Uncover the Secrets of the Blue Lion Inn: Lewtrenchard's Hidden Gem!
Uncovering the Secrets (and Quirks!) of the Blue Lion Inn, Lewtrenchard: A Rambling Review
Right, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real story about the Blue Lion Inn in Lewtrenchard. This isn't your sanitized corporate travel review; this is a messy, imperfect, and hopefully hilarious account of my recent stay. Let's get to it!
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- Metadata: Title: Uncovering the Secrets (and Quirks!) of the Blue Lion Inn, Lewtrenchard: A Rambling Review. Description: A candid and honest review of the Blue Lion Inn in Lewtrenchard, Devon, covering accessibility, dining, spa, plus all the little details that make a stay memorable (or not!). Keywords: Blue Lion Inn, Lewtrenchard, Devon, Hotel Review, Spa, Restaurant, Accessibility, Child-Friendly, Dog-Friendly.
(The Entrance & Initial Impressions - A Bit Jumbled, Like My Luggage)
First off, finding the Blue Lion is an adventure in itself. It's tucked away, which I secretly loved. The directions were… a little vague. "Turn left at the wonky gate," the email said. Naturally, I chose the wrong wonky gate. After a brief detour through what appeared to be someone's prize-winning rhubarb patch (oops!), I finally arrived.
Accessibility is a bit of a mixed bag here: I'd say it's a work in progress. While they have facilities for disabled guests, the website doesn't shout about it – which it should! I didn't personally need it, but I saw a lovely ramp to the main entrance and the elevator. The important thing is that they ARE making effort!
(Accessibility: 7/10 - Room for Growth!)
Inside, the place is stunning. Think crackling fireplaces, heavy tapestries, and enough antiques to make a museum curator weep. So, immediately you sort of get the impression of a historical vibe. It definitely won't be your generic chain hotel -- that's for sure.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Testimony!)
Right, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, that's half the reason we travel, isn't it?
Restaurants & Lounges: Absolutely a few of these, and all accessible.
Restaurants: There's a proper restaurant, serving international and Western cuisine. I had the Western cuisine, since that means I understand the ingredients usually, and it was divine. They also have a bar, a coffee shop (essential!), and a poolside bar (more on that later).
A La Carte in Restaurant: 10/10. You get exactly what you need and order, when you need it.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: 9/10. Food and variety is delicious!
Breakfast: They do a buffet, plus you can order hot dishes. I HIGHLY recommend the full English. Trust me. They also offer breakfast-in-room and a takeaway service (perfect for those lazy mornings when you just want to wallow in luxury). The Asian breakfast option is available, but I'm afraid I didn't try it. Maybe next time.
Snack Bar: This would have been brilliant -- but unfortunately, I was too busy enjoying the buffet to eat anything.
Coffee/Tea in Restaurant: I had several coffees (the kind of person I am, in general.) The coffee was excellent.
Desserts in restaurant: 10/10. Need I say more?
Happy hour: I missed this. Sad face. Definitely on the list for next time!
Now, about that poolside bar… I'm a sucker for a good poolside cocktail. On the first day, I ordered a ridiculously fancy concoction. It was… too fancy. I think it had actual edible flowers. But I digress!
(Poolside Bar – More on the Pool Later!)
- Safe dining setup: They did make sure you felt safe, setting up an appropriate buffet system.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: 10/10. Cleanliness and safety at their finest!
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax – The Sanctuary & Spa Experience)
Ah, the spa. Now this is where things got interesting. My stress levels went into overdrive.
- Spa: Yes!
- Spa/sauna: Yes!
- Steamroom: Absolutely.
- Sauna: You betcha!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: yes. And the pool has definitely got the view.
- Pool with view: Yep!
- Fitness center: Yes!
- Gym/fitness: Yes!
- Body scrub.
- Body wrap.
- Foot bath.
- Massage: Ooooh, the massage. I opted for a deep tissue massage. It was… intense. But also… amazing. The masseuse had magical hands, but a laugh that I swear, I heard throughout the rest of the hotel! I'd give it a solid 9/10. She worked out knots I didn't even know I had.
(The Room – My Personal Sanctuary (Mostly!))
My room was… well, it was like stepping into a period drama. Seriously!
- Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet.
- Air conditioning.
- Alarm clock.
- Bathrobes.
- Bathroom phone.
- Bathtub.
- Blackout curtains.
- Carpeting.
