Royal Oak Appleby

The starters were the best part for us. The mushroom and cheese and the halloumi slices were both genuinely delicious. The staff were lovely too, really friendly and welcoming. We’d brought our American guests after hearing so many recommendations, though the main courses didn’t quite match the expectations. We tried two pies, a halloumi burger and a vegetarian curry. The pies were decent, with tender meat in one and a fresh taste to the veggie one, but neither was especially memorable. The burger was alright, though its fries were very oily and seemed not to have been drained properly. The curry was the low point. There was an eyelash in it, and when we pointed that out, we were told it was a pre-packaged meal. That seemed to explain why it tasted like a basic supermarket ready meal. If it isn’t ordered often, perhaps it would be better off the menu. This is just about the food.

The food is good and the place is clean, and the decor is nice. We’d eaten here three times before and were excited to stay, but the visit was a big letdown. I wouldn’t stay again, though I’ve given two stars because some people might be fine here if they sleep on their side, are travelling alone, don’t need a shower, and aren’t looking for a decent-sized breakfast. The room was noisy, although the hotel offers earplugs. There’s no off-street parking, but the area seemed pretty safe. Breakfast portions were very small, with hot food or cereal only, no fruit or yogurt. The bed was so soft that sharing it was difficult, especially for two people with a weight difference, and it was only a double. Most hotels have at least a king. The softness also made it impossible for me to sleep on my front. At 3 a.m., in a lot of pain, I gave up and slept on the floor. For context, I’m slim, in my mid-30s and fit. This was a bed problem, not an issue with my size. The shower was the worst I’ve experienced. It swung from scalding to freezing, so there was no way to get a warm shower. Even after I gave up and tried tepid water, it changed temperature on its own while I was in there. After a sleepless night, that was frustrating and, frankly, dangerous. Check-in was odd too. We arrived at 2:45, but weren’t allowed in until 3, so we had to buy a drink and wait. Once 3 came, several people who’d arrived after us were checked in first. When it was our turn, the woman was complaining about everyone turning up at 3. I found that weird. Arriving at the stated check-in time is normal, and if rooms are ready at 2:45, why make people wait until 3 and then get stressed about it?

We had a really pleasant one-night stay. It was Tuesday, so we got to try pie night, and the food was fresh and very well cooked. Breakfast the next morning was plentiful, freshly made, and they could cook whatever you wanted. Our double room had a large, comfortable bed. I had a little trouble getting the shower temperature right, but otherwise everything was lovely. We parked on the main road outside the pub.

The room was really comfortable, and I was glad I picked a garden room so I could sit outside with my dog. The inn was lovely, and the food was excellent. I especially liked the veggie curry.