The Ferryhill House Hotel

The room looked lovely for our hen do, and the atmosphere was just right. We were there for Saturday Spritz, and the Prosecco and food went down a treat. Our server was lovely and happy to answer all our questions. I’d recommend it and come back.

The hosts were the real highlight, always smiling and ready to help. Breakfast is cooked fresh to order, with your choice from the regular menu as well as drinks and coffees. Our room had a few dated bits, but the bar downstairs is handy for a beer or two and didn’t cause a problem when we wanted an early night. The beer garden looked like it’d be lovely in summer, though I didn’t try it in February weather. It’s close enough to the city centre while away from annoying traffic and people. I’d stay again.

We were pleased with the food’s quality and presentation, and the staff looked after us well. It was our first restaurant visit since the refurbishment. All five of us found something we liked on the menu, though I’d have liked to see a traditional soup option. The ambience was very nice too.

The pub itself seemed cheerful, and the exterior is lovely, but I wouldn’t recommend the hotel or the food. The rooms need a serious update and a proper tidy. At first mine looked simple and neat, but after settling in I kept finding problems. The bed shifted when I put my bag down, and the floor sloped so much that it felt like the room was tilting away from the building. The bathroom slope was worse. Dust stuck to everything, the floor there was a trip hazard, and the walls had rough patch repairs and paneling coming away. Behind the shower screen were cobwebs, and the shower wall had years of grime. There was also a hatch above the shower. I assume it was for ventilation, but it gave me the unsettling feeling someone could be watching; I’ve seen vents that don’t give that impression. I barely slept because the bed was so uncomfortable, which was especially rough after an eight-hour drive. In the morning, the cleaner nearly walked in while I was using the toilet at 8 am because I hadn’t locked the door properly. Dinner was a letdown too. The venison meatballs were okay but short on flavour. They’d run out of liver and bacon, which was a big disappointment, so I chose a burger expecting a safe option. It was bland, the cheese had no flavour, and the chips were so thick they seemed like fried potato oblongs. I’ve had better burgers at a kids’ party. I’d hoped for better, which makes this especially sad to say.