The Italia At The Hope Anchor

On the plus side Hope Anchor has a great location, central to the Main Street though parking can be a challenge. The hotel accommodation was clearly refurbished a few years ago, to a good standard though today, is tired and poorly maintained. The whole venue smells greasy, and the carpet on the stairs landing is dirty. Our room Sandpiper has good furniture and a good standard of decor. The mattress is past worn, and the pillows unbelievably thin. I used the cushions in addition though these were very smelly and in need of a wash. Windows were dirty on the inside and we wrote ‘clean me’ in the dust on the toilet brush, on the bathroom bin lid and a window. The heated towel rail was also very dusty. And hot, unable to be turned down. Lots of black mould in the shower, and the large amount of silicone used to seal the floor/wall appeared to have been applied blindfolded. Marcus who was super busy all the time was excellent and helpful, the remaining staff less so. That behind the bar is a sign saying ‘if you are on your phone you have time to clean’ perhaps says something of the culture. I tried to engage a bar staff member in conversation on a quiet afternoon, to no avail. Food evening in the restaurant was good, though service stretched with multiple takeaway orders, no matter as we were in no rush. Our steak, mussels apple tart were enjoyable. Breakfast was a different experience a choice of cereals and juice were missing any yoghurt or fruit. We asked if an omelette was available but alas, no as there was no prep for one (we were the only guests in the room) so we ordered full cooked. Bacon was good, as were the black pudding and mushroom. Hash brown was greasy, beans lukewarm, scrambled eggs full of pepper, and a garlic covered tomatoes were an unwelcome surprise. The sausages were pink, looked like they had been warmed on a radiator. Day 2 we ate cereal and toast. Rooms: Sandpiper in need of a deep clean, would struggle to be 4th on Four in a Bed Food drinks: Good evening food, breakfast same chef, very poor. One guest on the next table ordered Eggs Benedict though with little Hollandaise , it arrived drenched.

Food drinks: Nice food at the restaurant Hotel highlights: Great value

Great lunch. The steak was beautiful and friendly service Service: 5

We have bought takeaway fish and chips on a regular basis over the past 2 years, but won’t be going back. The portion sizes were so small last time, the amount of chips in the box was embarrassing, especially for the price. Unfortunate, as they are good. We are not big eaters at all and ended up cooking more food because we were still hungry. At £85+ for 6 adults and 2 kids, we expect to be satisfied

Popped in for Wednesday 's 'Steak Night '. One of the finest steaks I have ever had. Cooked to perfection, well seasoned, chunky chips made from real potato, and the onion rings of heaven. A real treat. Service: 5 Location: 5