New Inn Clapham

We came with our dogs for our anniversary and felt welcome from the moment we arrived. The hotel was spotless, the staff were lovely, especially the manageress and her family, and the food was nice. Breakfast was a self service continental spread of bacon, sausage, bread and toast, cereal and drinks. The village is peaceful and picturesque, with a pub, bar, coffee shop and shop. Our only real gripe was that food and drink service stopped so early on Sunday, especially over the bank holiday. Since there’s nowhere else to go in the small village, we ended up in our room from 8pm without drinks and missed dinner. We’ll still come back.

Clapham village is lovely, and the walk to the cave was worth the trip. For what we paid, the hotel itself was fine, and the staff we met were friendly and doing their best. The bar seemed short staffed, with one person taking orders, serving food and pouring drinks. We stayed two nights, but there was no room service to replenish coffee and the like. We’d read the reviews and skipped a full meal there, though the starters we had as a snack were really good, and other guests seemed to be enjoying their food. While travelling around Yorkshire, we found several places stopped serving early, which felt unusual. Clear signs or communication about serving hours might prevent disappointment. My biggest problem was OYO. The price rose during booking for some unclear reason, and although cancellation was shown as free, the email said we’d be charged for one night. I couldn’t get onto the website to cancel, so we chose to go rather than lose the money. I wouldn’t trust OYO again.

There was hardly any atmosphere, and the place was almost empty. Most of the food options were unavailable, with just one choice on the kids’ menu. What we did get was very average, the vegetables were poorly cooked, and it wasn’t worth the prices. Service was often rude or grumpy, or there was no service at all. They did pour a decent pint of Landlord, and the younger staff were trying to be helpful despite the situation.

I was told I’d pay at the hotel and that my card wouldn’t be charged until my visit, but they took the full amount and refused a refund. I contacted all the suggested email addresses and called, but nobody was very helpful and I still haven’t got my money back. At the end of the day, it feels like theft 😑