An Inspector Calls… A good value and friendly hotel within easy striking distance of the New ForestThe Inspector checked into the Lord Bute located close to the Dorset coastThe hotel was once home to Lord Bute – a former prime minister in 1762/63There are 13 rooms and the Inspector found his had a lot of brown furniture
Arriving late was always the plan. We’d been at a show in nearby Christchurch and weren’t planning on eating at the Lord Bute when we arrived at 10.30pm.
But we were a little peckish. ‘Any chance of some cheese and biscuits,’ I asked the barman, more in hope than expectation.
‘Of course,’ he said. ‘How about some cured smoked salmon to go with it?’
The Inspector checked into the Lord Bute Hotel in Christchurch, which was once home to Lord Bute, prime minister for 12 months in 1762-3 during the reign of George III
I put this willingness in part down to the Lord Bute having been in private hands for more than 30 years. Its computers seem programmed to say ‘yes’.
A huge plate of cheese arrived, with delicious strips of salmon. What’s more, the barman poured me the biggest glass of white wine I’ve ever seen.
‘That should keep you going,’ he said.
The hotel — in easy striking distance of the New Forest and the Dorset coast — was once home to Lord Bute, prime minister for 12 months in 1762-3 during the reign of George III.
The Lord Bute Hotel is in easy striking distance of the New Forest and the Dorset coast, pictured
There are 13 rooms. In ours, there was a lot of brown: brown wardrobe, brown desk, brown wicker sofa, brown curtains, brown headboard, brown bedspread . . . but you don’t come here for a cutting-edge break. You come because it’s good value and friendly.
My fellow guests are all couples and everyone tucks in to the full English in the morning.
Before leaving, I pick up a flyer explaining about the hotel’s jazz nights and that chef Rosemary Shrager will be doing a turn in June. I suspect the Lord Bute has a loyal following.
TRAVEL FACTS
The Lord Bute Hotel, 181-185 Lymington Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4JS. Doubles from £143. For more information call 01425 278884 or visit thelordbute.co.uk.
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