The Duke William Inn

The staff were attentive and very professional when I asked to move, and the service was excellent. I’ve always rated this restaurant highly and recommended it to friends, so tonight was a real disappointment. We’d booked a table for four weeks ahead for 6.15, but the place was packed. First we were offered a draughty spot by the main door and noisy bar. After I declined, we were put at the back by the back door on very high stools, squeezed behind another table. The steak pie arrived quickly, but it was soggy and covered in gloopy gravy. I’m pretty sure gravy is usually served separately. We used our 50% off voucher to try dessert. The brulee looked pretty served in a cup, but I’d have found it overpriced at £10. We’ll take a break from this place for a while.

We had a window table for six on December 26, and it was just as well we’d booked because the place was busy and filled up quickly. The atmosphere was fabulous, and it’s clearly popular. An excellent waitress seemed to appear through the crowd whenever we needed her. The food was plentiful and very good. We all enjoyed a lovely meal in a proper pub, and we’ll come back next time we’re in Lincoln.

The cottage is wonderfully quiet even though you step outside straight into the historic heart of Lincoln, near the Cathedral, Castle and old streets. It’s part of the hotel, but feels private and special. The place has a real sense of history, with exposed walls and a feel of perhaps dating back to the 13th century. My husband, a heritage consultant, pointed out the different building phases by the front door: the front section seems 17th century, the next part looks older, and the large stones at the back may be Roman. There’s even Roman stone in the living room wall. Inside, it felt more like a thoughtfully designed home than standard accommodation. Lovely interiors, real plants, careful finishes and lots of small details make it feel warm and cared for. Downstairs there’s a cosy lounge, a roomy kitchen with a table for four to six, and a little courtyard seating area. Upstairs are two bedrooms, one with bunk beds big enough for an adult, and a pretty bathroom with a walk-in shower. It’s comfortable and stylish, with everything well considered. We ate dinner at The Duke, where there was live music and a lively mix of ages. Everyone was friendly, including locals with cute little dogs and visitors to the city. One of the dogs apparently had a huge cat called Otis. Breakfast the next morning was calm, with plenty of menu choices, and it was nice to be seated instead of using a buffet. This cottage is a lovely way to get that historic English atmosphere with modern comforts.

We stopped in for drinks and food, and both the breakfast and evening meal were top notch. It’s dog friendly too. The bar has the best atmosphere, while we felt a bit out of place at the back by the toilets. That area was cold on our last evening because the heating was off.