Dog & Doublet Inn: Sandon's BEST Kept Secret (Unbelievable!)
Dog & Doublet Inn: Sandon's Best Kept Secret (Seriously, Unbelievable!) - A Truly Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on a place that's been whispering secrets to the Staffordshire countryside for who knows how long. The Dog & Doublet Inn in Sandon – and let me tell you, "best kept secret" doesn't even begin to cover it. This place is… well, it's something. And I mean that in the best possible way.
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- Keywords: Dog & Doublet Inn, Sandon, Staffordshire, Hotel Review, Spa Hotel, Restaurant, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Best Hotels Staffordshire, Dog Friendly, Romantic Getaway, Family Friendly, Spa Break, Dog & Doublet Inn Review, Weekend Getaway
- Meta Description: Honest, in-depth review of the Dog & Doublet Inn in Sandon, Staffordshire. Discover its charm, accessibility, amenities (including spa, dining, and free Wi-Fi!), and what makes this hotel a truly unforgettable experience.
(Rambling & Raving Commences)
Right, so first off, the journey in itself is part of the magic. You're winding through these ridiculously picturesque country lanes, the kind that make you want to open the windows and just breathe. Then, boom! You see the Dog & Doublet. And you know what? The exterior is charming, don't get me wrong. Think quintessential English pub meets cozy country inn. But the magic… that’s inside.
(Accessibility – A Real Plus!)
Look, I'm not a mobility expert. But I do know that accessibility is crucial. The Dog & Doublet seems to have actually thought about this. They have elevator access. Seriously, a bonus point right there! They also have facilities for disabled guests, which is a massive, massive win. I even noticed wheelchair accessible areas. This is a big deal, folks! You can tell they actually care which is a rarity.
(The Rooms – Oh, the Rooms!)
Okay, my room… oh, my ROOM. Remember those magazine spreads of "rustic chic" that you secretly drool over? Yeah, that's the vibe. It was so ridiculously lovely. And clean - a testament to the daily housekeeping and rooms sanitized between stays. There's a closet bursting with space and bathrobes that practically begged to be worn. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver because I, for one, like to sleep in. Soundproof rooms are a godsend. I'm not even sure I heard the sheep bleating outside, which is frankly amazing. They also had an in-room safe box, which is always reassuring. I was also pleased with the free wi-fi and the fact they have internet access - LAN. I have a strange affection for LAN access.
(The Spa – My Personal Heaven (with a minor hiccup))
Right, the spa. This is where the Dog & Doublet truly shines. And let me tell you, I almost didn't make it up there. Why? Well, there were some stairs… (a minor inconvenience for some, but for me, it was an excuse to complain, which is a skill). But GOOD LORD. Pool with view, sauna, steamroom, jacuzzi, the whole shebang. The massage was the most heavenly experience I’ve had in… well, a while. I opted for the body wrap (don't judge!), and it was bliss. I emerged feeling like a new woman. Seriously, the spa/sauna experience alone is worth the trip. They even have those little spa slippers (that I may have accidentally kept).
Now, I will admit, I had a slight hiccup. They offered a foot bath, but the receptionist forgot to put me on the list and, well, I felt like a total buffoon. But, it was no biggie.
(Dining – Food, Glorious Food!)
This is where things get REALLY interesting. There are restaurants. Plural! The a la carte in the restaurant was superb. And the staff, they were ready to prepare alternative meal arrangements. I sampled the soup in restaurant, the salad in restaurant, and, well, pretty much everything in the buffet in restaurant (I’m a buffet fiend, sue me!). The coffee/tea in the restaurant was excellent. And let me tell you, the desserts in restaurant… oh, the desserts. They even had an Asian cuisine in the restaurant. Everything was cooked to a high standard, and the atmosphere was just perfect. They had a bar that was also great, with a fabulous range of drinks. And I never miss happy hour.
(Cleanliness & Safety – A Modern Necessity)
This place is SPOTLESS. I mean, REALLY. The anti-viral cleaning products were noticeable. Everywhere you looked there was hand sanitizer, which felt like a godsend, especially those days where a simple sneeze sends everyone running for cover. The daily disinfection in common areas and rooms sanitized between stays were clear. They have staff trained in safety protocol too. And the safe dining setup was well-managed.
