The Village Inn, Murton Seaham

The pub was a bit loud until around 11, as you’d expect from the local place, but I felt safe and could ask for anything I needed. I took the owner’s advice and went down for a pint, met some lovely people, shared a few pints and joined the Friday night bingo before heading upstairs to bed. When we arrived, the owner moved his car so we could park right out front, then showed us around. The place is clearly dated, though they’re making an effort to maintain it. Most of the people staying seemed to know each other, and we were pretty sure we were the only ones who didn’t. I’d stay again. Go down and meet the locals, it’s worth it.

The room was lovely, clean, quiet and warm, and the woman who showed me to it was friendly. Still, there was no breakfast or evening meal, although various websites advertise them, and there’s nothing within walking distance. It seems this used to be somewhere to go for meals, and colleagues who live there have told me the food had great reviews. Now it’s an OYO, owned by an Indian company for cheap stays, and it’s a locals’ pub.

We were after a simple weekend away, and the spacious, clean family room was nice for us and our three toddlers. The single bed mattress was tough, so I slept badly the first night, but in the morning I moved onto the double with the kids and slept amazingly. The pub music carries through to the room, though it isn’t too loud and I could sleep through it. The area around the Inn is lovely, with plenty of local things to do, shops and restaurants. Finding someone at check-in was confusing: there’s a reception door on the left and the pub on the right, but reception was empty and had no bell. We worked out that we needed to ask in the pub, and the lady who helped us was lovely and helpful.

The bathroom was a little small, had no towel rail, and the bin and flooring could have done with replacing, though none of that bothered us for one night. It was clean. The room itself was clean and tidy, with crisp bedding and a comfy mattress, and we slept really well. It looked over the pub yard and was very quiet. Staff were helpful with takeaway menus and directions to a local chippy, and they were happy for us to eat in the bar. A very good standard for budget accommodation, well done!