The Carnarvon Arms is the Downton pub. Which is to say it’s subsequent door to Highclere Fortress, the place the TV collection was shot in all its extravagant glory.
You would possibly suppose, given the title, that Highclere’s current house owners, Lord and Girl Carnarvon, personal this nation inn not removed from Newbury, Berkshire, however in reality it has nothing to do with them.
If it did, I think costs may be greater. We pay £55 for a double room with breakfast thrown in. Admittedly it’s a Sunday night time, besides that’s not unhealthy worth.
A basic? The Inspector stayed at The Carnarvon Arms, a rustic inn in Newbury, Berkshire
And it’s not a nasty place to remain, though what’s not spelled out is that the roaring A34 is simply behind it. Although our room isn’t on the again, it’s nonetheless violently noisy.
There are 17 rooms, all with showers, no baths.
They’re small and unimaginative, with tongue-and-groove headboards, framed photographs of Highland cattle and cheesy mirrors. The duvets are lumpy, the pillows lifeless.
However it’s all neat and tidy and the workers are pleasant.
Iconic: Highclere Fortress, the place Downton Abbey was shot in all its extravagant glory, is a brief drive from The Carnarvon Arms – and could also be a greater use of your weekend than a lie-in
A contact of aptitude is launched by the use of the lodge listing within the type of a Penguin guide cowl, on the again of which it says: ‘a basic story of snug beds, scrumptious meals…’
Then it loses the plot, concluding ‘You’ll by no means need to go away this addictive slice of Nice British hospitality.’
At dinner, we share some drained smoked salmon and observe up with detached roast lamb and roast pork — from the Sunday roast menu.
Breakfast is not any extra impressed. No fruit, no nuts, the orange juice is from a carton and if you’d like an espresso or latte you pay additional.
Girl Mary sorts would possibly need to look elsewhere.
