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 Customer Reviews
You never need to eat a bad pub meal again!!, 25 Aug 2008
If you're fed up with handing over your hard earned cash at the end of a very average or indeed exceptionally poor meal this is the book for you. Sawday's Pubs and Inns lets you eat out in confidence. This very selective guide brings to you the very best Pubs and Inns that England has to offer.
As with all of Sawday's guides this is a pleasure to sit down a have a good read through. Your mouth begins to tingle, then salivate and before you know it you're chewing on an imaginary main-course. It is an extremely well written guide, illustrated throughout, and the maps give an excellent overview of where these gems can be found.
If eating out is important to you this should be the number one guide sitting on your bookshelf. It's always up-to-date so you don't suffer from the excellent pubs that have changed hands and are now less Raymond Blanc and more Ronald MacDonald.
All the Pubs that we've visited have excellent character alongside quality food, superbly cooked and a great selection of beers and wines. It's unlikely that you'll find your local in the guide, as only the very best are featured, but if you do consider yourself very very fortunate!
Don't leave home without it, 29 May 2008
Well Alistair Sawday has done it again, this book uncovers all the gems that you would not find on your own, each and every time we visit one of the recommendations we are not disappointed, from spit and sawdust pubs to gastro pubs this book covers them all. The layout is really easy to use and if you enjoy a good pint, great food and adventure then this is the book for you, it knocks spots off all others.
Another winner from Sawdays, 17 May 2008
This book makes an excellent companion to any of the accommodation books. An extra bonus is to be able to use it close to home to explore inns and pubs that offer really good quality food in a place that has been carefully and thoughtfully reviewed. The descriptions are full and the photographs give a good idea of what to expect. Sawdays publications are always good value, and this is no exception. Thanks to Alastair and company!
So many pubs, so little time!, 13 May 2008
I discovered Alastair Sawday's guides five years ago and have been a fan of them ever since and they are always my first choice when finding great places to stay. This guide to Pubs and Inns of England and Wales is written in the same chatty style as the hotel guides but also includes practical information such as directions, opening and closing times and costs of meals. The descriptions of the pubs make each one sound enticing, I've already been to several and can vouch for the accuracy of those entries and I can't wait to try out more of the recommendations.
Really Special, 07 May 2008
We have been fans of the stylish Alstair Sawday Special Places guides since first buying "Special Places to Stay in Ireland "10 years ago. We have just christened the 5th Edition of "Special Places to Stay - Pubs and Inns of England and Wales" with a visit to 2 of their entries - tough work but someone has to do it!
The book is beautifully presented with appealing photographs and interesting background information on all entries plus all the essentials such as opening times, directions etc.
Serious drinkers shouldn't be put off by the sometimes rather flowery prose and ofcourse everyone's idea of what is "Special" can differ. One person's "Quaint" is another person's "Really Odd" and "Charming" to one can be "Twee" to another but I defy anyone who uses this guide regularly not to build up a treasure-trove of personal favourites!
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Customer Reviews
You never need to eat a bad pub meal again!!, 25 Aug 2008
If you're fed up with handing over your hard earned cash at the end of a very average or indeed exceptionally poor meal this is the book for you. Sawday's Pubs and Inns lets you eat out in confidence. This very selective guide brings to you the very best Pubs and Inns that England has to offer.
As with all of Sawday's guides this is a pleasure to sit down a have a good read through. Your mouth begins to tingle, then salivate and before you know it you're chewing on an imaginary main-course. It is an extremely well written guide, illustrated throughout, and the maps give an excellent overview of where these gems can be found.
If eating out is important to you this should be the number one guide sitting on your bookshelf. It's always up-to-date so you don't suffer from the excellent pubs that have changed hands and are now less Raymond Blanc and more Ronald MacDonald.
All the Pubs that we've visited have excellent character alongside quality food, superbly cooked and a great selection of beers and wines. It's unlikely that you'll find your local in the guide, as only the very best are featured, but if you do consider yourself very very fortunate!
Don't leave home without it, 29 May 2008
Well Alistair Sawday has done it again, this book uncovers all the gems that you would not find on your own, each and every time we visit one of the recommendations we are not disappointed, from spit and sawdust pubs to gastro pubs this book covers them all. The layout is really easy to use and if you enjoy a good pint, great food and adventure then this is the book for you, it knocks spots off all others.
Another winner from Sawdays, 17 May 2008
This book makes an excellent companion to any of the accommodation books. An extra bonus is to be able to use it close to home to explore inns and pubs that offer really good quality food in a place that has been carefully and thoughtfully reviewed. The descriptions are full and the photographs give a good idea of what to expect. Sawdays publications are always good value, and this is no exception. Thanks to Alastair and company!
So many pubs, so little time!, 13 May 2008
I discovered Alastair Sawday's guides five years ago and have been a fan of them ever since and they are always my first choice when finding great places to stay. This guide to Pubs and Inns of England and Wales is written in the same chatty style as the hotel guides but also includes practical information such as directions, opening and closing times and costs of meals. The descriptions of the pubs make each one sound enticing, I've already been to several and can vouch for the accuracy of those entries and I can't wait to try out more of the recommendations.
Really Special, 07 May 2008
We have been fans of the stylish Alstair Sawday Special Places guides since first buying "Special Places to Stay in Ireland "10 years ago. We have just christened the 5th Edition of "Special Places to Stay - Pubs and Inns of England and Wales" with a visit to 2 of their entries - tough work but someone has to do it!
The book is beautifully presented with appealing photographs and interesting background information on all entries plus all the essentials such as opening times, directions etc.
Serious drinkers shouldn't be put off by the sometimes rather flowery prose and ofcourse everyone's idea of what is "Special" can differ. One person's "Quaint" is another person's "Really Odd" and "Charming" to one can be "Twee" to another but I defy anyone who uses this guide regularly not to build up a treasure-trove of personal favourites!
Saving money and time with Sawdays, 22 Sep 2008
How? Because when you buy this latest edition of British Bed & Breakfast (from the unbeatable 'Special Places to Stay' range), you will never be left with the nagging doubt that you should have chosen somewhere else to stay for those precious nights away. Its 684 entries cover England, Scotland and Wales and offer a vast choice, many of which would beat a four star hotel when it comes to standard of accommodation and food.
I speak from experience!
Aside from a colour picture and an inviting description with facilities guide of each place, the book itself offers various quick and useful reference indices.
One more feature to highlight is the 'ethical collection' where owners have had to complete a questionnaire which is then rigorously assessed by Sawdays staff before being a place is indicated as belonging to this group. You can even look up some of the questionnaire responses on the Sawdays web page.
Since I discovered Sawdays, I have never regretted the choice of B&B made from the guides; that's really worth something.
Don't leave home without Alastair Sawday, 21 Sep 2008
Alastair Sawdays Special Places to Stay British Bed and Breakfast 2008.Don't leave home without it! Do your homework before planning a trip by sitting down with this marvellous book, packed with information, photographs, discriptions of wonderful places to stay, to suit all tastes and pockets. I use it at least 10 x times a year, recently stayed in Hampshire, Gloustershire and Lincolnshire. I can only say that all were absolutely perfect, and were exactly as mentioned in British Bed and Breakfast and better! Two of the Bed and Breakfasts were even better than a UK 5* Hotel, the personal touches, i.e. arranging taxis, restaurants to dine at, washing up our own picnic clutter by our hosts!........the list goes on. This book is worth every penny. Buy it.
Thomas Bates 21st September 2008
Super Sawday, 17 Sep 2008
Not just any run-of-the-mill guide to B and Bs but an inspiring treasure-trove of gorgeous places to stay with something to suit everyone who's looking for something special; if it's a miles from anywhere hideaway you want, they've found it. If you want sophisticated design and luxury extras there's plenty for you too! All the entries are written with such infectious enthusiasm you'll want to pack your bags for your next great trip straight away!
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Customer Reviews
You never need to eat a bad pub meal again!!, 25 Aug 2008
If you're fed up with handing over your hard earned cash at the end of a very average or indeed exceptionally poor meal this is the book for you. Sawday's Pubs and Inns lets you eat out in confidence. This very selective guide brings to you the very best Pubs and Inns that England has to offer.
As with all of Sawday's guides this is a pleasure to sit down a have a good read through. Your mouth begins to tingle, then salivate and before you know it you're chewing on an imaginary main-course. It is an extremely well written guide, illustrated throughout, and the maps give an excellent overview of where these gems can be found.
