Mytton & Mermaid: Atcham's Hidden Gem (Brunning & Price)
Mytton & Mermaid: Atcham's Hidden Gem (Brunning & Price) - A Rambling Review with Heart (and a Few Gripes!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Mytton & Mermaid, the Brunning & Price pub-with-rooms nestled in the charming village of Atcham. I just got back, and my brain is buzzing with thoughts – some good, some… well, let's just say "less good." This isn't your polished, corporate review; this is the unvarnished truth, peppered with my own ridiculous experiences.
SEO & Metadata Shizzle (Important!):
- Keywords: Mytton & Mermaid, Atcham, Brunning & Price, Hotel Review, Spa, Restaurant, Shropshire, Wheelchair Accessible, Dog-Friendly, Luxury Hotel, Romantic Getaway, Family-Friendly, Spa Hotel, Heated Outdoor Pool, Restaurant with Rooms
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Mytton & Mermaid in Atcham, Shropshire. From the glorious spa and delicious food to the parking (ahem!), I share my unfiltered experience. Discover if this hidden gem is worth the visit, including accessibility, amenities, services and more!
First Impressions (and a Panic About the Parking!)
Okay, so pulling up to the Mytton & Mermaid… lovely! Honestly, it's a stunner. The building is all charming brick and ivy, picture-postcard perfect. But then… the car park. Oh, the car park! It's a bit of a squeeze, and initially, I thought I'd be playing a real-life game of Tetris trying to wedge my car in. (Thankfully, valet parking is available, which I didn't realize until later… rookie mistake!). Car Park [on-site], Car park [free of charge] available, but maybe not always easy.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Like My Mood Swings!)
Right, let's talk about accessibility. The Mytton & Mermaid boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," which is great. The website also mentions a "Wheelchair accessible" aspect… But the layout is a bit… meandering. Navigating the building did feel a bit of a trek, lots of little steps around and through, although an elevator is present. I was a bit worried that the front door was hard to negotiate, but with a little push it was fine. It's definitely worth checking the specific needs with the hotel.
Rooms: Cozy Chaos (and Heavenly Beds)
My room? Let's just say it was… lived-in. Not in a bad way, more in a "this place feels loved and used" kind of way. The "Soundproof rooms" were probably doing their job because I heard absolutely nothing. The bed? Oh. My. God. We're talking clouds. "Extra long bed" – believe me. I slept like a log. The "Blackout curtains" worked a treat, which was essential as I desperately needed some sleep. They've got "Bathrobes" and "Slippers" - total bonus points! And bonus! "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!"
- Available in All Rooms: 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, Safety/security feature, 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.
Internet: Finally, Some Peace!
"Free Wi-Fi!" Yes! Yes, yes, yes! This is something that makes me happy. I'm a digital nomad, you see. And a phone addict. "Internet access – LAN" and "Internet access – wireless", both of which I needed. Plus, it seemed solid. I streamed a movie, caught up on emails… bliss.
The Spa (Where I Almost Ascended to Spa Nirvana)
Now this is where the Mytton & Mermaid shines. The spa! "Pool with view" is the understatement of the century. This is a gorgeous outdoor setting with a heated pool and an indoor spa with a sauna and steam room. I had a massage, a seriously good massage! I'm talking "Body scrub" and "Body wrap" levels of bliss. It was so relaxing that I almost nodded off during my facial, which would have been embarrassing, but I didn't because it was so calming. Their "Spa/sauna" is heaven. And the "Fitness center" is well-equipped, although I opted for more relaxation and less… exercise.
Food & Drink: A Scrumptious Saga
- Dining, drinking, and snacking : A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
The restaurant is a real treat. I had dinner one night and breakfast the next morning. The food is, without a doubt, delicious. The menu is a delightful mix of classic British fare and more international flavors. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a good spread, but I preferred the "A la carte in restaurant", because I could order pancakes. I wasn't drinking that day. There's a lovely "Poolside bar".
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: My Happy Place
- Things to Do: Ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" is stunning. The "Spa" area is a must! "Massage" itself is a luxury everyone should experience. The "Fitness center" is well worth a visit! And Atcham, the village, is lovely for walks. I was too busy relaxing!
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID-19 Edition (Because, you know… the world!)
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Okay, let's get serious for a second. The Mytton & Mermaid took COVID-19 seriously. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Individually-wrapped food options" were all there. I felt safe, even though my paranoia sometimes got the best of me! I noticed a lot of "Hand sanitizer" dispensers strategically placed.
Staff: Mostly Wonderful (and a Little Robotic?)
The staff were, for the most part, fantastic. Friendly, helpful, and always smiling. I had a few minor issues, but they were quickly resolved. They definitely follow the "Staff trained in safety protocol." I think the few issues had to do more of the inexperience. Otherwise, they were perfect.
The (Minor) Negatives: Come on, Nothing's Perfect!
Okay, so I'm getting down to brass tacks. No place is perfect, right? A few minor quibbles:
- The parking (I said it). It’s a bit of a challenge at times.
- Rooms Sanitization: I would have liked to know about "Room sanitization opt-out available" before my stay.
