The Helyar Arms

The rooms were clean and comfortable Food was OK but nothing special if anything a little over priced for basic pub grub . However it was a very old pub with lots of character so we forgave the noisy plumbing.

Breakfast was on the small side for £ 15 pp . When asked for a latte was told No as they don't turn the machine on that early . The alternate was like warm coffe from a jug . On checking out we were charged an extra £10 for our dog. Considering it was advertised as dog friendly and he wasn't fed or supplied with anything, I was surprised. Be aware of this hidden charge , I did not see it when I booked .

The pub has a lovely cosy feel to it with lots of interesting seating areas and fairy lights. There was plenty of space in the car park and the pub was lovely and warm when we went inside. Patrick, the landlord, went above and beyond. He was waiting for us when we came down for breakfast and even gave us a lift to the wedding we were attending. We left very early on our last day and the team even prepared us a basket breakfast as we were too early for breakfast time. As tea-a-holic our room had a kettle and lots of tea bags and milk which was great.

The mattress was softer than I’d like but no real dislikes.

We had stayed there once before under the previous management. The new owners have improved the place so very much. They have redecorated the entire house and the guest rooms so tastefully and comfortably. The staff were friendly and helpful, and Patrick, the owner, went out of his way for us. We were there to visit a friend and Patrick drove us to our friend's house and came back to pick us up. We ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner there and were very pleased.

The shower defeated me, and I couldn't figure out how to work it. My husband said that the water temperature fluctuated a lot. Otherwise, our stay was perfect.

Location for visiting family. Nice big room. Spacious car park. Didn’t eat so can’t comment on food. Bed comfy.

Bizarrely there was no wardrobe, hanging area, coat hangers or literally anywhere to hang clothes. We managed but would be a real pain if you needed to hang smart clothes. Even a hanging bar over the bathroom door with hangers would be useful. Wifi didn’t work at all when we got there. Staff said they couldn’t reboot router as it was locked away. We went to visit family and four hours later it was fine.

Staff were friendly and helpful. The quality of the food was generally good. The room was comfortable, and we felt looked after.

Billing of food brought some surprises, and I would think clearer itemised bills would improve head scratching! The plumbing/drainage in the bathroom may need a good degunge - the smell coming from the drain in the shower was awful during taking a shower and afterwards! There was a slight ambient smell in the washroom during our entire stay.

The meal provision was outstandingly good, with an evening menu that was wide in choice and prepared to a very high standard. Service from a well-coordinated friendly team was second-to-none. The 'real ale' is kept well and the choice of beer very agreeable.

When appreciating the pre-dinner environment of the upper bar area, the background music tended to be too loud for us. On our second evening, the high volume was noticed by one of the staff team, who offered to turn it down without any comment being made by us. Personally, we would have been quite happy with no sound at all, but realise this is a matter of customers' tastes overall.

Dinner was marvellous. I had the "game of the day" (guinea breast) one day and "catch of the day" (whole lemon sole) the second day. Both were really tasty and the best meals in a pub I can remember. The dining-room was busy but the booking-system is managed very carefully to create a good atmosphere so that neither customers nor staff appear unduly rushed (but I know the staff actually do work really hard, of course). Lovely, helpful staff too. The room was impeccably clean. The décor is "period" but very much in keeping with a charming old building. I was staying during the week in Summer with a seating area outside my room but things quietened down by 10pm and noise was not a problem at all.

The room was not large but that is accounted for in the price - it is very good value. Personally, I like it when breakfast is included in the price but perhaps more people prefer to have the option.

My check in was smooth and friendly. After unpacking I left to join a family event and did not return until after 10.30. It was too late to order breakfast, but that was not a problem the following morning. Great coffee and everything else was very good too. The shower was great too. Being short it was useful that I could adjust the height of the shower head.

The bed was massive, but the mattress a bit soft for my taste. The wifi password was not in my room and I had not stopped long enough to make a not of it when checking in. I did mention it to the staff so expect that ill be remedied

Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, delicious food in the pub, cosy rooms and lovely decor. Very good value. We loved our stay and would definitely return.

One of our two rooms was quite a lot noisier than the other due to being at the top of the stairs with noise coming up from the pub, and backing onto the pub garden. I also couldn’t turn off the heated towel rail in the bathroom and we got a bit toasty! I’d request a room on the other side if possible next time. The larger of our two rooms was lovely, cool and quiet.

Good location for a stop en route to Cornwall from the South East. Surprisingly quiet and peaceful room in a historic old public house sympathetically brought back to life by the welcoming landlord. Wide menu choices for dinner in the bar, well cooked and served by friendly staff.

Parking wasn't easy on arrival and it would have been good to have a space reserved in the pub car park for a booked in resident.