(Services & Conveniences – Making Life Easier)
They have EVERYTHING. Concierge, dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage… you name it. Even a gift/souvenir shop. I did not need these things, yet, they reassured me. The people there also provided room service [24-hour]!
(Getting Around & Facilities)
Car park [free of charge], a great bonus! They also showed car park [on-site]. And I can imagine the airport transfer is useful for some people.
(For the Kids – They Had Their Own Mini-Empire!)
They had babysitting service if you need it. They were also family/child friendly.
(The "Unbelievable" Part)
Okay, so why "unbelievable"? Because it’s how it makes you feel. It's the perfectly imperfect mix of luxury and comfort. It's the staff who actually care and make you feel like you’re the only guest in the universe, even though they are running a FULL HOUSE! It's the little details: the perfectly placed mirror, the complimentary tea and coffee, the slippers, the fresh flowers. It's the fact that you can completely switch off, recharge, and forget about the real world for a while. It's… well, it's truly special.
(The Imperfections – Because Nothing is Perfect)
Look, it's not perfect. Maybe the decor isn't exactly cutting-edge (a little bit dated, but that's part of the charm, right?). And as I mentioned earlier, I forgot the foot bath list. But those are minor quibbles. This place is just… wonderful.
(Final Verdict – Go. Now.)
If you're looking for a relaxing escape that's both charming, accessible, and offers top-notch amenities, RUN, don't walk, to the Dog & Doublet Inn. It's Sandon's best-kept secret, and trust me, it's worth shouting about from the rooftops (or at least, from this review!). You might even accidentally keep a pair of slippers. Shhh!
KL's BEST Family Suite? This Dual-Key Gem Will SHOCK You!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a weekend at The Dog and Doublet Inn in Sandon, and let me tell you, it ain't gonna be all perfectly curated Instagram shots and perfectly timed pub quizzes. This is real life, folks, and real life is messy, hilarious, and occasionally, a bit of a disaster.
ITINERARY: A Weekend of Dog & Doublet-ness (and Probable Hangover)
FRIDAY: "Arrival, Anxiety, and the Pursuit of a Decent Pint"
15:00 (ish) - Arrival & Initial Panic: Okay, so getting to Sandon was already a saga. The train was delayed, I spilled coffee everywhere (thank God for my travel-sized stain remover!), and I'm pretty sure I saw a hawk give me the side-eye. Finally, we stumble (and I mean stumble, thanks to a rogue cobblestone) through the door of The Dog and Doublet. First impression? Cozy. Like a hug. My immediate emotional reaction? Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief. The room? It's small, charming, and features a rather disconcerting painting of a spaniel in a top hat. I'm intrigued. And slightly unnerved.
16:00 - The Pub Reconnaissance Mission: Time to hit the pub downstairs. I've read reviews. I've seen the photos. Now it's time for the real deal. The aroma of ale and woodsmoke already fills the air. Score! I order a local bitter, and it's… heavenly. Honestly, I almost cried. After a particularly stressful week, this pint is the liquid equivalent of a warm blanket. We find a table by the fireplace, settle in, and I immediately start people-watching. Observe: a group of elderly gentlemen engaged in a fiercely competitive game of dominoes, a couple sharing a truly enormous plate of something fried and delicious, and a sheepdog who seems to be the undisputed king of the establishment.
18:00 - Dinner Time Disaster (or Deliciousness, Depends on Your Perspective): The menu looks proper pub grub: Scampi, steak, and all the usual suspects. We order the fish and chips and the pie. The pie? Spectacular! Flaky crust, tender filling, gravy to die for. Pure comfort food bliss. The fish and chips? Well… let's just say it had a slightly fishy aftertaste. But who cares? The atmosphere is perfect, the beer is flowing, and I'm surrounded by good company. Maybe the fish was just a bit overcooked. I refuse to let it ruin my good mood.
20:00 - Pub Quiz Night! (Or, The Humiliation of a Low IQ): Oh, god. They're having a pub quiz. We're terrible. Utterly, hilariously terrible. We miss almost every question. I swear, half the questions were about obscure Staffordshire history. I got one right though, the one about the biggest duck, but I can't remember what.