If eating out is important to you this should be the number one guide sitting on your bookshelf. It's always up-to-date so you don't suffer from the excellent pubs that have changed hands and are now less Raymond Blanc and more Ronald MacDonald.
All the Pubs that we've visited have excellent character alongside quality food, superbly cooked and a great selection of beers and wines. It's unlikely that you'll find your local in the guide, as only the very best are featured, but if you do consider yourself very very fortunate!
Don't leave home without it, 29 May 2008
Well Alistair Sawday has done it again, this book uncovers all the gems that you would not find on your own, each and every time we visit one of the recommendations we are not disappointed, from spit and sawdust pubs to gastro pubs this book covers them all. The layout is really easy to use and if you enjoy a good pint, great food and adventure then this is the book for you, it knocks spots off all others.
Another winner from Sawdays, 17 May 2008
This book makes an excellent companion to any of the accommodation books. An extra bonus is to be able to use it close to home to explore inns and pubs that offer really good quality food in a place that has been carefully and thoughtfully reviewed. The descriptions are full and the photographs give a good idea of what to expect. Sawdays publications are always good value, and this is no exception. Thanks to Alastair and company!
So many pubs, so little time!, 13 May 2008
I discovered Alastair Sawday's guides five years ago and have been a fan of them ever since and they are always my first choice when finding great places to stay. This guide to Pubs and Inns of England and Wales is written in the same chatty style as the hotel guides but also includes practical information such as directions, opening and closing times and costs of meals. The descriptions of the pubs make each one sound enticing, I've already been to several and can vouch for the accuracy of those entries and I can't wait to try out more of the recommendations.
Really Special, 07 May 2008
We have been fans of the stylish Alstair Sawday Special Places guides since first buying "Special Places to Stay in Ireland "10 years ago. We have just christened the 5th Edition of "Special Places to Stay - Pubs and Inns of England and Wales" with a visit to 2 of their entries - tough work but someone has to do it!
The book is beautifully presented with appealing photographs and interesting background information on all entries plus all the essentials such as opening times, directions etc.
Serious drinkers shouldn't be put off by the sometimes rather flowery prose and ofcourse everyone's idea of what is "Special" can differ. One person's "Quaint" is another person's "Really Odd" and "Charming" to one can be "Twee" to another but I defy anyone who uses this guide regularly not to build up a treasure-trove of personal favourites!
Saving money and time with Sawdays, 22 Sep 2008
How? Because when you buy this latest edition of British Bed & Breakfast (from the unbeatable 'Special Places to Stay' range), you will never be left with the nagging doubt that you should have chosen somewhere else to stay for those precious nights away. Its 684 entries cover England, Scotland and Wales and offer a vast choice, many of which would beat a four star hotel when it comes to standard of accommodation and food.
I speak from experience!
Aside from a colour picture and an inviting description with facilities guide of each place, the book itself offers various quick and useful reference indices.
One more feature to highlight is the 'ethical collection' where owners have had to complete a questionnaire which is then rigorously assessed by Sawdays staff before being a place is indicated as belonging to this group. You can even look up some of the questionnaire responses on the Sawdays web page.
Since I discovered Sawdays, I have never regretted the choice of B&B made from the guides; that's really worth something.
Don't leave home without Alastair Sawday, 21 Sep 2008
Alastair Sawdays Special Places to Stay British Bed and Breakfast 2008.Don't leave home without it! Do your homework before planning a trip by sitting down with this marvellous book, packed with information, photographs, discriptions of wonderful places to stay, to suit all tastes and pockets. I use it at least 10 x times a year, recently stayed in Hampshire, Gloustershire and Lincolnshire. I can only say that all were absolutely perfect, and were exactly as mentioned in British Bed and Breakfast and better! Two of the Bed and Breakfasts were even better than a UK 5* Hotel, the personal touches, i.e. arranging taxis, restaurants to dine at, washing up our own picnic clutter by our hosts!........the list goes on. This book is worth every penny. Buy it.
Thomas Bates 21st September 2008
Super Sawday, 17 Sep 2008
Not just any run-of-the-mill guide to B and Bs but an inspiring treasure-trove of gorgeous places to stay with something to suit everyone who's looking for something special; if it's a miles from anywhere hideaway you want, they've found it. If you want sophisticated design and luxury extras there's plenty for you too! All the entries are written with such infectious enthusiasm you'll want to pack your bags for your next great trip straight away!
Fabulous!, 10 Oct 2007
This Alastair Sawday book is absolutely fabulous. Mya husband and I never use anyone other than 'Sawdays'. You will never be disappointed and the accommodation you will never fault. It really is a super book and well worth a buy.
Stay WITH the French, 10 Oct 2007
This book allowed us to travel through France safe in the knowledge that a "friend" had recommended good places to stay.
We wanted to find places where we could travel for several hours and find a place for an overnight stay where we could also eat rather than jump in the car again and seek out a restaurant. We found some real gems and even came home with some now trusty recipe's (Mme Poope's chicken in cider is delicious!).
If the other guides are anything like this I will certainly ensure that I have one to hand when I travel through other countries.
Indispensable guide for Francophile, 12 Dec 2006
I strongly recommend you take this guide with you if you are planning to tour France.
We have enjoyed travelling in France for many years and have used different guides to find small privately owned and family managed hotels and auberges, often in out of the way places. Others we have chanced upon in our travels.
However, Alastair Sawday's French Bed & Breakfast has introduced us to some delightful bed and breakfast establishments, which of course are not to be found in any hotel guide. We were not aware that bed & breakfast is such an established part of French culture and it has been delightful to be effectively invited into French homes. In some dinner is also offered with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed meal - almost as part of the family, and usually with wine!
I will mention only two of the entries, which we have liked so much that we visited them both twice in 2006 and which we plan to stay at again next year. They both have the further distinction of being attached to vineyards - another reason to return to them!
Entry number 67 is a delightful old house in the champagne area run by the English wife of the French champagne maker. The room we stayed in was very comfortable with a large comfortable bed, not always available in France, with armchairs and a large bathroom. It is then lovely to sit outside on the terrace enjoying an excellent dinner - with champagne and good Bordeaux wine!
Entry number 85 is also a delightful old house, but in Alsace run by the fluent English speaking wife of the French winemaker. It is in a beautiful old walled town with a good choice of restaurants within walking distance. As a nice welcome you are offered a glass of wine (or two!) on arrival! The rooms are a little old fashioned. but the owner has promised that over the winter she is planning to build new en suite shower/toilets - to enable her to remain in the Alastair Sawday guide! We will be back in 2007.
We plan to use the guide again next year in France, with trips planned to explore Alsace further and also to south west France, where Alastair Sawday lists a number of interesting looking overnight stops and bed & breakfast places to try!
Classic French homes from home, 06 Dec 2006
I can't speak highly enough of this great new guide!
This latest edition brings together the finest bed and breakfasts that France has to offer. Just leafing through the guide is inspiring! Each of the seven hundred homes gets a decent sized write up and because this is a Sawday guide you know that wherever you stay will be really special. Definitely recommend it and all the Sawday titles!
Special Places for a special treat, 28 Nov 2006
A new Special Places from Alastair Sawday is always a special treat to read and to savour the anticipation of Special Places to Stay. This new edition is fully refreshed with new discoveries plus old favourites and has a green/eco tinge, consistent with Sawday's beliefs. Great to hear that his company has won a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category.
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Customer Reviews
You never need to eat a bad pub meal again!!, 25 Aug 2008
If you're fed up with handing over your hard earned cash at the end of a very average or indeed exceptionally poor meal this is the book for you. Sawday's Pubs and Inns lets you eat out in confidence. This very selective guide brings to you the very best Pubs and Inns that England has to offer.
As with all of Sawday's guides this is a pleasure to sit down a have a good read through. Your mouth begins to tingle, then salivate and before you know it you're chewing on an imaginary main-course. It is an extremely well written guide, illustrated throughout, and the maps give an excellent overview of where these gems can be found.
If eating out is important to you this should be the number one guide sitting on your bookshelf. It's always up-to-date so you don't suffer from the excellent pubs that have changed hands and are now less Raymond Blanc and more Ronald MacDonald.
All the Pubs that we've visited have excellent character alongside quality food, superbly cooked and a great selection of beers and wines. It's unlikely that you'll find your local in the guide, as only the very best are featured, but if you do consider yourself very very fortunate!
Don't leave home without it, 29 May 2008
Well Alistair Sawday has done it again, this book uncovers all the gems that you would not find on your own, each and every time we visit one of the recommendations we are not disappointed, from spit and sawdust pubs to gastro pubs this book covers them all. The layout is really easy to use and if you enjoy a good pint, great food and adventure then this is the book for you, it knocks spots off all others.
