Old Swan

We only stopped for a drink and a few nibbles, but the friendly, accommodating staff made us feel right at home. The pub itself has old beams, a vaulted dining room ceiling and a lovely old fireplace. And what a gorgeous setting, with pretty cottages, streams and lovely surroundings. The Sunday lunch being served looked delicious, and we would have stayed for it if we’d had time.

The pub is such a characterful building, so it was a shame the restaurant atmosphere felt flat. Our meal with friends was pleasant enough and the food tasted good, but the portions were small. Dessert came more than 20 minutes after the coffees, with no explanation or apology. We paid the 20% service charge, though afterward it felt very steep. At £50 per person for an average meal with a shared starter, main, shared dessert and one drink, it didn’t feel like good value.

The historic building is amazing, which makes it all the more disappointing that it feels so neglected. We paid £250 per night, but the room was plain and awful, with a dated, worn bathroom, stains on the ceiling, walls and carpet, and no Wi-Fi. It felt tired and below an acceptable standard even for a modest price. The food was terrible too. I tried to salvage the evening with darts, but there weren’t any, and the shuffleboard had no salt, so we couldn’t use it. Nothing seemed properly set up or cared for. We were so unhappy that we cancelled the second and later nights and couldn’t wait to leave. I can’t speak for rooms or meals beyond what we experienced, but I wouldn’t recommend staying here. At this price, the value simply isn’t there. I wish I’d read the reviews!

The bed was really comfortable, but I was genuinely disappointed with the stay and think other guests should know what to expect. There was no WiFi or data in the rooms, so I asked reception whether there was a different network. One woman said it was a temporary problem from the past few days. At checkout, another told me it was a known issue guests often complained about, and there had been no WiFi since the summer. I felt deceived and upset that staff had lied to my face. I had work and calls to do and couldn’t manage them. I told them I was upset and wished they’d been clear before I arrived, but nothing could or would be done, as they weren’t fixing the WiFi. Breakfast was also very overpriced: £16.50, then £4.50 for another coffee, another juice or another croissant. I won’t book again or recommend the place. Guests deserve to be told the truth in advance.