22:00 - Bed, Glorious Bed: After a few more pints (and a fair amount of laughter at our quiz performance), we crash. The dog-in-hat painting stares down at me, and I drift off into a blissful, beer-induced sleep.
SATURDAY: "Market Day, Melancholy, and the Sudden Realization I Need More Biscuits"
09:00 - The Hangover, and the Pursuit of Caffeine: Oh dear God. I wake up. Bright and early. The room spins. My head feels like it's hosting a drum circle. I stumble downstairs, desperate for coffee and, perhaps, a plate of bacon.
10:00 - Market Day & a Spot of Retail Therapy: Sandon's market! Fresh produce, trinkets, and the tantalizing aroma of baking bread. I manage to drag myself around, feeling slightly green. I buy a ludicrously large loaf of sourdough. I also, impulsively, purchase a ceramic cat figurine. Don't judge me. Hangover shopping is real.
12:00 - The Local Church & A Moment of Stillness: We pay a visit to the local Church. It's quiet, peaceful, and the stained glass is stunning. I find myself lost in reflection. Life is busy, chaotic, and can feel incredibly overwhelming sometimes. Here, though, surrounded by history and serenity, I find a small sanctuary.
13:00 - A Very Messy Lunch: I was going for a nice sandwich in a cafe on the high street, but I got lost. I gave up and I ate a packet of crisps.
14:00 - The Walk (and The Unexpected Emotional Breakdown): We decide to go for a walk in the countryside. Fresh air, beautiful views… It’s meant to be idyllic. And for a moment, it is. Then, for no apparent reason, I start feeling… sad. Really, REALLY sad. Tears well up, and I'm fighting to keep it together. I have no idea where it's coming from. Maybe it’s the hangover, maybe it's the stress of the past few weeks, maybe it's the fact that I haven't eaten enough biscuits. But there it is. A tidal wave of emotion washing over me. I pull myself together quickly.
16:30 - Back to The Dog & Doublet (and a Flurry of Apologies): I apologize to my companion for the sudden drama. They are understanding. We seek comfort in a nice cup of tea and another pint of that glorious local bitter.
18:00 - Pre-Dinner Drinks & Deep Conversations: Back at the pub, we share another pint and get into a deep conversation about life, love, and the existential dread of the world. The pub is busy with locals. The air is alive with laughter and conversation.
20:00 - Dinner Part Deux & The Great Gravy Debate: Another dinner at the Dog and Doublet. This time, I order the steak (medium-rare, please!). The steak is cooked to perfection! Gravy is the topic of discussion. Is it a classic or a monstrosity? My companion sides with classic. I side with monstrosity.
22:00 - The Dog & Doublet's Special Blend of Chaos: There's live music tonight. A proper, proper knees-up. The band's… energetic. Let's leave it at that. I'm swaying. I'm laughing. I'm probably singing off-key. This is what living is all about, right?
SUNDAY: "Departure, Regret, and the Vow to Return"
09:00 - The Final Hangover, and the Desperate Search for a Full English: Sunday morning, and the drum circle in my head has turned into a full-blown rave. I NEED food. The Full English is a lifesaver.
10:00 - A Brief Stroll & Goodbye Hugs: We take one last stroll around Sandon. It's even more charming in the morning light. We say goodbye to the spaniel in a top hat and the staff, feeling a pang of… something. Sadness? Nostalgia? A deep-seated fear of returning to the "real" world? Probably all of the above.
11:00 - The Departure: The train. The journey home. I look back one last time at The Dog and Doublet. I’m already planning my return. I need to get the gravy recipe. And more of that beer. Mostly that beer.
13:00 - The Realization: Real life resumes. The laundry piles up. The emails flood in. But somewhere, deep down, I'm still wearing a smile. A smile born of good company, a proper pie, and a weekend of glorious, messy imperfection.
Is the Dog & Doublet REALLY Sandon's "Best Kept Secret"? I mean, *really*?