Another winner from Sawdays, 17 May 2008
This book makes an excellent companion to any of the accommodation books. An extra bonus is to be able to use it close to home to explore inns and pubs that offer really good quality food in a place that has been carefully and thoughtfully reviewed. The descriptions are full and the photographs give a good idea of what to expect. Sawdays publications are always good value, and this is no exception. Thanks to Alastair and company!
So many pubs, so little time!, 13 May 2008
I discovered Alastair Sawday's guides five years ago and have been a fan of them ever since and they are always my first choice when finding great places to stay. This guide to Pubs and Inns of England and Wales is written in the same chatty style as the hotel guides but also includes practical information such as directions, opening and closing times and costs of meals. The descriptions of the pubs make each one sound enticing, I've already been to several and can vouch for the accuracy of those entries and I can't wait to try out more of the recommendations.
Really Special, 07 May 2008
We have been fans of the stylish Alstair Sawday Special Places guides since first buying "Special Places to Stay in Ireland "10 years ago. We have just christened the 5th Edition of "Special Places to Stay - Pubs and Inns of England and Wales" with a visit to 2 of their entries - tough work but someone has to do it!
The book is beautifully presented with appealing photographs and interesting background information on all entries plus all the essentials such as opening times, directions etc.
Serious drinkers shouldn't be put off by the sometimes rather flowery prose and ofcourse everyone's idea of what is "Special" can differ. One person's "Quaint" is another person's "Really Odd" and "Charming" to one can be "Twee" to another but I defy anyone who uses this guide regularly not to build up a treasure-trove of personal favourites!
Saving money and time with Sawdays, 22 Sep 2008
How? Because when you buy this latest edition of British Bed & Breakfast (from the unbeatable 'Special Places to Stay' range), you will never be left with the nagging doubt that you should have chosen somewhere else to stay for those precious nights away. Its 684 entries cover England, Scotland and Wales and offer a vast choice, many of which would beat a four star hotel when it comes to standard of accommodation and food.
I speak from experience!
Aside from a colour picture and an inviting description with facilities guide of each place, the book itself offers various quick and useful reference indices.
One more feature to highlight is the 'ethical collection' where owners have had to complete a questionnaire which is then rigorously assessed by Sawdays staff before being a place is indicated as belonging to this group. You can even look up some of the questionnaire responses on the Sawdays web page.
Since I discovered Sawdays, I have never regretted the choice of B&B made from the guides; that's really worth something.
Don't leave home without Alastair Sawday, 21 Sep 2008
Alastair Sawdays Special Places to Stay British Bed and Breakfast 2008.Don't leave home without it! Do your homework before planning a trip by sitting down with this marvellous book, packed with information, photographs, discriptions of wonderful places to stay, to suit all tastes and pockets. I use it at least 10 x times a year, recently stayed in Hampshire, Gloustershire and Lincolnshire. I can only say that all were absolutely perfect, and were exactly as mentioned in British Bed and Breakfast and better! Two of the Bed and Breakfasts were even better than a UK 5* Hotel, the personal touches, i.e. arranging taxis, restaurants to dine at, washing up our own picnic clutter by our hosts!........the list goes on. This book is worth every penny. Buy it.
Thomas Bates 21st September 2008
Super Sawday, 17 Sep 2008
Not just any run-of-the-mill guide to B and Bs but an inspiring treasure-trove of gorgeous places to stay with something to suit everyone who's looking for something special; if it's a miles from anywhere hideaway you want, they've found it. If you want sophisticated design and luxury extras there's plenty for you too! All the entries are written with such infectious enthusiasm you'll want to pack your bags for your next great trip straight away!
Fabulous!, 10 Oct 2007
This Alastair Sawday book is absolutely fabulous. Mya husband and I never use anyone other than 'Sawdays'. You will never be disappointed and the accommodation you will never fault. It really is a super book and well worth a buy.
Stay WITH the French, 10 Oct 2007
This book allowed us to travel through France safe in the knowledge that a "friend" had recommended good places to stay.
We wanted to find places where we could travel for several hours and find a place for an overnight stay where we could also eat rather than jump in the car again and seek out a restaurant. We found some real gems and even came home with some now trusty recipe's (Mme Poope's chicken in cider is delicious!).
If the other guides are anything like this I will certainly ensure that I have one to hand when I travel through other countries.
Indispensable guide for Francophile, 12 Dec 2006
I strongly recommend you take this guide with you if you are planning to tour France.
We have enjoyed travelling in France for many years and have used different guides to find small privately owned and family managed hotels and auberges, often in out of the way places. Others we have chanced upon in our travels.
However, Alastair Sawday's French Bed & Breakfast has introduced us to some delightful bed and breakfast establishments, which of course are not to be found in any hotel guide. We were not aware that bed & breakfast is such an established part of French culture and it has been delightful to be effectively invited into French homes. In some dinner is also offered with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed meal - almost as part of the family, and usually with wine!
I will mention only two of the entries, which we have liked so much that we visited them both twice in 2006 and which we plan to stay at again next year. They both have the further distinction of being attached to vineyards - another reason to return to them!
Entry number 67 is a delightful old house in the champagne area run by the English wife of the French champagne maker. The room we stayed in was very comfortable with a large comfortable bed, not always available in France, with armchairs and a large bathroom. It is then lovely to sit outside on the terrace enjoying an excellent dinner - with champagne and good Bordeaux wine!
Entry number 85 is also a delightful old house, but in Alsace run by the fluent English speaking wife of the French winemaker. It is in a beautiful old walled town with a good choice of restaurants within walking distance. As a nice welcome you are offered a glass of wine (or two!) on arrival! The rooms are a little old fashioned. but the owner has promised that over the winter she is planning to build new en suite shower/toilets - to enable her to remain in the Alastair Sawday guide! We will be back in 2007.
We plan to use the guide again next year in France, with trips planned to explore Alsace further and also to south west France, where Alastair Sawday lists a number of interesting looking overnight stops and bed & breakfast places to try!
Classic French homes from home, 06 Dec 2006
I can't speak highly enough of this great new guide!
This latest edition brings together the finest bed and breakfasts that France has to offer. Just leafing through the guide is inspiring! Each of the seven hundred homes gets a decent sized write up and because this is a Sawday guide you know that wherever you stay will be really special. Definitely recommend it and all the Sawday titles!
Special Places for a special treat, 28 Nov 2006
A new Special Places from Alastair Sawday is always a special treat to read and to savour the anticipation of Special Places to Stay. This new edition is fully refreshed with new discoveries plus old favourites and has a green/eco tinge, consistent with Sawday's beliefs. Great to hear that his company has won a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category.
"Special" Just Took on a Whole New Meaning, 16 Nov 2007
Thanks to Alistair Sawday I have much more room on the bookshelf; the AA, RAC, Michelin and Johansens books won't be needed again so they have all taken a long holiday to the charity bookshop!
Sawday's British Hotels & Inns is much more then a book; it is a guide that will change your attitude towards `going away' forever. In the past trying to find a nice place to stay was always the job of my wife who would spend hours researching places, but now there is a sprint to the bookshelf to find this book whenever we decide to go anywhere.
Once I've found somewhere I like the feel of I don't even bother doing any additional research...what's the point, the guys at Alistair Sawday have done it all for you. When you initially read this book you will probably feel the same as me with regards to the details of the many hotels listed; "surely these places can't be real, the writers must have used a bit of `artistic license'". However, pay a visit to one of these hotels and you'll realise that these are the truest descriptions available. In my opinion there is no excuse for not staying somewhere perfect and I would defy anyone to find a place to stay, listed in this guide, which is not "just right".
Word of warning when you buy this book: be prepared to become addicted to going away - you'll find so many `special' reasons for taking a holiday. And remember: forget how many "Stars" a hotel has...if it is in one of Alistair Sawday's books, it doesn't need them.
If only I had more time and more money ...., 12 Nov 2007
.....and then I could spend every weekend in one of these hotels !
Actually, the next best thing is to curl up on the sofa with this book and plan some trips for next year.
The Sawday books are just so much nicer than your average hotel guide - and I've yet to find a bad recommendation. There are always tempting photos of the hotels/pubs and they steer well away from the bland corporate chain hotels - basically, it's more like having a really good personal recommendation from a friend.
