The River Don Tavern and Lodge

Absolutely terrible!! Firstly, as we walked in to check in, the owners dog tried to bite me! The response was, ‘sorry yeah the dog bites, higher percentage for biting women too’. I don’t think it’s a good idea to have a biting dog where clients are! I have seen reviews about lovely cooked breakfasts. Well I’m not sure if the chef was away but we were told our breakfast was self service in our room. This was a sweaty bacon and sausage bought sandwich in the fridge. There was an apple each too which had clearly been picked off the floor near the tree in the garden. We paid £10 each for that breakfast. Disgusting service. We were warned to keep doors and windows closed as ‘the cats get in’. We know that was true because it smelt like cat urine in the room!! There were crumbs on the floor and in the bedside table. The bed runner had stains on it (I didn’t have the courage to check the bed sheets), pee left in the toilet and mould in the bathroom. We left almost immediately and found somewhere else to stay. We were rudely treated when asking for a refund, which was refused because they have a ‘no cancellation policy’. Apparently that is still in force even when the rooms are not fit for purpose. Save your money and stay somewhere else. The owners need to overhaul their accommodation and their attitude!

I loved it! Its a delightful tavern. Plenty of room on the car park and onto a traditional, friendly bar where my hosts booked me in quickly and with a great intro to how everything worked. I had room 2, in a purpose built outbuilding and I was really pleased with the first impression. Everything worked as it should and there were lots of extras not normally given in this type of accommodation. The bed was kingsize, the room had alot of space, a fridge, hot chocolate as well as the usual tea and coffee. My breakfast was in the room (see pictures). Edit - the pictures won't upload! I arrived too late to use the restaurant but the menu was varied and looked like the meals were good value - maybe next time...

River Don Review Easy check in at the bar and a friendly welcome. Car park was big enough to find a space at the rear. Room was clean and cosy, and I slept soundly. DIY breakfast in the room, though hot meals available for those planning a longer stay. Good, honest establishment and great value for money.