Hare And Hounds Newbury

The Hare And Hounds Newbury, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise from guests, establishing itself as a charming and well-regarded destination in Newbury, United Kingdom.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hare And Hounds Newbury is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "exceptional" and a "perfect boutique inn". Review scores often sit in the "Superb" range, indicating a very high level of guest satisfaction. The sentiment is one of comfort, relaxation, and a delightful escape, whether for a quick stopover or a special occasion.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features:

• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently lauded as "friendly," "attentive," "helpful," and "professional," contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Food Quality: The dining experience receives enthusiastic reviews, with mentions of "delicious hearty food," "amazing food," and "excellent" meals for both dinner and breakfast.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's stylish and tasteful decoration, blending traditional coaching inn character with a modern boutique feel, is much appreciated. Elements like open fires, low beams, bold wallpapers, and equestrian themes create a cosy yet chic environment.
• Comfort: Rooms are consistently described as comfortable, clean, and well-appointed, ensuring a relaxing stay.
• Dog-Friendly: The availability of dog-friendly ground-floor rooms with amenities like dog beds and bowls is a significant highlight for guests traveling with pets.

3. Room Quality

The 30 individually designed rooms, spread across buildings like The Stables, Paddocks, Hunter's Lodge, and Coach House, are a major draw. They are described as "spotless and beautifully presented," "stylish," and "well kitted out". Comfort is paramount, with features such as "super comfy" beds, wool headboards, velvet chairs, and fluffy bathrobes.

In-room amenities often include Nespresso coffee machines, Bodum kettles with Joe's Tea bags, Roberts radios, complimentary Wi-Fi, and generous Bramley toiletries, along with a pillow spray for a good night's sleep. Some luxurious touches available in certain suites, like the Highclere, Downton, or Bridle Suites, include roll-top copper bathtubs and luxurious walk-in rainfall showers. While generally pristine, one review noted a need for "a tiny bit of TLC" in a few parts, such as a curtain, but affirmed overall comfort. Earplugs are provided in rooms for guests sensitive to potential roadside noise.

4. Dining Experience

The Hare And Hounds offers a highly acclaimed dining experience. The Barn Dining Room, a large and airy space with exposed beams and brickwork, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. The seasonal à la carte menu champions local suppliers and offers a balance of "quirky dishes and hearty traditional pub classics" like fish and chips or chicken and ham pie.

Specific dishes that have received praise include pan-seared scallops, spiced monkfish tail with sweet potato dahl, crispy lobster arancini, and grass-fed Chateaubriand. For breakfast, guests enjoy options like smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, breakfast baps, or pancakes. The Sunday roast menu is also popular, featuring items like sirloin roast with a "humongous Yorkshire pudding". The pub boasts an extensive wine list, including an enomatic wine dispenser for trying different wines by the glass. Cakes and desserts, such as the super dark brownie and Lotus Biscoff cheesecake, are also highly recommended. While the main restaurant isn't dog-friendly, the bar area welcomes pooches.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hare And Hounds Newbury is consistently described as "impeccable" and a significant highlight of the guest experience. Staff members are frequently praised for being "friendly," "attentive," "helpful," and "professional" from check-in to check-out. Guests appreciate the warm welcome and the staff's accommodating nature. Even during busy periods, such as a bustling Sunday lunch, the staff are noted for their efficiency and pleasantness.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located in the village of Speen, just off the M4 and A34, the Hare And Hounds offers easy access for travelers. It's described as a tranquil setting, yet only a 15-minute walk from Newbury town centre and a few minutes from open countryside. Its proximity to Newbury Racecourse makes it an ideal base for racing enthusiasts. Other nearby attractions include Highclere Castle and the Avon canal for strolls. The hotel also provides accessible rooms, wheelchair access to public areas, and accessible parking.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests frequently remark on the "great value for money" offered by Hare And Hounds Newbury, often with breakfast included in the rates. While a specific typical price range isn't explicitly stated across all reviews, one source mentions rooms starting at £110, and a meal for main courses with sides and drinks can be around £40 per person. The general sentiment is that the quality of the experience justifies the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of criticism have been raised:

• Room Discrepancies: One guest experienced a discrepancy between the room promised by a booking platform (Michelin Guide) and the room received, specifically regarding the presence of a bathtub and room size. It was unclear if the hotel was aware of the specific promises made by the booking platform.
• Lack of Elevator: Some guests noted the absence of an elevator, which could be an issue for rooms on higher floors.
• Roadside Location: While generally quiet, one reviewer mentioned the roadside location as a potential concern for those seeking extreme rural isolation, though earplugs are provided.
• Minor Room Maintenance: One reviewer noted a "tiny bit of TLC" needed in some room elements, such as a curtain, but this did not detract significantly from overall comfort.
• Dogs in Dining Area: One guest expressed discomfort with dogs being present in the restaurant area, suggesting they should be restricted to the bar.
• Missing In-Room Fridge/Milk: A very minor complaint from one guest mentioned the absence of a fridge and milk for tea/coffee in their room.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. express.co.uk
5. eatwithellen.com
6. muddystilettos.co.uk
7. premiermagazine.biz
8. mrandmrssmith.com
9. theweek.com
10. michelin.com