The Old Smithy Inn

The hotel is a charming, historic inn with a traditional pub, offering a tranquil escape in a rural setting. Its unique character, including a thatched roof and separate garden rooms, makes it a memorable destination. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff, excellent breakfast, and the peaceful, idyllic location. The cozy pub atmosphere and tasty food are also frequently praised. It is particularly well-suited for walkers exploring the nearby coastal paths, couples seeking a romantic and quiet getaway, and dog owners due to its very pet-friendly policy. Groups traveling together also find the accommodation comfortable and welcoming. For those sensitive to space, it is advisable to inquire about room size, as some "Nook" rooms can be quite compact. Guests should also be prepared for narrow country roads leading to the inn.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts a large, beautiful garden with ample tables for guests to enjoy meals and drinks outdoors, often described as a lovely beer garden or a place for private decking. The traditional pub itself is a central feature, offering a cozy atmosphere, local beers, and sometimes live music. While most guests appreciate the available Wi-Fi, some report inconsistent or poor signal strength, particularly in the garden rooms or specific annexes, though it generally works well in the main house. Private parking is available for convenience. Some rooms feature thoughtful touches like a heated towel rack in the bathroom, and coffee and tea facilities are provided in the rooms. Guests should be aware that there are many steps around the property, which could pose a challenge for those with mobility issues.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is somewhat mixed. Many describe their rooms as charming, cozy, well-decorated, and generally clean or even spotless. The beds are often found to be comfortable, ensuring a restful stay, and some rooms feature spacious bathrooms with great showers and underfloor heating. However, some guests staying in "The Nook" or similar converted annexes found them to be quite cramped or small, with occasional mentions of a musty smell, cobwebs, or dog hairs requiring a deeper clean, especially under the bed. A few guests noted sagged beds or hard pillows, and isolated incidents of a leaking skylight or a dirty teaspoon were reported. Despite these minor issues, the rooms are generally considered quiet and conducive to relaxation.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as excellent, amazing, and delicious. Most guests enjoy a freshly cooked full English breakfast featuring good quality local ingredients, with some options for a continental buffet. The breakfast service is noted for being friendly and attentive. For dinner, the pub food is generally well-regarded, with many finding it tasty, plentiful, and offering regional cuisine, with the Fish Pie being a particular highlight for some. The bar is appreciated for its great selection of drinks, including local beers and a fantastic pint of Guinness. While the overall dining experience is positive, some guests found the pub menu to be somewhat ordinary or the food adequate rather than exceptional, and one review noted that food is not served on Sunday evenings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant draw for guests seeking tranquility and an escape from the hustle and bustle, situated in a quiet, idyllic, and rural setting. It is described as being "off the beaten track" or "in the middle of nowhere," appealing to those who appreciate an isolated environment. The inn is conveniently located for walkers, with easy access to the South West Coast Path and other scenic routes. While not directly on the beach, it is within a few kilometers of a secluded beach cove, though the access roads can be narrow and bumpy, requiring careful driving. Private parking is available on-site, adding to the convenience for guests arriving by car.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, politeness, and welcoming demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their helpfulness and attentiveness, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The team is described as cheery, smiley, and accommodating, going out of their way to ensure guest comfort, even assisting with unexpected issues like car breakdowns. The service is often characterized as warm and hospitable, creating a familiar and pleasant atmosphere. While most interactions are highly positive, a few guests noted that the evening staff could be less friendly, and service for supper was occasionally slow. Overall, the dedication of the staff to providing excellent service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
A notable aspect of the hotel is its strong dog-friendly policy, making it a popular choice for pet owners, though some guests noted this can occasionally lead to minor cleanliness concerns with dog hairs in rooms. The property itself is a historic building, with parts dating back centuries, contributing to its unique character and charm. Guests should be aware of the many steps throughout the property, which might be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. The hotel also offers specific room types, such as "The Nook," a converted barn that provides a cozy and unique experience, and separate garden annexes that offer more modern amenities and privacy. The pub occasionally features live music, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.