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We booked The Haycock Kitchen for a post Xmas lift with friends and werent disappointed. In truth before our visit the jury was very much out on The Haycock having taken my mother for Afternoon Tea in December when whilst the food was fine, the service was poor/average at best and we left feeling a little underwhelmed. However last nights visit was right up there and exactly like the old days of The Haycock. The service was friendly and attentive but not overpowering and the food was on point throughout. We enjoyed squid, croquettes & cheese & ham twists from the what they describe as the snacks course on the menu. This under describes what was served and each was beautiful and tasty. Starters our table loved were the blackpudding & scallops and the bubble & squeak with poached egg. Both were delicious. Our mains included fillet steak, sirloin steak & tomahawk pork steak. Every main course was presented beautifully, was at the right temperature and clearly served to us without sitting on a hot food pass. We felt the price point was very fair for what we had including the drinks. Of course its not a budget destination but equally its not abusing the fact its a hotel on price either. Its at the right level to tempt local residents to the hotel and not just residents. Would I go back? Absolutely. This visit gave us lots of confidence that the hotel is on the way up. Consistency is key though. We all remember poor experiences more than positive ones when parting with our cash so we need to leave The Haycock like this on every visit!!! Well done Haycock - you get top marks!!!

Pictures online showed old furniture etc., old wallpaper and carpets but I didn’t quite realise how bad it would be. It’s very dated. Our room was Morcott in the wing on the courtyard. Thought this would be quite pleasant but wrong. The room is so old and tatty it just didn’t feel clean. Hot water in shower took a good 10 minutes to get hot. Maintenance man advised you need to put the bath tap on first then turn to shower (weird). Two bath towels and one hand towels. No bath mat and a very slippy floor. Front door doesn’t close properly without you slamming it and has a nice gap in it. Guest information folder was mouldy inside. A well used plug in air freshener. Carpets smell! Beds are old and creaky. My duvet has a rip in it. Oh my god, early hours could hear next door running the water for what seemed like 40 minutes at least. Slamming doors, voices etc. clearly very thin walls. Dinner was ok and service has been ok. Staff don’t really seem like they want to be here. Nothing over and above. The saving grace is the location of this hotel and probably why they can get away with not investing. You’re right on the water and the buildings are beautiful (just not the decor) This could be an AMAZING hotel if some money was invested into updating the rooms and food and beverage areas. It’s such a shame as it’s got the best location, it could really be something special. Won’t be staying again sadly