Oh. My. God. YES. Look, I've lived around here long enough to know the difference between hype and the real deal. And the Dog & Doublet? It's the *real* deal. It’s hidden away, unassuming… and that's part of its bloody charm! Seriously, it’s not the sort of place you stumble upon. You've GOT to know it's there, and that, my friends, is the secret sauce. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think (sometimes a dangerous thing, but hey, we are all messed up, right?) and that's worth its weight in gold.
What's the food like? Because "pub grub" can mean so many things…
Okay, let's talk about food. This is where things get… well, *varied*. Sometimes it's absolutely *stellar*. Their steak nights? Forget about it. Melt-in-your-mouth, perfectly cooked. Other times… let's just say there's been a few times I’ve wished I’d packed a bag of crisps. *shrugs* Look, it's pub grub, and it's honest pub grub. Don't expect Michelin star perfection every time. BUT the good times? Oh, the good times more than make up for it. When they get it right, they *really* get it right. Try the fish and chips, its bloody delicious.
Is it dog-friendly? Because I NEED to know. My labradoodle is basically my emotional support animal.
YES! Dog-friendly as all hell! My friends, this is serious. The Dog & Doublet is basically a canine paradise. Water bowls everywhere, treats occasionally… it’s a proper pub for dogs. The dogs *love* it. And the staff? They adore the dogs. Seriously, it feels like a proper community. My friend brought her tiny dog there, and the staff were so lovely, it was a tear-jerker. It’s the heart of the place. It's fantastic. Bonus points: you can often find a dog or two curled up by the fire. (Again, watch those crisp crumbs!)
I've heard the beer garden is amazing. Spill the tea!
The beer garden… oh, the beer garden. This is where the magic REALLY happens. Imagine this: a sunny afternoon, a pint in hand, surrounded by greenery. It's bliss. Total, utter bliss. Okay, I’ve got to be honest, sometimes the tables aren't perfect, but hey, it adds to the charm, right? And sometimes the wasps… *shudders*. But honestly, they’re pretty rare. It's truly a lovely space, and it’s perfect for a chilled weekend. It's a little bit of heaven on a sunny day. Be prepared to stay a while. This place sucks you in.
What are the staff like? Are they friendly? Because nothing kills a vibe faster than grumpy service.
The staff? Honestly, they're… well, they're *characters*. Some of them are legendary, honestly. There's a bit of a turnover, but the regulars are almost always brilliant – friendly, chatty, and always up for a laugh. They're the kind of people who remember your name, your usual order, and which dog is yours. Occasionally there's a bit of a wait – the place gets rammed on weekends – but the atmosphere is so good, you honestly don't mind. I would wait forever for one of those pints.
Okay, spill the beans: What's the worst thing about the Dog & Doublet? Be HONEST!
Alright, alright, let's get real. The worst thing? Parking. Seriously. It's a nightmare. It’s limited, and on a busy day, you’ll be circling for a while. I've had to park a mile away before, and it's not fun in wellies, I can tell you. Also, as previously mentioned, sometimes the consistency of the food can be a bit… unpredictable. But honestly, the good so *massively* outweighs the bad. The atmosphere, the drinks, the dogs… it's all worth the parking pain. Just… arrive early. Or take a taxi. And a spare pair of shoes. Because you'll be there all night. You just will.
I heard there's a quiz night. Is it any good? And is it competitive? Because I'm REALLY competitive…
THE QUIZ NIGHT. Oh, god. It's legendary. It's fantastic. And yes, it's competitive. Expect a raucous, rowdy, and thoroughly enjoyable evening. The questions are a good mix of silly and serious. I’ve seen some seriously cutthroat teams (and some seriously dodgy answers). Expect arguments, celebrations, and generally, a lot of laughter. And if you win? BRAGGING RIGHTS, BABY! And probably discounted drinks. Go on, go and take it all in, you won't regret it.
Is it worth it? Should *I* go?
Look, if you want a sterile, predictable, chain-pub experience, then *definitely* don't go. If you want a place brimming with character, with a banging atmosphere, great beers, and the chance of a genuinely lovely evening, then… GO. GO NOW! Seriously, it's worth the trip, it's worth the gamble on the food (even if you pack a snack, just in case!), and it's worth the parking stress. Just be prepared to fall in love. Because you probably will. This place grows on you… big time. And you'll leave planning your next visit before you've even finished your pint. I guarantee it.
