Canterbury’s aptly named “The Falstaff”:http://www.thefalstaffincanterbury.com/ is ideally situated just outside the West Gate and within a short walk of all the city’s sights (although to be fair, it’s a very compact place). There was a large entrance with a sitting room on the right, reception opposite and elegant bar straight ahead.
Arriving at noon, check in wasn’t until 3pm but formalities were conducted, city map provided, and bags left. We adjourned to the Bishops Finger pub next door for lunch.
There are 46 bedrooms in both the main building and in two separate adjacent ones: The Tap and Old Woodmill. Room 28 in the main building was fine, but nothing special. However, the huge bed was exceptionally comfortable with crisp white sheets and ‘just right’ pillows. It was so comfortable that despite going to bed at 10pm, one morning we didn’t wake up until 8.45am which is very late for us. The bedside tables and desk were old fashioned, dark wood and there was a single arm chair. Roy wondered why there was a sheepskin rug in an unusual position until he found worn carpet underneath! A cupboard had hanging space and on a high shelf a tray with tea making equipment and kettle which I’m sure was a health and safety hazard – it should have been left on the desk where there was a plug point. A welcome letter explained that fresh milk was available on request but there was no fridge.
The bathroom was very compact. The plus side was gushing hot water and a powerful shower over the bath, but the downside was that it was a little difficult to get in and out over the bath edge and the shower curtain flapped. The wall mounted box they called a hair dryer had neither puff nor heat but toiletries (soap, shower gel and shampoo) were provided. The extractor fan was very noisy and automatically came on with the light.
Our room had a door leading onto a small courtyard with eleven grotesque sculptured heads protruding from the ancient wall: a sign suggested they dated back to Medieval times and had been recovered from an ecclesiastical building. We were disappointed about the lack of table and chairs until we realised it led onto the outdoor terrace of the hotel with wicker tables and chairs which caught the last sun of the day.
The hotel sitting room was full of character with beams, stone walls, huge squashy sofas and low tables and chairs and was ideal for relaxing after a day’s sightseeing.
The long bar had smart turquoise leather bar stools and was well stocked. We had a pre-dinner G&T one evening and were offered a range of at least 10 gins and various tonics.
Breakfast (7am to 10am) was included in our rate (£65 per room per night). There was a good selection of juice, fruit, cereals and thick Greek yoghurt whilst the hot buffet had sausages, well cooked bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, scrambled egg and baked beans and you could make your own toast. Coffee and tea were served in individual cafetieres and teapots. Altogether, a splendid affair.
Afternoon tea was available but not evening meals (although a selection of paninis could be ordered). However, there are lots of options within a short walk.
The hotel is a short walk from Canterbury West Railway Station or a £4 taxi ride from Canterbury East. There is also a car park at the rear.