- A slight lack of personality here and there. The staff were helpful, but it felt a little… scripted at times.
The Verdict: Worth the Trip? Absolutely!
Yes, the Mytton & Mermaid is a winner. It's a beautiful hotel with a fantastic spa, delicious food, and generally wonderful service. It's perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxing break.
Final Thoughts:
Would I go back? Absolutely! The good vibes and utter relaxation outweigh any minor issues. Just maybe, next time, I'll utilize the valet parking and be a tiny bit more prepared! Overall, recommended!
P.S. Don't forget to explore Atcham! It's a lovely village. And yes, I did try the local ales. Research, people! Research!
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Alright, here's how I think a trip to the Mytton and Mermaid, Brunning and Price, Atcham, United Kingdom would actually go. Buckle up, buttercup… it's gonna be a ride!
My Unofficial, Highly Subjective Mytton & Mermaid Pilgrimage (and Potential Disaster)
Day 1: The Anticipation (and the Traffic Gods' Wrath)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Wake up, bleary-eyed and filled with the misplaced optimism that this trip will be different. I'll be organized! I'll pack light! I'll actually eat a proper breakfast besides lukewarm coffee and a stale biscuit. (Spoiler alert: all lies. I end up stuffing a leftover pizza slice in my bag instead of the "sensible" snacks I planned.)
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Great Departure. This is where the cracks start to show. Map out the route with the usual fanfare. Then, Google Maps decides to direct me on a detour through a cow pasture, which… isn't ideal. I'm pretty sure the cows were judging me. I was certainly judging the satnav.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Finally, civilization! Or, you know, a roadside petrol station with a questionable selection of sandwiches. Grab something to eat, and be sure to avoid any that don't look fresh.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Arrival! (Hopefully relatively un-traumatized.) First impressions of the Mytton and Mermaid are usually, "Wow, this place is stunning!" That feeling quickly gives way to the slightly frantic scramble to check in, unpack, and mentally assess the damage caused by the aforementioned cow field.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): A wander around the grounds, taking in the views. The river, the lush greenery… it's genuinely breathtaking. Note to self: Bring a good book. This is what I'm here for!
- Evening (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Time to get ready for dinner. I've booked a table for one, and I decide to dress nicely. This results in a minor existential crisis as I stand in front of the mirror debating between my "comfy but slightly crumpled" dress and my "too-fancy-for-just-dinner" dress.
- Dinner (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): The main event! The food is supposed to be amazing at the Mytton & Mermaid, and in my experience… usually IS! I order something I wouldn't normally get (duck confit, maybe?) and savour every bite. My reaction: Pure, unadulterated contentment. This is what life is all about. I may over-order a bottle of wine.
- Evening (8:00 PM - late): Post-dinner reflections. Head to the bar, hoping to find a cozy spot and read my book. Unfortunately, my book is still in the car (again, a reflection of my organizational prowess). Sip wine, people-watch, and probably end up chatting to a fellow solo traveler about the meaning of life. Or, you know, the weather.
Day 2: Diving Deep into the Experience
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast. This is where the inevitable "breakfast buffet" scenario unfolds. I'll pile my plate with a bit of everything and then regret it all two hours later. But it's worth it!
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Something that I should be doing but I'm not. A brisk walk along the river? Visit a local historic site? More likely, I'll spend the morning alternating between staring into space and catching on up on the news.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): A light lunch at the hotel, maybe a sandwich or a salad. I'll debate between the "healthy option" and the "what the hell, I'm on holiday" option. The latter usually wins.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): This is where I dive deep. The real payoff of the trip: The surroundings. A second walk around the grounds, but this time, really looking. The way the light hits the water, the subtle changes in the landscape… it's all part of the magic.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): More resting. Perhaps a quick tea at the hotel's lovely tea room. It is the epitome of relaxation.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The dreaded packing. Can I really fit everything back into the bag? Probably not. I'll end up stuffing clothes into random crevices and hoping for the best.
- Dinner (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): One last meal. Probably another great meal in the hotel. I will reflect. I'll probably try and memorize every detail. What did the cheese taste like? Did I eat well?
- Evening (8:00 PM onwards): One last drink to fully take in the vibe.
Day 3: Farewell, and the Post-Holiday Blues
- Morning (9:00 AM): The dreaded checkout. A swift goodbye. A quick glance back at the Mytton and Mermaid. Is it over already?
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The long journey home. Remember the cow pasture? Well, let's hope Google Maps shows some mercy this time.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): A final lunch on the road, maybe a sandwich.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Back to reality. Unpack the car to a mountain of laundry, and the feeling begins. The post-holiday blues hit hard, but, the memories will be worth it.
So there you have it. A highly unreliable, utterly chaotic, and hopefully somewhat entertaining account of my potential trip to the Mytton and Mermaid. It's all about embracing the imperfection, the spontaneity, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of a good getaway.
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Mytton & Mermaid: Atcham's Hidden Gem (Brunning & Price) - Let's Get Real About It
Is the Mytton & Mermaid REALLY a hidden gem? Because everyone *claims* to have one.
