Lord Crewe Arms Blanchland

Visited often with elderly parents but left beyond angry and upset today! Often enquired about accessible loo (ie any loo that isn't up the very steep, narrow stairs) for Mum with osteoporosis. Always told none exists. Mum fell on main ladies loo stairs today. She's also diabetic (and a cancer patient) and now has dangerous cuts and bruises to her ankles where the metal stair edges cut in. No one around to help but told girl on reception as I'm helping Mum out. She was smilingly insolent, disinterested and dismissive. Never asked if Mum was ok (she's not!) or even spoke to her just told me that apparently there is a downstairs loo but it's designated as a "family space" as it's "for baby changing". Left Mum in care of another family member and went to look. Sure enough there's an appropriate, downstairs loo complete with sign on door (which I photographed) clearly marking it as "family" area. Horrible way to treat vulnerable elderly people to prioritize younger people and keep spaces only for them. I will be taking this further.

From our arrival on bikes into the delightful, tiny village of Blanchland to stepping inside the beautiful Lord Crewe Arms we were enthralled. An excellent experience overall. The dinner and breakfast were both excellent. Friendly, professional service. Our room was small but well equipped and very comfortable. Highly recommended.

Visited for the weekend whilst watching a local event. I have rated this 3, but really it's 3.5. I don't want to give it a full 4 as it was above average. Firstly we arrived and there was someone's birthday party being hosted by the pub. It had a band on in the beer garden with a decent attendance. It was all reasonable. However when having our evening meal it did have an impact on us ordering our drinks. We were told our drinks would be delayed because the bar staff were busy with the party. That's not my issue, if you're hosting a party, make sure you have the staff on. When you're paying £300+ for an evening stay, I don't expect to be told I will be delayed because some party reveller is waiting for their £6 beer. For breakfast we were also told we would have to pay for a latte. I mean, come on, I have paid well over £300 for dinner bed a breakfast and you're asking me to pay for a latter. Isn't that included in the price? The staff were all very pleasant and the food was really nice. But the prices didn't reflect what we got. Some sourdough bread with out evening meal was £8 and a portion of chips £6. I mean, come on. When we got our final bill, it wasn't itemised. That should be a given. How many people just settle their bill without asking? I would like to go back as it's in a lovely area, the staff were nice and the bar is lovely. But I just feel like we should have been told about the party and I just think there is better value at some other places.