visiting the surrounding area, including the Cotswolds. The historic building is lovely, and the service and staff were great. Everything was spotless. I especially appreciated the car park at the back, beside the beer garden on the banks of the River Severn.