The River Don Tavern and Lodge

Absolutely terrible!! Firstly, as we walked in to check in, the owners dog tried to bite me! The response was, ‘sorry yeah the dog bites, higher percentage for biting women too’. I don’t think it’s a good idea to have a biting dog where clients are! I have seen reviews about lovely cooked breakfasts. Well I’m not sure if the chef was away but we were told our breakfast was self service in our room. This was a sweaty bacon and sausage bought sandwich in the fridge. There was an apple each too which had clearly been picked off the floor near the tree in the garden. We paid £10 each for that breakfast. Disgusting service. We were warned to keep doors and windows closed as ‘the cats get in’. We know that was true because it smelt like cat urine in the room!! There were crumbs on the floor and in the bedside table. The bed runner had stains on it (I didn’t have the courage to check the bed sheets), pee left in the toilet and mould in the bathroom. We left almost immediately and found somewhere else to stay. We were rudely treated when asking for a refund, which was refused because they have a ‘no cancellation policy’. Apparently that is still in force even when the rooms are not fit for purpose. Save your money and stay somewhere else. The owners need to overhaul their accommodation and their attitude!

For some reason my reviews didn’t post which is a great shame, as this place is lovely and at that time run by the loveliest of people. We visited due to a bereavement and they were understating and decent. Goes a long way and I trust they are all well and business is good.

This village pub sits on the Isle of Axholme - on a road that was the River Don until it was diverted by a drainage expert four centuries ago. Not a tousist spot but the fenlike flat fields and network of drains between the rivers Ouse and Trent is fascinating. Comfortable, clean room, excellent breakfast and good pub grub food. Landlord was friendly and helpful, as were the staff. I would certainly return if I am ever nearby.