The Barn Hotel & Spa

The hotel itself feels dated, which is a shame because so much else was brilliant. The spa was okay, though the changing rooms need an upgrade and there was a very strange smell from the women’s showers. The welcome from staff was lovely throughout. Evie checked us in and out with a friendly smile, reception was warm and helpful, and even housekeeping greeted us with a smile and a good morning. The kitchen and serving teams were great too. We arrived early, had a drink at the bar and a delicious homemade sausage roll. Dinner was very good, and breakfast was tasty.

The sourdough pizza from room service was the best pizza I’ve ever tasted, and every other plate we had was amazing too. The evening meals were excellent, and the breakfast buffet had more than enough choice. We brought our own birthday cake and wine, which staff were happy to accommodate, providing glasses and plates. This was our second visit in six months, and it may become our regular special occasion getaway. We came to relax and did just that. The bar area felt a little rowdy for dinner, but when we asked, we were allowed to eat in the relaxed lounge, which made our night. The staff make the place special and nothing seems too much to ask. Philip is such an amazing guy! The spa isn’t very big, which suits me. The pool, steam room, jacuzzi and sauna are nice, and it was lovely to meet regular spa members who were very welcoming. Can’t wait to come back and see how the refurbished gym looks. Keep up the good work, guys. Give Phillip a pay rise 😜

Both evening meals were excellent, with superb food. Service was a bit slow, though that wasn’t the staff’s fault: one night a single person had to cover tables and the bar, and the next there were twice as many guests with only two staff. The spa and pool were very nice, and our room was clean, spacious and lovely, with a separate bath and shower plus tea and coffee making facilities. Breakfast was £10 per person per day, but we cancelled it for the second day after a really poor first one. The eggs were dry, the sausages shrivelled, and the bacon was like leather. The continental selection was almost laughable, and the coffee came from a Thermos jug of Nescafe. Reception was hard to deal with too. Even a simple request seemed to become a major issue and left us feeling uncomfortable for asking. Still, it was a pleasant, comfortable stay. Just avoid breakfast.

The staff were what stood out most. Everyone was friendly, helpful and attentive, and made us feel welcome during our stay. Breakfast the next morning was amazing, with plenty of good options and excellent quality. Our spacious, comfortable room made it easy to unwind, and the spa facilities helped make the weekend feel special and rejuvenating. We were there for the organised Valentine’s Day event at The Barn Hotel and Spa. The romantic atmosphere was beautifully arranged, and the lovely music set the mood for the evening. The three-course dinner was exceptional, with high-quality, delicious dishes that had clearly been prepared with care. We’d strongly recommend The Barn and Spa for a special getaway, especially for couples after a memorable, romantic experience.