Livermead Cliff Hotel

The bay view from the lounge bar was gorgeous, and even on a very busy day the hotel quickly found room for three of us who’d arrived for lunch without booking. I hadn’t properly visited in about 35 years, back when my old friend Geoffrey Poat was GM. We really enjoyed the burgers with blue cheese and crispy bacon, plus the fantastic fries. The Nuits St George burgundy was an especially delightful treat. Panna cotta had a very tempting wobble, and the brownies with vanilla ice cream were decadent and delicious. Maria and another lovely lady gave us spot-on table service. I’m looking forward to coming back soon. I hear Sunday lunch is very good.

The staff were the best part of our three-night stay. Everyone was lovely and extremely helpful, and Charles and Reece made our evening meals pleasant, always with a smile. The rooms were uncomfortable, though, and we wouldn’t come back after this experience. On arrival, the room was far too small for two adults, with just one bedside cabinet and one wardrobe. We were moved to a larger family room, but storage was still very limited: one wardrobe with a small shelf, two bedside cabinets, one with a small drawer, and a table. It had a double bed and a single bed, but even with only two of us there wasn’t room to unpack everything. The bathroom was very basic, with a small towel rail and no shelves. There was a loud noise we were told was a fan, the sink tap water was only slightly warm, and there was very little heating. We were given a heater and blankets, but the stay still wasn’t comfortable. We’d hoped for a relaxing break and would have liked to return for more short stays, but not after this.

I go to this hotel each year for a conference and often bring my mum for Sunday lunch. The service is excellent, and every member of staff is friendly and welcoming. The food and atmosphere are wonderful. The views are fantastic, and the gardens are superb, with a beautiful sea view that could make you feel like you’re on holiday. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

We were well looked after at the conference, thanks to a great team and very hands-on management. The MD is always available and even helps wait on tables. The food is brilliant, service is great, and there are lovely sea views from this well-situated spot.