You get a good idea of the character of each place from the text - and it will be honest too, ie telling you if somewhere is "folksy" or "eccentric" or if the food is "simple but filling." so you should be able to tell whether somewhere is your cup of tea or not...
Sadly most of the places in here ARE my cup of tea....now I just need a lottery win so I can sample all of them....
You only live once!, 10 Nov 2007
I'm no snob, but I am very particular about the places I stay. I've long been a fan of Sawday's B&B Guide and use it wherever I can. I've never been disappointed.
This book is the perfect companion volume. There are times when you want to stay in a hotel rather than a B&B and to be honest, finding a good one is becoming increasingly difficult. I bought this book after a particularly toxic experience in a Holiday Inn, where my complaint about being given a 'smoking room' was handled by giving me a large can of what is euphemistically called air-fresehner.
I can now relax, certain that whatever my need, wherever I travel, there's somewhere to stay that's passed the Sawday test. What's surprising, is that many of the hotels in this book are actually no more expensive than the ghastly chain hotels. Give yourself a treat and buy this book today!
Buy one of these and start planning.........., 01 Nov 2007
As the days get shorter and you go to work and come home in the dark, I've sometimes thought that in any next life I'd come back as a cat but now I've changed my mind and I want to come back as a Sawday's Inspector. However, for the moment I will content myself with drooling over the yet to be sampled possibilities, smiling over memories of the ones already visited and wishing there were more weekends in which to explore these.
Anyway, what is there to say about the guide itself? I'm sure existing Sawday's fans will appreciate the new, clearer layout, but for any new to these guides, it's the excellent photos (usually the place itself and a bedroom) and the honest, factual and often entertaining reviews (and from my experience these are reviews that can really be trusted) that set the Special Places to Stay brand apart from the rest. What is also impressive is the number of pubs (hence Hotels, Inns and Other Places) offering really high quality accommodation rivalling (and perhaps surpassing?) many hotels.
The map guides, the clear summaries all make for ease of use not to mention the quick reference indices so you can see at a glance the wheelchair-accessible or wi-fi enabled places. Look also for the special 'green entries' highlighting the ethos of the Sawday's operation.
Don't just take my word for it, take advantage of the excellent Amazon price and see for yourself. You won't regret it and it will help you forget about the winter months ahead..........
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Customer Reviews
You never need to eat a bad pub meal again!!, 25 Aug 2008
If you're fed up with handing over your hard earned cash at the end of a very average or indeed exceptionally poor meal this is the book for you. Sawday's Pubs and Inns lets you eat out in confidence. This very selective guide brings to you the very best Pubs and Inns that England has to offer.
As with all of Sawday's guides this is a pleasure to sit down a have a good read through. Your mouth begins to tingle, then salivate and before you know it you're chewing on an imaginary main-course. It is an extremely well written guide, illustrated throughout, and the maps give an excellent overview of where these gems can be found.
If eating out is important to you this should be the number one guide sitting on your bookshelf. It's always up-to-date so you don't suffer from the excellent pubs that have changed hands and are now less Raymond Blanc and more Ronald MacDonald.
All the Pubs that we've visited have excellent character alongside quality food, superbly cooked and a great selection of beers and wines. It's unlikely that you'll find your local in the guide, as only the very best are featured, but if you do consider yourself very very fortunate!
Don't leave home without it, 29 May 2008
Well Alistair Sawday has done it again, this book uncovers all the gems that you would not find on your own, each and every time we visit one of the recommendations we are not disappointed, from spit and sawdust pubs to gastro pubs this book covers them all. The layout is really easy to use and if you enjoy a good pint, great food and adventure then this is the book for you, it knocks spots off all others.
Another winner from Sawdays, 17 May 2008
This book makes an excellent companion to any of the accommodation books. An extra bonus is to be able to use it close to home to explore inns and pubs that offer really good quality food in a place that has been carefully and thoughtfully reviewed. The descriptions are full and the photographs give a good idea of what to expect. Sawdays publications are always good value, and this is no exception. Thanks to Alastair and company!
So many pubs, so little time!, 13 May 2008
I discovered Alastair Sawday's guides five years ago and have been a fan of them ever since and they are always my first choice when finding great places to stay. This guide to Pubs and Inns of England and Wales is written in the same chatty style as the hotel guides but also includes practical information such as directions, opening and closing times and costs of meals. The descriptions of the pubs make each one sound enticing, I've already been to several and can vouch for the accuracy of those entries and I can't wait to try out more of the recommendations.
Really Special, 07 May 2008
We have been fans of the stylish Alstair Sawday Special Places guides since first buying "Special Places to Stay in Ireland "10 years ago. We have just christened the 5th Edition of "Special Places to Stay - Pubs and Inns of England and Wales" with a visit to 2 of their entries - tough work but someone has to do it!
The book is beautifully presented with appealing photographs and interesting background information on all entries plus all the essentials such as opening times, directions etc.
Serious drinkers shouldn't be put off by the sometimes rather flowery prose and ofcourse everyone's idea of what is "Special" can differ. One person's "Quaint" is another person's "Really Odd" and "Charming" to one can be "Twee" to another but I defy anyone who uses this guide regularly not to build up a treasure-trove of personal favourites!
Saving money and time with Sawdays, 22 Sep 2008
How? Because when you buy this latest edition of British Bed & Breakfast (from the unbeatable 'Special Places to Stay' range), you will never be left with the nagging doubt that you should have chosen somewhere else to stay for those precious nights away. Its 684 entries cover England, Scotland and Wales and offer a vast choice, many of which would beat a four star hotel when it comes to standard of accommodation and food.
I speak from experience!
Aside from a colour picture and an inviting description with facilities guide of each place, the book itself offers various quick and useful reference indices.
One more feature to highlight is the 'ethical collection' where owners have had to complete a questionnaire which is then rigorously assessed by Sawdays staff before being a place is indicated as belonging to this group. You can even look up some of the questionnaire responses on the Sawdays web page.
Since I discovered Sawdays, I have never regretted the choice of B&B made from the guides; that's really worth something.
Don't leave home without Alastair Sawday, 21 Sep 2008
Alastair Sawdays Special Places to Stay British Bed and Breakfast 2008.Don't leave home without it! Do your homework before planning a trip by sitting down with this marvellous book, packed with information, photographs, discriptions of wonderful places to stay, to suit all tastes and pockets. I use it at least 10 x times a year, recently stayed in Hampshire, Gloustershire and Lincolnshire. I can only say that all were absolutely perfect, and were exactly as mentioned in British Bed and Breakfast and better! Two of the Bed and Breakfasts were even better than a UK 5* Hotel, the personal touches, i.e. arranging taxis, restaurants to dine at, washing up our own picnic clutter by our hosts!........the list goes on. This book is worth every penny. Buy it.
Thomas Bates 21st September 2008
Super Sawday, 17 Sep 2008
Not just any run-of-the-mill guide to B and Bs but an inspiring treasure-trove of gorgeous places to stay with something to suit everyone who's looking for something special; if it's a miles from anywhere hideaway you want, they've found it. If you want sophisticated design and luxury extras there's plenty for you too! All the entries are written with such infectious enthusiasm you'll want to pack your bags for your next great trip straight away!
Fabulous!, 10 Oct 2007
This Alastair Sawday book is absolutely fabulous. Mya husband and I never use anyone other than 'Sawdays'. You will never be disappointed and the accommodation you will never fault. It really is a super book and well worth a buy.
Stay WITH the French, 10 Oct 2007
This book allowed us to travel through France safe in the knowledge that a "friend" had recommended good places to stay.
We wanted to find places where we could travel for several hours and find a place for an overnight stay where we could also eat rather than jump in the car again and seek out a restaurant. We found some real gems and even came home with some now trusty recipe's (Mme Poope's chicken in cider is delicious!).
If the other guides are anything like this I will certainly ensure that I have one to hand when I travel through other countries.
Indispensable guide for Francophile, 12 Dec 2006
I strongly recommend you take this guide with you if you are planning to tour France.
We have enjoyed travelling in France for many years and have used different guides to find small privately owned and family managed hotels and auberges, often in out of the way places. Others we have chanced upon in our travels.
However, Alastair Sawday's French Bed & Breakfast has introduced us to some delightful bed and breakfast establishments, which of course are not to be found in any hotel guide. We were not aware that bed & breakfast is such an established part of French culture and it has been delightful to be effectively invited into French homes. In some dinner is also offered with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed meal - almost as part of the family, and usually with wine!
I will mention only two of the entries, which we have liked so much that we visited them both twice in 2006 and which we plan to stay at again next year. They both have the further distinction of being attached to vineyards - another reason to return to them!