- Closet.
- Coffee/tea maker.
- Complimentary tea.
- Daily housekeeping.
- Desk.
- Extra long bed.
- Free bottled water.
- Hair dryer.
- High floor.
- In-room safe box.
- Interconnecting room(s) available.
- Internet access – LAN.
- Internet access – wireless.
- Ironing facilities.
- Laptop workspace.
- Linens.
- Mini bar.
- Mirror.
- Non-smoking.
- On-demand movies.
- Private bathroom.
- Reading light.
- Refrigerator.
- Satellite/cable channels.
- Scale.
- Seating area.
- Separate shower/bathtub.
- Shower.
- Slippers.
- Smoke detector.
- Socket near the bed.
- Sofa.
- Soundproofing.
- Telephone.
- Toiletries.
- Towels.
- Umbrella.
- Visual alarm.
- Wake-up service.
- Wi-Fi [free].
- Window that opens
It was enormous, with a super-comfy bed and a bathroom that could rival a small dance hall. The only (very minor) complaint? The ancient plumbing. Every time someone flushed a toilet in the building, I swear the pipes in my room started groaning! But honestly, it just added to the charm.
(Cleanliness and Safety – A New Normal?!)
Let's talk COVID protocol. The Blue Lion Inn was taking it seriously, without making you feel like you were in a sterile hospital ward.
- Anti-viral cleaning products – Check!
- Cashless payment service – Check!
- Daily disinfection in common areas – Yup!
- Hand sanitizer – Everywhere!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing – Of course!
- Hygiene certification – I didn't see a literal certificate, but they were definitely taking this seriously.
- Individually-wrapped food options – Yes, on the buffet.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter – They tried. It's a challenge sometimes, but they managed.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services – I can't confirm this, but I have no doubt.
- Rooms sanitized between stays – Absolutely.
- Safe dining setup – Yes!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items – Definitely!
- Staff trained in safety protocol – They seemed incredibly well-trained.
(Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes! *
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-polished travelogue. This is the Blue Lion Inn, Lewtrenchard, UK, according to me. Let's get messy with it.
The Blue Lion Inn: Lewtrenchard - A Rambling, Chaotic Account of My Stay (And My Sanity)
Day 1: Arrival and the Unexpected Swirl of "British Charm"
14:00 - Landfall (Sort Of): Arrive at Exeter Airport. Pray the luggage makes it. (It did! Triumph!) The drive to Lewtrenchard starts… beautifully? Yes, beautiful but holy GOD the roads. Narrower than my own patience, winding like a drunken serpent. I swear, at one point, I was convinced I was going to wind up in someone's meticulously-tended garden.
15:30 - Finding The Blue Lion Inn: The GPS, bless its digital heart, finally spits me out in front of a stone building that screams "cozy fairytale." The Blue Lion. I feel a rush of excitement. Then, I realize my stomach is rumbling something fierce. (Note to self: Pack proper snacks. Airport "food" is a crime against humanity).
16:00 - Check-In & Preliminary Assessment: The receptionist, a woman with eyes that could see straight into your soul (in a good way!) greets me with genuine warmth. "Welcome, dear! You look like you've had a journey!" (Nailed it). My room…oh, my room! It's not minimalist, it's charming. Like, "grandma's spare room crammed full of treasures and personality" charming. There's a four-poster bed (I'm practically royalty!), a wonky window (it's a feature!), and the air smells faintly of…old books? Heaven. I dump my bag, mentally compose a tweet: #BlueLionInn #DevonDreams #MightBeLostButWorthIt.
16:30 - The Initial Pub Recon: Okay, first things first. Find the pub. It’s downstairs, obviously! And it's the quintessential pub! Low ceilings, a roaring fireplace, a barman named…Arthur? (I am not joking). I order a pint of something local (didn't catch the name, too busy swooning) and start to absorb the atmosphere. It's bustling with locals, a few tourists, and the general hum of a lovely, comforting noise. Observe: The first five minutes, I'm completely discombobulated, trying not to spill my beverage, and overstimulated by pretty scenery.
17:00 - The Unexpected Charm of Being Lost (Kinda): I wander around the grounds. Stunning, I repeat, stunning. But then I got a bit lost. Not like, "lost-lost," more like, "where-did-that-path-go-again?" lost. Ended up in a field, face to face with a very judgmental sheep. (I swear he was judging my hiking boots). The sunset here is like a painter splattered all the best colors onto the sky.
