Breakfast was a little disappointing, but only because the menu gave us an expectation that wasn't met. eg Continental was supposed to include "a selection of pastries... fruit...crumpets..." but in reality was toast and cereals. The Vegetarian Breakfast stated "Quorn sausages" but instead had cheap mashed potato ones. Better that no breakfast menu was available then we would have just got what we were given

The room was wonderfully decorated, and the beds very comfortable. The view was limited to the car park but not a problem as we spent the day in nearly Bernard Castle

Stayed in April 2024

Great value, comfortable room, impressive ruined castle in village

Stayed in April 2024

Shared bathroom was not on same floor

Breakfast was great and food in bar was great too bar prices good

Stayed in April 2024

We booked budget class and that’s what we got.

Lovely staff team, great location. Excellent value for money. Gluten free food available. Undergoing refurbishment after new staff taken over.

Stayed in April 2024

Location

Stayed in January 2024

While it may have been useful to know about the building work in practice we would stay again or visit for a meal if passing on the nearby A66. Hopefully the refurbished larger bar will stock bigger choice of ales and lagers.

Very pleasant welcome from the owner-manager - she was great. Particularly when she / her contracors was trying to finish off some major works in re-converting the bar. She took us on a tour of the works which had to be finished for the start of the Bank Holidays. Full marks to her and her staff as the small "old" bar was well stocked with ales and gins. The locals were also very welcoming and it made a pleasant evening with good food prepared in the way we asked ie steak. Lovely breakfast in the comfortable restaurant.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing- had a great time

Lovely friendly staff, room was really nice and good value for money

Stayed in March 2024

Room a little dated but clean and served our purpose

Location and friendliness of staff

Stayed in March 2024

Shower leaked

Staff very friendly .. bed comfortable

Stayed in March 2024

No hot water for shower

Enjoyed everything

Stayed in March 2024

See above

Towards the end of the week and at the weekend this is probably a reasonable place to stay. the room we were in was a bit dark and had no window which could be opened at night - it was the whole top half of a stable door and so wouldn't be secure - but it was clean enough and the beds were comfy. But at this time of year, this pub only serves food from Thursday onwards, and it's the only place in Bowes to eat. To be fair this is stated on the booking page but towards the bottom, under Company Information, and unfortunately I didn't notice this. That's my mistake - but what isn't properly spelt out anywhere is that, on Mondays at least, the building has no staff in it at all. You let yourself in with a keypad, wander through a slightly eerie, deserted pub, and find your own room. There's a number to ring if you need anything but only in office hours. This was particularly unfortunate as they'd forgotten to replace the loo roll in our room - leading to a scrabble through random cupboards in the hallway to find a replacement. As there was two of us, it was all just slightly weird and vaguely amusing. Even the four mile hike to Barnard Castle to find some dinner (we were doing part of the Pennine Way and so had no transport, and taxis aren't that easy to come by in Bowes). But if I'd been there by myself, I don't think I'd have felt too happy - even with all the CCTV cameras in there. I'm guessing all this will change after Easter anyway when the new season will probably kick in - but anyone reading this towards the end of the year should look carefully at what the out-of-season conditions are by then.

Stayed in March 2024

Doors making noise when closed and unfortunately we had a particularly windy night, there was a few rattles in the night. It’s an old building though, so was to be expected I guess.

Nicely old. Comfortable.

Stayed in March 2024

I had to leave and go back home 😔

Arriving at their pub and being welcomed like they know you for years. The. Location gives you this true English country life feeling. The food served is made with local produce and just so tasty. Room is just good.... What you need and Comfy. Even the goodbye was warm and true. Loved it... And can't stop talking about this place. Love you! Ancient Unicorn! And you all know who I am talking about.

Stayed in March 2024

Breakfast was great, friendly staff and locals

Stayed in February 2024

No view from window rather basic although adequate

Old coaching inn

Stayed in March 2024

Can't fault anything only that I should have brought my slippers for the tiled flooring.

Landlady very attentive and staff all pleasant and friendly. Easy to check in. Good menu options and liked the warm feel of the historical building. Room had everything we needed to relax at the end of the day. Great location to explore and enjoy country walks. 100% would stay again.

Stayed in March 2024

The property was in a lovely location, easy to find, close to the route. Really nice people, and squeezed us into a busy restaurant when they didn’t have too.

Stayed in March 2024

Stayed in the budget room with shared bathroom and the room has kettle to make tea/coffee but no water provided to make any drinks

Comfortable clean room , good breakfast served by friendly staff

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing thing not to like

The hotel is well situated in the centre of the village, and has a large car park. The rooms were spacious, although our room had noisy guests next door who didn’t seem to bother about the noise they were making in the early hours. We had a problem with our original room, but Karli the manageress was extremely helpful and gave another, better room. Unfortunately this room had a problem with the problem with the plumbing, so we ended up in the original room! The restaurant was open, we had an excellent meal and a few drinks. The menu was comprehensive and good value for money.

Stayed in February 2024

Friendly welcome. Late availability of food. Warm room.

Stayed in February 2024

separate bathing area

the food is amazing. the staff are fantastic and so friendly

Stayed in January 2024

We thought the bar would be open Sunday evening as only saying 1 night So was disappointed as we were restricted to our accommodation all evening.

Cosy room and quiet. Lady running the inn very friendly and helpful.

Stayed in January 2024

Food was not as appeared on the online menu at all. What was meant to be a home made burger in a brioche bun with trimmings and hand cut chips was a flat, clearly not home made burger in a sesame bun with melted cheddar and nothing else. Chips and onion rings were "beige" freezer food. Partner did not want to complain at the time but worth noting, The pie and chips were better but not outstanding. The pate starter was very cold, possibly defrosted. Breakfast was included and was much better

Room was excellent, really nice furnishings and great shower.

Stayed in January 2024

The room was very cold when we arrived but there was an electric heater so we put that on and went for food and then it was ok when we came back. The bathroom smelt of damp though and the radiator in there didn’t work very well.

Lovely place, lovely friendly pub. Room was good as just off the courtyard and easy access.

Stayed in December 2023