Entry number 67 is a delightful old house in the champagne area run by the English wife of the French champagne maker. The room we stayed in was very comfortable with a large comfortable bed, not always available in France, with armchairs and a large bathroom. It is then lovely to sit outside on the terrace enjoying an excellent dinner - with champagne and good Bordeaux wine!
Entry number 85 is also a delightful old house, but in Alsace run by the fluent English speaking wife of the French winemaker. It is in a beautiful old walled town with a good choice of restaurants within walking distance. As a nice welcome you are offered a glass of wine (or two!) on arrival! The rooms are a little old fashioned. but the owner has promised that over the winter she is planning to build new en suite shower/toilets - to enable her to remain in the Alastair Sawday guide! We will be back in 2007.
We plan to use the guide again next year in France, with trips planned to explore Alsace further and also to south west France, where Alastair Sawday lists a number of interesting looking overnight stops and bed & breakfast places to try!
Classic French homes from home, 06 Dec 2006
I can't speak highly enough of this great new guide!
This latest edition brings together the finest bed and breakfasts that France has to offer. Just leafing through the guide is inspiring! Each of the seven hundred homes gets a decent sized write up and because this is a Sawday guide you know that wherever you stay will be really special. Definitely recommend it and all the Sawday titles!
Special Places for a special treat, 28 Nov 2006
A new Special Places from Alastair Sawday is always a special treat to read and to savour the anticipation of Special Places to Stay. This new edition is fully refreshed with new discoveries plus old favourites and has a green/eco tinge, consistent with Sawday's beliefs. Great to hear that his company has won a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category.
"Special" Just Took on a Whole New Meaning, 16 Nov 2007
Thanks to Alistair Sawday I have much more room on the bookshelf; the AA, RAC, Michelin and Johansens books won't be needed again so they have all taken a long holiday to the charity bookshop!
Sawday's British Hotels & Inns is much more then a book; it is a guide that will change your attitude towards `going away' forever. In the past trying to find a nice place to stay was always the job of my wife who would spend hours researching places, but now there is a sprint to the bookshelf to find this book whenever we decide to go anywhere.
Once I've found somewhere I like the feel of I don't even bother doing any additional research...what's the point, the guys at Alistair Sawday have done it all for you. When you initially read this book you will probably feel the same as me with regards to the details of the many hotels listed; "surely these places can't be real, the writers must have used a bit of `artistic license'". However, pay a visit to one of these hotels and you'll realise that these are the truest descriptions available. In my opinion there is no excuse for not staying somewhere perfect and I would defy anyone to find a place to stay, listed in this guide, which is not "just right".
Word of warning when you buy this book: be prepared to become addicted to going away - you'll find so many `special' reasons for taking a holiday. And remember: forget how many "Stars" a hotel has...if it is in one of Alistair Sawday's books, it doesn't need them.
If only I had more time and more money ...., 12 Nov 2007
.....and then I could spend every weekend in one of these hotels !
Actually, the next best thing is to curl up on the sofa with this book and plan some trips for next year.
The Sawday books are just so much nicer than your average hotel guide - and I've yet to find a bad recommendation. There are always tempting photos of the hotels/pubs and they steer well away from the bland corporate chain hotels - basically, it's more like having a really good personal recommendation from a friend.
You get a good idea of the character of each place from the text - and it will be honest too, ie telling you if somewhere is "folksy" or "eccentric" or if the food is "simple but filling." so you should be able to tell whether somewhere is your cup of tea or not...
Sadly most of the places in here ARE my cup of tea....now I just need a lottery win so I can sample all of them....
You only live once!, 10 Nov 2007
I'm no snob, but I am very particular about the places I stay. I've long been a fan of Sawday's B&B Guide and use it wherever I can. I've never been disappointed.
This book is the perfect companion volume. There are times when you want to stay in a hotel rather than a B&B and to be honest, finding a good one is becoming increasingly difficult. I bought this book after a particularly toxic experience in a Holiday Inn, where my complaint about being given a 'smoking room' was handled by giving me a large can of what is euphemistically called air-fresehner.
I can now relax, certain that whatever my need, wherever I travel, there's somewhere to stay that's passed the Sawday test. What's surprising, is that many of the hotels in this book are actually no more expensive than the ghastly chain hotels. Give yourself a treat and buy this book today!
Buy one of these and start planning.........., 01 Nov 2007
As the days get shorter and you go to work and come home in the dark, I've sometimes thought that in any next life I'd come back as a cat but now I've changed my mind and I want to come back as a Sawday's Inspector. However, for the moment I will content myself with drooling over the yet to be sampled possibilities, smiling over memories of the ones already visited and wishing there were more weekends in which to explore these.
Anyway, what is there to say about the guide itself? I'm sure existing Sawday's fans will appreciate the new, clearer layout, but for any new to these guides, it's the excellent photos (usually the place itself and a bedroom) and the honest, factual and often entertaining reviews (and from my experience these are reviews that can really be trusted) that set the Special Places to Stay brand apart from the rest. What is also impressive is the number of pubs (hence Hotels, Inns and Other Places) offering really high quality accommodation rivalling (and perhaps surpassing?) many hotels.
The map guides, the clear summaries all make for ease of use not to mention the quick reference indices so you can see at a glance the wheelchair-accessible or wi-fi enabled places. Look also for the special 'green entries' highlighting the ethos of the Sawday's operation.
Don't just take my word for it, take advantage of the excellent Amazon price and see for yourself. You won't regret it and it will help you forget about the winter months ahead..........
a great pocket guide book with some hidden humour, 11 Nov 2008
It is another great Sawday guide book, with some lovely looking places to stay. My favourite is entry139, Duns Inane, owned by Rusty McThatch (costing "whatever the three sisters at the crossroad ask you!") But seriously, if you're planning to go to Scotland for a break or longer holiday this guide has lots to offer. It's very rare you stay at a not so special place in his books.
Scottish treats, 03 Nov 2008
Rarely having been disappointed by the match between blurb and reality from other Sawday guides, I come to the newest with high expectations. I have drooled over the treats from lochside Highlands luxury with 'sublime' cooking to 'peaceful manse' or 'writer's retreat'. Tempting photographs of the glorious views and varied properties from the Borders to the Orkneys will indeed lure travellers old and new. I like the small slip-it-in-your-pocket format and accept the sacrifice of larger maps. Eight line entries manage to give so much information in straightforward clarity. I enjoyed the sterling spoof and can hardly wait to sample my own choice, meantime more browsing with intent!
Lovely pictures, well written text, 23 Oct 2008
I'm a real fan of these guidebooks and have been for around 10 years. They make a refreshing change from the rather bland, more "old-school" guides like the AA and Which ones - lovely photographs and they really seem to value the smaller, more unusual places to stay.
I bought this new one and sure enough, there are a few places in there that i have already stayed in - but plenty more to whet the appetite for my next short break!
If you're looking for somewhere to stay in Scotland that is not a big chain hotel, I totally recommend this as a great place to start.
Save the planet, holiday in Scotland!, 18 Oct 2008
There are so many good reasons to holiday in Scotland these days. There's your conscience - think of your carbon footprint, and stay in the UK. But you don't have to be altruistic; there's the scenery, the food, the lovely people...and the fabulous castles, manses, country houses and crofts you could stay in and explore. Don't know where they are? Have I got a book for you! A newcomer to the Alastair Sawday stable is Special Places to Stay in Scotland, and it makes wonderful fireside reading even if you hadn't planned to dust off the tweeds and head north. After reading it, I bet you will though. How about 'Heaven in the Highlands with stunning valley and mountain views'? Or 'a castle built on solid rock 200 feet above crashing waves'? Or a magical pile 'one mile up a rutted drive, soundproofed by 175 acres of lush Stirlingshire'? You can find a croft for 2, or a castle for a dozen and all sound simply scrumptious and come with the Sawday stamp of being unusual, interesting and genuine. If you'd prefer to explore somewhere nearer to home than the Maldives, take a hint and buy this book. It won't exactly break the bank and neither will most of the places reviewed here. But they may start a trend of finding the beauty, rest and recuperation we all long for on a break nearer to home. and if you're into mysteries and haven't read a Sawday guide before, join the club in seeking the joker in the pack; there's always one place that is a flight of fancy. Though sometimes you have to search for it - it might drive you insane...
Stay somewhere special - Scotland, 17 Oct 2008
There's a comfortable feel to this book. Flicking through its pages, it offers an invitation to stay in some quite remarkable places. Some bed and breakfast, some hotels, some self-catering - all hugely tempting.