19:00 - Dinner and the Revelation: Dinner at the Inn's restaurant is… a revelation. Game pie, I'm looking your way. The pastry crust is perfection, the filling is rich and bold. I’m happily stuffing my face when it occurs to me : I'm happy. I'm relaxed. I'm miles away from the chaos of home in Devon, and this is exactly what I needed.
Day 2: Devon Delights and Deeper Dive into the Inn
09:00 - Breakfast Bliss (and a Small Disaster): Breakfast! Full English, the works. The bacon is crispy (crucial!), the eggs are perfect, and there’s enough coffee to kickstart a small nation. Then, I accidentally knock over my orange juice. (Oops). But, no worries, because the staff is lovely, and, honestly, it was a minor blip in an absolutely perfect morning.
10:00 - A Very British Walk: I take a walk. I want fresh air, I want beautiful scenery… I get both. I walk, and walk, and walk. It begins sunny, then it turns overcast, then it rains, then the sun comes out again. This is England. The walks are perfect, the views are stunning, and the air smells of…well, countryside. I start a mental note: I might move here.
13:00 - Lunch (and a Culinary Adventure): Back at the pub for a light lunch which is a perfect opportunity to test some of the local ales. I opt for the "Ploughman's" lunch, which is the perfect combination of savory and heart. It's also the first time I've ever eaten a pickled onion the size of my fist. Quite a lot, but very satisfying.
15:00 - Exploring (and the Discovery of a Secret Garden?): I decide to take a wander around the Inn again. Discovering, I believe, a secret garden. It’s overgrown, a little wild, but it's magical. It has a greenhouse in the corner, with a cute little sign – "Do Not Disturb." I do not, of course, enter, but I feel a surge of inspiration and think, "This is a place where stories are made."
16:00 - Fireside Reflections (and a Moment of Honest Truth): Back in the pub, by the fire. Sipping something whiskey-ish. Talking to a local who knows a surprising amount about local history. Realizing I'm in a place of quiet moments, and honestly, I could probably stay here forever.
19:00 - Dinner and a Pub Quiz (My Embarrassing Moment): Dinner is again divine. I order a steak (medium-rare, obviously). Then, a pub quiz is announced! I stay, because, why not? I am utterly terrible at the quiz, scoring points based on luck alone. My knowledge of British culture is clearly rudimentary. But the fact I did it is a win for me.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Echo of "British Charm"
09:00 - One Last Breakfast (and a Bittersweet Goodbye): One last breakfast! I can almost taste the sadness of leaving.
10:00 - A Final Stroll (and a Promise): I squeeze in a final stroll, wanting to memorize every path.
11:00 - The Check-Out (and a Sudden, Urgent Need to Book Again): I check out, and as I hand over my keys, I swear I feel a pang of disappointment. It's just… it's a special place. I promise myself, as I walk to my car. I WILL be back.
12:00 - The Drive: The drive from the Blue Lion, back to Exeter. The roads aren't as terrifying as they were the first time. They're just… roads, leading me home.
Final Thoughts (and a Plea): The Blue Lion Inn. Is it perfect? Nope. Is it charming? Absolutely, yes! Are there moments of minor chaos? Undoubtedly! Is it the kind of place that burrows into your soul and makes you feel, instantly, at home? Without a doubt. Go. Just go. You won’t regret it. And if you see Arthur, tell him I said hi. And ask him for a recommendation.
So, what *is* the Blue Lion Inn, anyway? Is it just some dusty old pub?
Dusty? Honey, that's putting it *mildly*. The Blue Lion is a proper old coaching inn, tucked away in the Devon countryside. Think roaring fires, creaky floorboards, and a sense of history that practically oozes from the walls. But 'just a pub'? Oh, no. It's a whole experience. Like, you walk in expecting a pint, and you get a time warp, a ghost story (maybe), and a probable bout of food coma all rolled into one. The building itself... well, it's got that charmingly wonky, slightly-falling-apart-but-in-a-good-way vibe. One time, I swear I saw a bit of plaster actually *move*. Probably just the wind. Or a very old ghost. Whatever.
Okay, you've got me intrigued. What's the food like? Because let's be honest, "old inn" can sometimes translate to "stodgy and overpriced."
