ザ オストリッチ

This is a wonderful example of historic English buildings that have been updated for modern stays without losing their architectural quirks and historical oddities. Not ideal for people with limited mobility, but we enjoyed ducking under low lintels and walking over uneven floors, some of which have been around for several centuries. Our room was clean and well-provided, and though there was a leak in the clean-water part of our toilet the owner told us that the required part was on order and it was never a huge issue. We stayed two nights. The first morning there were a couple of young lads manning the breakfast kitchen, and they were efficient if a little absent. Sitting at the mouth of the giant fireplace in the back room was lovely, and definitely inspired us to come back that evening for the sticky toffee pudding written up on the menu board above the mantlepiece. We didn't eat supper there, we had plans with local family, but the pudding was excellent. Sounds of the Bingo game floated up to us as we went to bed - but this was our first day from Central Time (US) and we went early. The second morning the owner was on breakfast duty. It was a Wednesday and not particularly busy, so he came over and chatted with us and even played with our four-month-old so that Mama could eat without holding him. The full English was really good both days, too. Go Travelodge for a pad to land on; come to the Ostrich for a leisurely taste of English heritage.