The special places in this book promise much. Many of them suggest you might build a wee holiday around a property that simply catches your eye. The difficulty is which one(s) to choose.
The Alastair Sawday series of special places to stay, supported by a comprehensive website (Sawdays.co.uk) have provided my family with consistently wonderful spots to stay in Britain and beyond.
A lovely book - or should that be bonny. Heartily recommended. Treat yourself. Treat someone special. Castle for a week anyone?
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Customer Reviews
You never need to eat a bad pub meal again!!, 25 Aug 2008
If you're fed up with handing over your hard earned cash at the end of a very average or indeed exceptionally poor meal this is the book for you. Sawday's Pubs and Inns lets you eat out in confidence. This very selective guide brings to you the very best Pubs and Inns that England has to offer.
As with all of Sawday's guides this is a pleasure to sit down a have a good read through. Your mouth begins to tingle, then salivate and before you know it you're chewing on an imaginary main-course. It is an extremely well written guide, illustrated throughout, and the maps give an excellent overview of where these gems can be found.
If eating out is important to you this should be the number one guide sitting on your bookshelf. It's always up-to-date so you don't suffer from the excellent pubs that have changed hands and are now less Raymond Blanc and more Ronald MacDonald.
All the Pubs that we've visited have excellent character alongside quality food, superbly cooked and a great selection of beers and wines. It's unlikely that you'll find your local in the guide, as only the very best are featured, but if you do consider yourself very very fortunate!
Don't leave home without it, 29 May 2008
Well Alistair Sawday has done it again, this book uncovers all the gems that you would not find on your own, each and every time we visit one of the recommendations we are not disappointed, from spit and sawdust pubs to gastro pubs this book covers them all. The layout is really easy to use and if you enjoy a good pint, great food and adventure then this is the book for you, it knocks spots off all others.
Another winner from Sawdays, 17 May 2008
This book makes an excellent companion to any of the accommodation books. An extra bonus is to be able to use it close to home to explore inns and pubs that offer really good quality food in a place that has been carefully and thoughtfully reviewed. The descriptions are full and the photographs give a good idea of what to expect. Sawdays publications are always good value, and this is no exception. Thanks to Alastair and company!
So many pubs, so little time!, 13 May 2008
I discovered Alastair Sawday's guides five years ago and have been a fan of them ever since and they are always my first choice when finding great places to stay. This guide to Pubs and Inns of England and Wales is written in the same chatty style as the hotel guides but also includes practical information such as directions, opening and closing times and costs of meals. The descriptions of the pubs make each one sound enticing, I've already been to several and can vouch for the accuracy of those entries and I can't wait to try out more of the recommendations.
Really Special, 07 May 2008
We have been fans of the stylish Alstair Sawday Special Places guides since first buying "Special Places to Stay in Ireland "10 years ago. We have just christened the 5th Edition of "Special Places to Stay - Pubs and Inns of England and Wales" with a visit to 2 of their entries - tough work but someone has to do it!
The book is beautifully presented with appealing photographs and interesting background information on all entries plus all the essentials such as opening times, directions etc.
Serious drinkers shouldn't be put off by the sometimes rather flowery prose and ofcourse everyone's idea of what is "Special" can differ. One person's "Quaint" is another person's "Really Odd" and "Charming" to one can be "Twee" to another but I defy anyone who uses this guide regularly not to build up a treasure-trove of personal favourites!
Saving money and time with Sawdays, 22 Sep 2008
How? Because when you buy this latest edition of British Bed & Breakfast (from the unbeatable 'Special Places to Stay' range), you will never be left with the nagging doubt that you should have chosen somewhere else to stay for those precious nights away. Its 684 entries cover England, Scotland and Wales and offer a vast choice, many of which would beat a four star hotel when it comes to standard of accommodation and food.
I speak from experience!
Aside from a colour picture and an inviting description with facilities guide of each place, the book itself offers various quick and useful reference indices.
One more feature to highlight is the 'ethical collection' where owners have had to complete a questionnaire which is then rigorously assessed by Sawdays staff before being a place is indicated as belonging to this group. You can even look up some of the questionnaire responses on the Sawdays web page.
Since I discovered Sawdays, I have never regretted the choice of B&B made from the guides; that's really worth something.
Don't leave home without Alastair Sawday, 21 Sep 2008
Alastair Sawdays Special Places to Stay British Bed and Breakfast 2008.Don't leave home without it! Do your homework before planning a trip by sitting down with this marvellous book, packed with information, photographs, discriptions of wonderful places to stay, to suit all tastes and pockets. I use it at least 10 x times a year, recently stayed in Hampshire, Gloustershire and Lincolnshire. I can only say that all were absolutely perfect, and were exactly as mentioned in British Bed and Breakfast and better! Two of the Bed and Breakfasts were even better than a UK 5* Hotel, the personal touches, i.e. arranging taxis, restaurants to dine at, washing up our own picnic clutter by our hosts!........the list goes on. This book is worth every penny. Buy it.
Thomas Bates 21st September 2008
Super Sawday, 17 Sep 2008
Not just any run-of-the-mill guide to B and Bs but an inspiring treasure-trove of gorgeous places to stay with something to suit everyone who's looking for something special; if it's a miles from anywhere hideaway you want, they've found it. If you want sophisticated design and luxury extras there's plenty for you too! All the entries are written with such infectious enthusiasm you'll want to pack your bags for your next great trip straight away!
Fabulous!, 10 Oct 2007
This Alastair Sawday book is absolutely fabulous. Mya husband and I never use anyone other than 'Sawdays'. You will never be disappointed and the accommodation you will never fault. It really is a super book and well worth a buy.
Stay WITH the French, 10 Oct 2007
This book allowed us to travel through France safe in the knowledge that a "friend" had recommended good places to stay.
We wanted to find places where we could travel for several hours and find a place for an overnight stay where we could also eat rather than jump in the car again and seek out a restaurant. We found some real gems and even came home with some now trusty recipe's (Mme Poope's chicken in cider is delicious!).
If the other guides are anything like this I will certainly ensure that I have one to hand when I travel through other countries.
Indispensable guide for Francophile, 12 Dec 2006
I strongly recommend you take this guide with you if you are planning to tour France.
We have enjoyed travelling in France for many years and have used different guides to find small privately owned and family managed hotels and auberges, often in out of the way places. Others we have chanced upon in our travels.
However, Alastair Sawday's French Bed & Breakfast has introduced us to some delightful bed and breakfast establishments, which of course are not to be found in any hotel guide. We were not aware that bed & breakfast is such an established part of French culture and it has been delightful to be effectively invited into French homes. In some dinner is also offered with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed meal - almost as part of the family, and usually with wine!
I will mention only two of the entries, which we have liked so much that we visited them both twice in 2006 and which we plan to stay at again next year. They both have the further distinction of being attached to vineyards - another reason to return to them!
Entry number 67 is a delightful old house in the champagne area run by the English wife of the French champagne maker. The room we stayed in was very comfortable with a large comfortable bed, not always available in France, with armchairs and a large bathroom. It is then lovely to sit outside on the terrace enjoying an excellent dinner - with champagne and good Bordeaux wine!
Entry number 85 is also a delightful old house, but in Alsace run by the fluent English speaking wife of the French winemaker. It is in a beautiful old walled town with a good choice of restaurants within walking distance. As a nice welcome you are offered a glass of wine (or two!) on arrival! The rooms are a little old fashioned. but the owner has promised that over the winter she is planning to build new en suite shower/toilets - to enable her to remain in the Alastair Sawday guide! We will be back in 2007.
We plan to use the guide again next year in France, with trips planned to explore Alsace further and also to south west France, where Alastair Sawday lists a number of interesting looking overnight stops and bed & breakfast places to try!
Classic French homes from home, 06 Dec 2006
I can't speak highly enough of this great new guide!
This latest edition brings together the finest bed and breakfasts that France has to offer. Just leafing through the guide is inspiring! Each of the seven hundred homes gets a decent sized write up and because this is a Sawday guide you know that wherever you stay will be really special. Definitely recommend it and all the Sawday titles!
Special Places for a special treat, 28 Nov 2006
A new Special Places from Alastair Sawday is always a special treat to read and to savour the anticipation of Special Places to Stay. This new edition is fully refreshed with new discoveries plus old favourites and has a green/eco tinge, consistent with Sawday's beliefs. Great to hear that his company has won a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category.
