The Talbot Hotel

Entrance to hotel was tatty however once inside what a lovely welcoming place. I have to say the barman on duty tonight Thursday 20th was outstanding. Big smile on entry, happy polite helpful bar service. He kept the tables clean between customers. Played a great selection of music. He remembered what drinks we bought previously. Would you believe we actually got a goodbye. What a credit to the pub

We had been to a funeral in the area and decided to stay here afterwards. The hotel has a slightly run down look, but the bedroom was good, very comfortable bed and well appointed bathroom. We did not eat as we had had a meal after the funeral. Breakfast was really nice and I as a Coeliac well catered for by very knowledgable staff. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Sadly no gluten free beer for me but this was found in the Royal Fountain. Perhaps the hotel will take this on board and have options in future.

This hotel is pleasantly located in an old market town. It serves good pub grub and delicious English breakfast. Within the Main Street in which the hotel is located are a number of restaurants offering a choice of cuisines. Our room was very comfortable and the on-suite bathroom very well appointed - everything was in good order. Our room was extremely calm and peaceful. Kerbside parking was free and unlimited on time, as was the car park to the rear of the hotel. We booked the hotel as a stop-over on our journey north and are very pleased that we did! We would certainly think about using it again.

Our one night stop didn't get off to the best start. We arrived around 1pm, check in isn't till 2, no problem, the pub bar opens at 11 so we could relax with a quiet pint. However, the pub was very closed with chairs on tables etc, no sign of any life at all and no answer when we called to make sure all was well with our booking. My wife called the head office of the hotel chain to see if there was an issue, they were surprised that it was shut and promised that someone would call us. Within 15 minutes we were informed that there had been an issue with staff that morning but that they would be open as quickly as possible. To be fair, it wasn't long but an impression had already been made. Our room was quirky which is what we want, otherwise might as well stay in a Premier. However, the fan was incredibly noisy. When we reported this, they already knew and were waiting for it to be repaired, they just hadn't told us this or that we could turn it off (maybe turn it off until it is repaired?) Now the positives - the bar area was friendly with decent staff, drinks were fine and well priced. The bed was so comfy and we had an excellent nights sleep. Breakfast was included and was well cooked and was a decent quality. Finally, the landlord was a nice guy and he seemed to genuinely care about our stay. First impressions do matter though and it is hard to turn round a negative start

Always been a pub we've enjoyed stopping in but landlord and lady Nick and Katy are so welcoming and are always up for a laugh. Tonight we went in for a few drinks and tried their new Talbot sharer and it was to die for! 10/10 would recommend giving it a try! Definitely worth a stop by if you're in the area!

Upon check in and after taking my money was advised there was a kareoke disco that evening, but was promised kareoke would end by 11.30 and disco by 12.15. However after enduring hours of bone rattling bad singing and loud music the disco continued until 1am, with the mike back on and singing underway again from 12.30am, even calling down to ask them to stop made no difference whatsoever. Do not recommend