The Highwayman Hotel

Quite ironic that they are taking money for literally nothing — perhaps that’s why the pub is named as such. We were part of three separate bookings, all confirmed last week. At the time, we were told there was no chef but assured that one would be in place by our arrival. One of the reasons we booked this venue was the convenience of being able to stay overnight and eat in, spending money in a nice independent local pub. Unfortunately, when we arrived there was a large sign outside advertising “Chef Wanted”. On enquiring inside, we discovered that there was still no food available. Strangely, all the tables were fully set with cutlery, but there was no one to actually cook or even offer an alternative such as ordering food in — meaning we could not spend money at the pub even if we wanted to. On checking into the “superior suite,” we found further disappointment. The room was advertised as having a shower/bath combination, but in reality there was no usable shower — just a hole in the wall where the bracket should have been. After a long discussion with William, the manager (who was initially abrupt and rude), we decided we’d be better off finding somewhere else to stay. When we checked out, William did eventually agree that it was farcical to have no chef without informing guests beforehand, and that the lack of a shower was unacceptable. To his credit, he apologised and refunded everyone, which we appreciated. It is sad to see a pub in this state, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if it closes by Christmas. Even William himself admitted it’s not being run particularly well at the moment. Management clearly needs to take a serious look at the business, because unhappy staff and poor planning will never keep a place afloat.

So I booked this purely as place to stay overnight as I was participating in a charity bike ride from nearby the following day. I had already emailed the owner/ manager to request if I could keep the bike inside my room or at least inside overnight for security . Upon arrival I was told straight away " no bikes in here ". How welcoming ...I explained my situation , he found the email, said he hadn't read it. Didn't change his mind and literally turned his back on me.....very unwelcoming, unfriendly and unhelpful....so I rebooted into the Premier Inn down the road....wish I had done it to begin with.....you get what you pay for.....avoid this place.

Great place ,booked as we were visiting Blenheim palace nearby. Friendly welcome , let us order food as kitchen was nearly ready to close when we arrived and then showed to our rooms whilst it was prepared. Nice , clean ,comfortable , warm and well appointed rooms equipped with everything you would need. The meal we had was nice , Well cooked and generous portions. The pub is a bit of a throw back but i mean that as massive compliment. Full of individual character ,very friendly people (both staff and the locals in the pub ) and really well kept beer . The bonus on top was there was a live singer who gently encouraged everyone to join in with him which mostly the whole pub did . Great night . Great atmosphere . Beautiful views of the canal where a new decking has just been built. Lovely breakfast, lots available, well cooked . We will definitely return,6 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Attended a school reunion expecting a reasonable buffet for £12/hd. It was atrocious. Inedible in fact certainly did not look appetising. Boughten supermarket cakes thinly sliced. I will never visit the pub again. Shame as beautiful location, great potential with good management.

Sadly a pub/hotel that won't survive unless it ups its game. Upon arrival, we were told that they weren't serving food that evening - a Saturday night! So, after a long day we had to find a local pub to eat. We headed back to the Highwayman at around 8.30pm intending to have a drink in the bar before retiring only to find the pub was shut! We weren't the only people staying, some of whom were sitting outside nursing a drink they had bought earlier. The bedroom was nicely furnished, but the bathroom needed a complete overhaul with wobbly toilet seat and wobbly toilet. Not value for money and amazed that not only did they not serve food on a Saturday night, but they closed before 8.30pm. We shall not be returning.