Blackfriars

This establishment, a charming pub with rooms, offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its vibrant on-site restaurant and bar which provides a lively atmosphere, delicious food, and often live music. Its central location makes it an excellent base for sightseers and couples exploring the city, with many attractions within easy walking distance. The hotel is also highly accommodating for families, offering spacious rooms, and is notably pet-friendly, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests traveling with their dogs. Guests consistently highlight the comfortable and well-appointed rooms and the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond to assist. To ensure a smooth stay, guests should be aware that the building is older with stairs and no lift, and while the pub atmosphere is a draw, some street or internal noise might be present, though often manageable.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently note the unique nature of this establishment, which operates as an inn above a pub, meaning there is no traditional lift and access to rooms is via stairs, which some find steep or narrow, especially with heavy luggage. Rooms are generally described as well-equipped, often including a kettle and coffee machine for convenience. A thoughtful touch appreciated by many is the provision of a complimentary basket of snacks and drinks, including water and biscuits. While the building retains its historic charm, some guests have noted uneven or creaky floors, which are characteristic of an older property. Feedback on room temperature is mixed, with some finding rooms too warm due to a lack of air conditioning, while others experienced issues with the radiators not providing sufficient heat.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The rooms are largely praised for their cleanliness and comfort, often described as spotless, cozy, and beautifully decorated with individual character. Guests consistently highlight the comfortable beds and high-quality linens, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The bathrooms receive particular acclaim for being spacious, featuring excellent showers with good water pressure, and often including luxurious freestanding baths. Complimentary toiletries are provided, though some guests noted issues with mildew in showers or general dustiness in certain areas. Noise levels receive mixed feedback; while many find the rooms surprisingly quiet despite being above a pub, some report audible pub music (which typically ends by 11 PM), street noise from traffic or seagulls, and creaking floors or sounds from other guests due to the building's age.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site dining experience garners varied feedback. Most guests find the breakfast to be good, with generous portions and tasty cooked options often included. However, some express a desire for more variety in the continental breakfast offerings, such as fresh fruit, and a few noted issues with items like porridge or dry toast. The restaurant and bar atmosphere is frequently praised as lively and enjoyable, especially with live music. Food quality in the pub receives mixed reviews; many describe meals as delicious, well-prepared, and good value, with popular dishes including steak and ale pie, fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding. Conversely, some guests report disappointment with small portions, high prices, or specific dishes being substandard, such as frozen fish cakes or overly saucy steak pie. Service in the restaurant can also be inconsistent, with some experiencing very long waits due to understaffing.

Location & Accessibility
The establishment boasts an excellent central location, making it highly convenient for exploring the city on foot. Guests appreciate its proximity to numerous restaurants, shops, and local attractions, including Leakey's Bookshop and the river walk. It is also exceptionally close to major transport hubs, being just a short walk from both the train station and the bus station. While the central position is a significant advantage, guests should be aware that there is no on-site parking available. Instead, visitors are directed to nearby public car parks, typically within a block or a few minutes' walk, which some find to be a minor inconvenience. Despite being on a main road, many guests report that street noise is not overly disruptive, though some sensitivity to urban sounds may be present.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise, with guests frequently highlighting their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many reviewers commend the team for going above and beyond, providing a warm welcome, offering local recommendations, and assisting with various requests, such as luggage storage before check-in or after check-out. The check-in process, typically handled at the bar, is generally described as smooth, though a few guests experienced minor initial confusion or delays. The establishment is particularly noted for its pet-friendly service, with staff providing special attention to canine companions. While the majority of feedback is positive, some guests reported instances of slow service in the restaurant, particularly during busy periods, and a few isolated incidents where issues, such as heating problems or false fire alarms, were not addressed promptly or with sufficient communication by overnight staff.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that this establishment operates more as an inn with rooms above a pub rather than a traditional hotel, meaning there is no dedicated reception desk and no staff on-site overnight after the bar closes, typically around 10 PM. Check-in occurs at the bar, and any issues arising after hours require contacting an emergency number, which some guests found problematic due to unreturned calls or long waits for assistance, particularly concerning key access to the main building. The historic nature of the building means there is no elevator, and guests must navigate stairs to reach their rooms. While generally well-regarded for its value, some guests felt the pricing was high for the amenities offered. The pub often features live music, which contributes to the lively atmosphere but can be audible in some rooms until late evening.