Okay, okay, let's address the elephant in the room: "hidden gem." It's the most overused phrase, right? But...listen, I *lived* in Atcham for a bit (long story, involved questionable life choices and a rogue allotment). And honestly? It *kinda* is. It's not like, you know, a secret portal to Narnia. More like... a really bloody *pleasant* surprise when you stumble upon it. It's tucked away, it’s got that old-world charm, and it’s got the whole Brunning & Price vibe down pat – which, if you're not familiar, generally means decent food, good beer, and roaring fires. (More on the fires later, because I’m obsessed.) Finding it after getting lost in the Shropshire backroads late on a drizzly afternoon? Pure gold.
What's the food actually *like* at this place? Because pub grub can be a crapshoot.
Right. The food. Here's the deal: it's *good*. It's reliably *good*. Don't expect Michelin-star wizardry. Do expect, say, a perfectly cooked steak, a hearty pie that doesn't taste like cardboard, or a Sunday roast that actually hits the spot. And the chips? God, the chips are proper chunky, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside chips. I've had a few "off" meals, sure. Once my fish was a *tad* overcooked, and another time the gravy tasted suspiciously... packet-like. But honestly? Those were minor blips in a sea of generally deliciousness. And look, I'm a tough critic. I once sent a plate back because a SINGLE mushroom was slightly undercooked (I'm *that* person). But I keep going back. That tells you something.
What's the atmosphere like? Is it all stuffy and old-man-in-a-tweed-jacket, or friendly and… you know… *civilized*?
The atmosphere is... warm. And I mean that both literally and figuratively, especially in winter with those glorious fireplaces (I'm not kidding, I could spend DAYS just staring into those flames!). It's definitely leans towards "relaxed sophistication" rather than "raucous pub brawl." Think crackling fires, comfy armchairs, and the gentle murmur of conversation. Yes, there are tweed jackets. There are also jeans and muddy boots. There's even the odd screaming toddler (inevitably, it's when *I'm* trying to enjoy a quiet pint). It’s mostly civilized, but not in a snooty way, more in a "we like nice things and we like to be comfortable" kind of way. I've seen everything from couples on dates to families celebrating birthdays to a lone guy reading a book by the fire (jealous!). It’s the kind of place you could bring your grandmother and *also* your slightly-rebellious cousin.
The outside bits? Is the garden any good?
Yes. The gardens! The gardens are lovely. Especially in the summer. They're sprawling, with multiple levels, and plenty of spots to find sunshine (or shade, if you're smart). They've got a little river running past (the Severn, I think?), and it's honestly a very pretty scene. I've had some fantastic lunches out there, and even a couple of memorable evenings. Be warned, though: the popularity of *that* garden means you'll *need* to book ahead. I learned that the hard way. Once, I ended up on a cold concrete bench in the carpark, staring longingly at the happy people with iced coffees and the sun beating down on them while I ate my sandwich. Don't be like me. Book.
What about the service? Is it friendly? Do they actually *care*? (Or is it the usual bland, robotic pub experience?)
Okay, the service... This is where it gets a little messy. Generally? Yes, it's friendly. They're usually super accommodating. I've had some lovely servers that actually seemed happy to be there, and who made an effort to chat and make recommendations. BUT... there have been times. Oh, yes, there have been times. The busy times. The weekend lunch rushes. The service can occasionally be, shall we say, a *bit* stretched. I've waited a *very* long time for a drink more than once. And there was that one time when my food arrived, but my friend’s didn’t. And we sat for ages, and I felt like a terrible person eating while he waited, and it was awkward and... well, service is not *always* perfect. But I always put it down to being busy. And I always go back. Because the good outweighs the bad. Just... be patient. And maybe order a bread basket while you wait. You won't regret it.
Is it expensive? Is it a "special occasion" place, or can you just pop in for a casual bite?
It's not cheap. Let's be real. It’s Brunning and Price. They’re not exactly trying to compete with Wetherspoons. You're looking at prices that are a notch above your average pub. But I wouldn't call it a "special occasion" *only* place. You *could* just pop in for a casual bite, especially if you're flexible with your budget. Lunch tends to be more affordable than dinner. And if you're just after a drink and a snack, that’s certainly doable. I regularly get a glass of wine and some crisps for a good time - I’m a simple gal. But yes, a full three-course meal with wine for two? Prepare for a bill that might make you wince slightly. But hey, treat yourself, right? Especially after surviving a particularly stressful week (which, let’s be honest, is most weeks).
So, *overall*, is the Mytton & Mermaid worth the hype (and the potential cost)?
Okay, the big, important question. The honest answer? Yes. Absolutely, *yes*. It's not perfect. The service can wobble, it's not the cheapest place in the world. But the atmosphere is genuinely lovely, the food is consistently good, and it’s got *that* certain something. The charm, the fire, the feeling of… escape. Even on a bad day, it's a pretty good place to be. And when it's good? It's *really* good. I’d recommend it. And if you go, definitely find a seat near a fire. You won't regret it. Just... book ahead. Seriously. And tell them I sentHospitality Trails