Alright, alright, let's talk about the grub. This is where things get *interesting*. I'll be brutally honest: sometimes, it's a culinary triumph. Other times... well, it’s a bit like your Grandma's cooking when she's had a few too many sherries. I had the pheasant once, and honestly, it was heaven on a plate. Perfectly cooked, rich, gamey... I almost wept. Then, the next time I was there...let's just say the vegetables were a bit, shall we, *enthusiastic* with the seasoning. And the gravy... oh god, the gravy. Thick, lumpy, and potentially harboring a secret ingredient. (I’m still not sure if it was bacon fat or pure, unadulterated love.) The point is, it’s unpredictable. But that’s part of the charm, isn't it? And even on a "less than stellar" day, the portions are HUGE. Prepare to loosen your belt.
What about the rooms? Are they actually… habitable? And, are there ghosts? Come on, spill!
Right, the rooms. Habitable? Yes. Luxurious? Define luxurious! They're definitely not the Ritz. Think antique furniture, possibly a wonky window or two, and a distinct smell of… old books and damp. Which, actually, I quite liked. There’s a real sense of history in them, like you're sleeping right in the heart of the story. As for the ghosts… Oh, you *know* there are ghosts! The Blue Lion is practically begging for them. Locals talk about a ghostly lady and a mischievous child. I, personally, haven’t seen anything… *yet*. But I did wake up one morning convinced someone was standing beside my bed. My own nerves? Possibly. A ghostly apparition? Highly plausible! And you know what? Even if there are ghosts, that just adds to the fun. Adds a certain *je ne sais quoi*. Maybe I'm just saying that to justify my own, er, overactive imagination.
What's the vibe like? What kind of people go there?
The vibe... ah, the vibe. Think cosy, relaxed, and a little bit eccentric. You'll find a mix of locals, eager-beaver tourists, and people who clearly just stumbled in off the moor while desperately needing a pint and a warm fire. It's a place you can genuinely be yourself. No judging. I've seen people in hiking boots covered in mud, ladies in fancy dresses, and a chap who looked like he'd wandered straight out of a Dickens novel (probably because he had). The staff are typically friendly and welcoming – although the service can sometimes be a *tad* slow. But hey, you're not in a rush, are you? You're there to soak it all up.
Okay, you said "time warp." What do you mean? Does it have internet? Is there a TV blasting? Because *I* hate that.
Time warp, my friend, is the perfect description. Forget about your precious emails and Instagram. The Blue Lion is gloriously, wonderfully, completely offline. There's Wi-Fi, but let's be honest, it’s about as reliable as me winning the lottery. You *might* get a signal, but don't hold your breath. TV? I think there's one tucked away in the bar, but it’s generally ignored. Thank goodness! It's all about conversation, the crackle of the fire, and the sound of clinking glasses. It’s a digital detox disguised as a pub. Which, frankly, is exactly what I need most of the time. You’ll be amazed how quickly you re-learn the forgotten art of actually TALKING to people.
Tell me about a specific experience. Like, one that really stands out… good or bad.
Oh, alright, I'll tell you *the story*. Last year, I went for a weekend. It was pouring with rain, the wind was howling, and honestly, I was a bit miserable. I'd had a terrible week. I'd even been considering chucking my phone in a river. Anyway, I get to the Blue Lion, dripping wet, and the fire in the main bar was roaring. They had this *unbelievable* local cider on tap (a bit sweet, but in the best possible way), and I managed to snag a table by the window. I ordered the steak, which was, thankfully, cooked to absolute perfection that night. Like, melt-in-your-mouth glorious. And, like, I actually ate the ENTIRE THING. Usually, I can only manage half. And then. And THEN. A group of local musicians, completely unprompted, started playing. Proper, traditional folk music. Think fiddles, accordions, the works. And the entire pub, for a while, just… stopped. Everyone was listening. I swear, the ghosts even piped down. And I, a cynical old so-and-so, actually felt something. Something warm. Something almost… joyful. And I sat there, drinking cider, eating the best steak I'd had in ages, listening to music, and I realized: this is what life is about. This is what I needed. It wasn’t perfect. The cider might have given me a slight headache the next morning. But that moment? That was magic. I swear, if I wasn't already hopelessly in love with the place, that night sealed it. And then I spilled red wine on my cream sweater. But even THAT couldn't ruin the feeling. Yeah, the Blue Lion...it gets to you.
What's a good excuse to visit the Blue Lion? Is it good for a romantic getaway? Or is it just a pub to have a quick pint?
Stay While You Wander
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