Armed with a slew of dismal Tripadvisor reviews, an undercover hotel inspector approached The Hatchet Inn in Newbury, Berkshire, with considerable trepidation. The online verdict for this Wetherspoon-owned establishment was brutal, with comments describing it as having sunk to an 'all-time low' and the entire experience as a 'shambles'.
A Budget Stay That Surprises
Despite the foreboding warnings, the reality of the stay was a complete reversal of expectations. The inspector was checked in by a friendly young man who proactively suggested room 205 on the second floor, assuring them it was 'quite nice'. This proved to be a significant understatement for a double room costing just £50.40 on a Friday night.
The room itself was a pleasant shock. It featured a comfortable bed, a powerful shower, and fresh paintwork. The television was user-friendly, and the inclusion of two complimentary bottles of water added a thoughtful touch. Against the backdrop of the scathing online critiques, the accommodation offered no grounds for complaint whatsoever.
The Bustling Pub Experience
Downstairs, the 18th-century former coaching inn was heaving with patrons, a testament to its popularity. The vast ground floor area, complete with a long bar, fruit machines, and swirly carpets, offered a classic Spoons atmosphere. The menu was extensive, boasting more than 100 options.
The inspector and his wife enjoyed a full meal including a chicken jalfrezi, cheese nachos, and a chicken bites basket, accompanied by a bottle of Argentinian Malbec. The entire feast came to just under £40. While the guacamole wasn't the world's best and the coleslaw was deemed inedible, the value for money was undeniable.
The Final Verdict
The positive experience continued into the morning with a remarkably cheap breakfast. The inspector's scrambled eggs on toast cost only £2.99, and a traditional breakfast was less than a fiver, with unlimited tea or Lavazza coffee included.
The stay was so successful that the inspector was tempted to post a corrective review on Tripadvisor, directly contradicting the earlier negativity. He considered writing that 'the place is on an all-time high' and that the 'whole experience was a triumph'. This undercover visit to one of the approximately 55 Wetherspoon hotels in the UK proved that sometimes, you have to see for yourself, as low-cost accommodation can indeed deliver exceptional value.
