College Arms

Review of Stay in Lower Quinton The village of Lower Quinton is beautiful and has a charming connection to Magdalen College, Oxford. Hotel Building and Management The hotel building itself is lovely and has great potential to become a successful and desirable destination with a few key improvements. During our stay, we observed that the young man managing the property was extremely busy, juggling multiple responsibilities. It appeared that a kind lady, possibly his mother, was handling housekeeping duties, but aside from them, we did not see any regular staff. Bar and Staff Observations We also noticed a lady with a baby, presumably a family member, who was present in the bar area. On two occasions, she was curt with customers, which created an uncomfortable atmosphere. Caring for a small child while working in a pub environment is understandably difficult, and unfortunately, this impacted the overall experience. For instance, unwashed baby bottles were left in a pushchair in the doorway for at least two days, which gave the impression that the establishment might not be the best place to dine. Food Service and Customer Experience Although there was a menu board displayed outside, we did not see any food being served. Customers who inquired about meals, including a child who asked for ice cream in the evening, were declined. Atmosphere and Language Concerns Another concern was the frequent use of foul language by some regular patrons, which discouraged us from spending time in or around the bar area. Check-in Experience Upon arrival, we were not greeted with any basic pleasantries, which are typically expected during check-in. Room and Amenities On a positive note, the room and bathroom were spacious and clean. The towels and bed linen were of good quality, and there was a generous supply of toiletries, tea, and coffee provided. While some noise and music is expected in a pub setting, this was not an issue for us—only the offensive language was unpleasant. Conclusion With a few thoughtful changes, this place could truly be a hidden gem, and we sincerely hope it becomes a success for the family running it.

Overall impressions of the building was fantastic and seems coated with history. Walked in to find a filthy, sweaty and very bad mannered man behind the bar that I couldn't make heads or tail of what he was saying apart from using obscenities every other word. The cleanliness of this man was despicable and the stench coming off him was atrocious, the stained t-shirt and greasy hands that left marks on my glass was to much. I considered dining but after seeing the barman I didn't want to risk catching something as cleanliness is clearly nor important here. The bar was extremely sticky and full of glasses even tho this establishment had only 4 visible customers. From what i could gather the loud abrupt and rude lady from the hebridees was the manager but she seemed more interested in the lap of the young man's lap she was sat in with a glass of wine in one hand and a baby in the other (classy) . Her language was atrocious and the public displays of affection should be kept to the bedroom especially when the male in question is a quarter of your age.. (grab a granny night is apparently still in full swing here) Overall a filthy dirty establishment with staff and an owner that would be better suited to working in a working mens club or a homeless shelter. Avoid at all costs

Firstly, the building is absolutely beautiful, and the ness is one of the best pints I've had in a long time. Now to the nitty gritty - On check-in, we were told that the room we had booked wasn't available, but they would place us in another, larger room. The room was spacious and clean, and we were pleased with everything. Okay, the bed creaked and groaned with every breath, but 8ve slept in worse. We thought little of it and went out to our event in fantastic spirits. Arriving back late at night, we were hit with a cacophony of music at a volume that shook the furniture in our room. Fair enough, we thought, that's what you get for booking a room at a pub - we'll wait it out and then get some well needed shut eye. Unfortunately, we didn't allow for the pub having a 'lock in' and playing the music at full volume well into the early hours of the morning, when my partner snapped and complained to staff. I don't think that I'll be able to ever be able to listen to Carly Simon or Billy Joel again without wanting to force feed somebody their own knees. Despite this debacle, there was no apology, and we were left seething and unable to sleep. Heading into breakfast later that morning, we were faced with condiments that were covered with dust and hair and food (which like the evening before), which was rubbery and inedible. I know that some of this was my fault for booking accommodation at a pub, and failing to take heed of reviews, but there must be better places out there.

No breakfast as we hadn't pre booked and it wasn't worth getting a chef in for one couple(said multiple times) and I must be naive . I realise it's a pub but I now know all the words to you're so vain blasted at full volume till 2.00am. Don't think I will be staying here again. P. S.no wi fi or even phone signal. Pretty village!

Staff were very welcoming and helpful

Great host great food.