"Special" Just Took on a Whole New Meaning, 16 Nov 2007
Thanks to Alistair Sawday I have much more room on the bookshelf; the AA, RAC, Michelin and Johansens books won't be needed again so they have all taken a long holiday to the charity bookshop!
Sawday's British Hotels & Inns is much more then a book; it is a guide that will change your attitude towards `going away' forever. In the past trying to find a nice place to stay was always the job of my wife who would spend hours researching places, but now there is a sprint to the bookshelf to find this book whenever we decide to go anywhere.
Once I've found somewhere I like the feel of I don't even bother doing any additional research...what's the point, the guys at Alistair Sawday have done it all for you. When you initially read this book you will probably feel the same as me with regards to the details of the many hotels listed; "surely these places can't be real, the writers must have used a bit of `artistic license'". However, pay a visit to one of these hotels and you'll realise that these are the truest descriptions available. In my opinion there is no excuse for not staying somewhere perfect and I would defy anyone to find a place to stay, listed in this guide, which is not "just right".
Word of warning when you buy this book: be prepared to become addicted to going away - you'll find so many `special' reasons for taking a holiday. And remember: forget how many "Stars" a hotel has...if it is in one of Alistair Sawday's books, it doesn't need them.
If only I had more time and more money ...., 12 Nov 2007
.....and then I could spend every weekend in one of these hotels !
Actually, the next best thing is to curl up on the sofa with this book and plan some trips for next year.
The Sawday books are just so much nicer than your average hotel guide - and I've yet to find a bad recommendation. There are always tempting photos of the hotels/pubs and they steer well away from the bland corporate chain hotels - basically, it's more like having a really good personal recommendation from a friend.
You get a good idea of the character of each place from the text - and it will be honest too, ie telling you if somewhere is "folksy" or "eccentric" or if the food is "simple but filling." so you should be able to tell whether somewhere is your cup of tea or not...
Sadly most of the places in here ARE my cup of tea....now I just need a lottery win so I can sample all of them....
You only live once!, 10 Nov 2007
I'm no snob, but I am very particular about the places I stay. I've long been a fan of Sawday's B&B Guide and use it wherever I can. I've never been disappointed.
This book is the perfect companion volume. There are times when you want to stay in a hotel rather than a B&B and to be honest, finding a good one is becoming increasingly difficult. I bought this book after a particularly toxic experience in a Holiday Inn, where my complaint about being given a 'smoking room' was handled by giving me a large can of what is euphemistically called air-fresehner.
I can now relax, certain that whatever my need, wherever I travel, there's somewhere to stay that's passed the Sawday test. What's surprising, is that many of the hotels in this book are actually no more expensive than the ghastly chain hotels. Give yourself a treat and buy this book today!
Buy one of these and start planning.........., 01 Nov 2007
As the days get shorter and you go to work and come home in the dark, I've sometimes thought that in any next life I'd come back as a cat but now I've changed my mind and I want to come back as a Sawday's Inspector. However, for the moment I will content myself with drooling over the yet to be sampled possibilities, smiling over memories of the ones already visited and wishing there were more weekends in which to explore these.
Anyway, what is there to say about the guide itself? I'm sure existing Sawday's fans will appreciate the new, clearer layout, but for any new to these guides, it's the excellent photos (usually the place itself and a bedroom) and the honest, factual and often entertaining reviews (and from my experience these are reviews that can really be trusted) that set the Special Places to Stay brand apart from the rest. What is also impressive is the number of pubs (hence Hotels, Inns and Other Places) offering really high quality accommodation rivalling (and perhaps surpassing?) many hotels.
The map guides, the clear summaries all make for ease of use not to mention the quick reference indices so you can see at a glance the wheelchair-accessible or wi-fi enabled places. Look also for the special 'green entries' highlighting the ethos of the Sawday's operation.
Don't just take my word for it, take advantage of the excellent Amazon price and see for yourself. You won't regret it and it will help you forget about the winter months ahead..........
a great pocket guide book with some hidden humour, 11 Nov 2008
It is another great Sawday guide book, with some lovely looking places to stay. My favourite is entry139, Duns Inane, owned by Rusty McThatch (costing "whatever the three sisters at the crossroad ask you!") But seriously, if you're planning to go to Scotland for a break or longer holiday this guide has lots to offer. It's very rare you stay at a not so special place in his books.
Scottish treats, 03 Nov 2008
Rarely having been disappointed by the match between blurb and reality from other Sawday guides, I come to the newest with high expectations. I have drooled over the treats from lochside Highlands luxury with 'sublime' cooking to 'peaceful manse' or 'writer's retreat'. Tempting photographs of the glorious views and varied properties from the Borders to the Orkneys will indeed lure travellers old and new. I like the small slip-it-in-your-pocket format and accept the sacrifice of larger maps. Eight line entries manage to give so much information in straightforward clarity. I enjoyed the sterling spoof and can hardly wait to sample my own choice, meantime more browsing with intent!
Lovely pictures, well written text, 23 Oct 2008
I'm a real fan of these guidebooks and have been for around 10 years. They make a refreshing change from the rather bland, more "old-school" guides like the AA and Which ones - lovely photographs and they really seem to value the smaller, more unusual places to stay.
I bought this new one and sure enough, there are a few places in there that i have already stayed in - but plenty more to whet the appetite for my next short break!
If you're looking for somewhere to stay in Scotland that is not a big chain hotel, I totally recommend this as a great place to start.
Save the planet, holiday in Scotland!, 18 Oct 2008
There are so many good reasons to holiday in Scotland these days. There's your conscience - think of your carbon footprint, and stay in the UK. But you don't have to be altruistic; there's the scenery, the food, the lovely people...and the fabulous castles, manses, country houses and crofts you could stay in and explore. Don't know where they are? Have I got a book for you! A newcomer to the Alastair Sawday stable is Special Places to Stay in Scotland, and it makes wonderful fireside reading even if you hadn't planned to dust off the tweeds and head north. After reading it, I bet you will though. How about 'Heaven in the Highlands with stunning valley and mountain views'? Or 'a castle built on solid rock 200 feet above crashing waves'? Or a magical pile 'one mile up a rutted drive, soundproofed by 175 acres of lush Stirlingshire'? You can find a croft for 2, or a castle for a dozen and all sound simply scrumptious and come with the Sawday stamp of being unusual, interesting and genuine. If you'd prefer to explore somewhere nearer to home than the Maldives, take a hint and buy this book. It won't exactly break the bank and neither will most of the places reviewed here. But they may start a trend of finding the beauty, rest and recuperation we all long for on a break nearer to home. and if you're into mysteries and haven't read a Sawday guide before, join the club in seeking the joker in the pack; there's always one place that is a flight of fancy. Though sometimes you have to search for it - it might drive you insane...
Stay somewhere special - Scotland, 17 Oct 2008
There's a comfortable feel to this book. Flicking through its pages, it offers an invitation to stay in some quite remarkable places. Some bed and breakfast, some hotels, some self-catering - all hugely tempting.
The special places in this book promise much. Many of them suggest you might build a wee holiday around a property that simply catches your eye. The difficulty is which one(s) to choose.
The Alastair Sawday series of special places to stay, supported by a comprehensive website (Sawdays.co.uk) have provided my family with consistently wonderful spots to stay in Britain and beyond.
A lovely book - or should that be bonny. Heartily recommended. Treat yourself. Treat someone special. Castle for a week anyone?
French Hotels and Chateaux, 09 Apr 2008
Great book, beautiful pictures. The descriptions give you a real feel for the places and make you want to visit them all!
French Hotels & Chateaux, 03 Apr 2008
Yet again Monsieur Sawday and his colleagues have surpassed themselves with this latest edition of 'French Hotels & Chateaux'. Having read just a few pages I was ready to pack my suitcase and head towards the Pyrenees (I live in Spain). The entries are superbly described, each one having its own page, the symbols are clear and the whole book is a real delight.
If you fancy a break in France that is 'special' and at a price you can afford, you must be able to find the perfect place to spend either the night or the week in this book. It's an absolute must if you are travelling anywhere in France.
claw foot baths and pepperpot turrets, 26 Mar 2008
We used to drive through France, gazing at all those palatial Châteaux, elegant Maisons, lush Domaines, Grande Hotels and intimate little Relais and Auberges, and wonder how on earth you got to know about them. Holiday companies never have such gems on their books and none of the guides seem to go for places of character or charm. You might be guaranteed a trouser press or a kettle to make instant coffee in your room but is that what you want when visiting France on holiday? Me, I want canopied beds or a vaulted dining room or a view over a millpond, complete with fish and herons. Then a few years ago, we discovered Alastair Sawday. French Bed and Breakfast in one hand, French Holiday Homes in another we've addressed the delightful task of planning that year's holiday many a time. But still it nagged - B&B is wonderful, self catering is grand, but how do you find a hotel that comes up to the Sawday exacting standard? And then - zut alors! He and his team did it again. French Hotels and Chateaux precisely plugs the gap. Want to stay in a 16th century manor house with deer and coypu in the grounds, sleep in a wrought iron bed and bathe in an old-fashioned claw foot bath? Or a 10th century pepperpot turret, with a canopied bed? Or off a cobbled street in old Rouen, with a view of Gothic marvels? Here are luxurious and decidedly pricy palaces side by side with small, reasonably priced inns, city haunts and rural retreats. All share one thing - they are anything but banal. They have beauty, buzz, elegance and that little bit of French je ne sais quoi. Owners pay to be in a Sawday guide but they can't buy their way in. All are checked by the editors. We've been using the guides for years and never been disappointed. This updated guide to French Hotels and Chateaux is the business. It's jam-packed with luscious treats - I can't wait for our summer holidays!
The only problem you might have is deciding whether to first choose your area - Picardy, Poitou-Charentes, midi-Pyrenees or even department - Tarn-et-Garonne, Var, Creuse - and see what is available there. There will be something, never fear. Or leaf through and pick on particular place and find the area you will be visiting that way. We've done both with Sawday and always bit the jackpot. You may find yourself burning the midnight oil or hitting the coffee. And speaking of which, do join Sawday aficionados in looking out for the joke entry; every guide has one. As for me - we've already booked 3 places for a fortnight's tour in September. So tough, if one of them was your choice!
French Secrets, 24 Mar 2008
So you fancy going to France and you want to be looked after? Can't decide whether to go for the rural idyll, the small and friendly hotel or more gracious living? Need somewhere family-friendly? Must have a pool? Addicted to beautiful bathrooms? Looking for a special gastronomic experience? Here's the guide which will leave you spoilt for choice! No fewer than 383 entries make their appearance in this 5th edition of the Francophile holiday maker's indispensable reading.
Existing Sawday fans like me will not be disappointed! The usual colourful, honest, conversational style of each entry is here full of the quirky detail which is the cachet of Special Places to Stay. And, yes, there's the spoof entry - find it for yourselves!
The book is a joy to browse through and so very well organised for maximum information before making contact for availability: Arranged by region, one entry per page, delicious photographs capture ambiance and you can refer to the relevant map at the beginning of the book. Quick reference indexes at the end give further refinement to decision-making for those on a budget or needing wheelchair access for example.
Can't wait to go up that `spiral staircase lined with tapestries' for breakfast in the sunny courtyard......!
Alastair Sawdays French Hotels and Chateaux, 23 Mar 2008
Alastair Sawdays series "Special Places to Stay" should be synonymous with "travel", in the same way that Dr. Baedekers guides are now simply known as "Baedeker" guides. "don't forget the "Sawday" should be a prerequisite for anyone planning a trip.
The new edition of "Special Places to Stay French Hotels and Chateaux" has just been published. An idiosyncratic recommendation of hotels and chateaux in France. It is an attractive book packed full of interesting and different accommodation to suit all pockets and tastes. Each place is thoroughly researched and inspected, and has to meet the high standards required by the inspectors. I would not be without my collection of "Sawdays", they have always been invaluable, and I have never been disappointed in any of my choices of somewhere to stay in France, etc.
Very comprehensive, and well set out with maps and directions, and of course honest descriptions of each venue. Don't forget to read "Who we are at the front of the book. "French Hotels and Chateaux" also makes good casual reading at any time. travel your way through France from the comfort of your bed or easy chair, planning your next trip.
TES Bates 23.03.08.
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Customer Reviews
You never need to eat a bad pub meal again!!, 25 Aug 2008
If you're fed up with handing over your hard earned cash at the end of a very average or indeed exceptionally poor meal this is the book for you. Sawday's Pubs and Inns lets you eat out in confidence. This very selective guide brings to you the very best Pubs and Inns that England has to offer.
As with all of Sawday's guides this is a pleasure to sit down a have a good read through. Your mouth begins to tingle, then salivate and before you know it you're chewing on an imaginary main-course. It is an extremely well written guide, illustrated throughout, and the maps give an excellent overview of where these gems can be found.
If eating out is important to you this should be the number one guide sitting on your bookshelf. It's always up-to-date so you don't suffer from the excellent pubs that have changed hands and are now less Raymond Blanc and more Ronald MacDonald.
All the Pubs that we've visited have excellent character alongside quality food, superbly cooked and a great selection of beers and wines. It's unlikely that you'll find your local in the guide, as only the very best are featured, but if you do consider yourself very very fortunate!
Don't leave home without it, 29 May 2008
Well Alistair Sawday has done it again, this book uncovers all the gems that you would not find on your own, each and every time we visit one of the recommendations we are not disappointed, from spit and sawdust pubs to gastro pubs this book covers them all. The layout is really easy to use and if you enjoy a good pint, great food and adventure then this is the book for you, it knocks spots off all others.
Another winner from Sawdays, 17 May 2008
This book makes an excellent companion to any of the accommodation books. An extra bonus is to be able to use it close to home to explore inns and pubs that offer really good quality food in a place that has been carefully and thoughtfully reviewed. The descriptions are full and the photographs give a good idea of what to expect. Sawdays publications are always good value, and this is no exception. Thanks to Alastair and company!
So many pubs, so little time!, 13 May 2008
I discovered Alastair Sawday's guides five years ago and have been a fan of them ever since and they are always my first choice when finding great places to stay. This guide to Pubs and Inns of England and Wales is written in the same chatty style as the hotel guides but also includes practical information such as directions, opening and closing times and costs of meals. The descriptions of the pubs make each one sound enticing, I've already been to several and can vouch for the accuracy of those entries and I can't wait to try out more of the recommendations.
Really Special, 07 May 2008
We have been fans of the stylish Alstair Sawday Special Places guides since first buying "Special Places to Stay in Ireland "10 years ago. We have just christened the 5th Edition of "Special Places to Stay - Pubs and Inns of England and Wales" with a visit to 2 of their entries - tough work but someone has to do it!
The book is beautifully presented with appealing photographs and interesting background information on all entries plus all the essentials such as opening times, directions etc.
Serious drinkers shouldn't be put off by the sometimes rather flowery prose and ofcourse everyone's idea of what is "Special" can differ. One person's "Quaint" is another person's "Really Odd" and "Charming" to one can be "Twee" to another but I defy anyone who uses this guide regularly not to build up a treasure-trove of personal favourites!
Saving money and time with Sawdays, 22 Sep 2008
How? Because when you buy this latest edition of British Bed & Breakfast (from the unbeatable 'Special Places to Stay' range), you will never be left with the nagging doubt that you should have chosen somewhere else to stay for those precious nights away. Its 684 entries cover England, Scotland and Wales and offer a vast choice, many of which would beat a four star hotel when it comes to standard of accommodation and food.
I speak from experience!
Aside from a colour picture and an inviting description with facilities guide of each place, the book itself offers various quick and useful reference indices.
One more feature to highlight is the 'ethical collection' where owners have had to complete a questionnaire which is then rigorously assessed by Sawdays staff before being a place is indicated as belonging to this group. You can even look up some of the questionnaire responses on the Sawdays web page.
Since I discovered Sawdays, I have never regretted the choice of B&B made from the guides; that's really worth something.
Don't leave home without Alastair Sawday, 21 Sep 2008
Alastair Sawdays Special Places to Stay British Bed and Breakfast 2008.Don't leave home without it! Do your homework before planning a trip by sitting down with this marvellous book, packed with information, photographs, discriptions of wonderful places to stay, to suit all tastes and pockets. I use it at least 10 x times a year, recently stayed in Hampshire, Gloustershire and Lincolnshire. I can only say that all were absolutely perfect, and were exactly as mentioned in British Bed and Breakfast and better! Two of the Bed and Breakfasts were even better than a UK 5* Hotel, the personal touches, i.e. arranging taxis, restaurants to dine at, washing up our own picnic clutter by our hosts!........the list goes on. This book is worth every penny. Buy it.
Thomas Bates 21st September 2008
Super Sawday, 17 Sep 2008
Not just any run-of-the-mill guide to B and Bs but an inspiring treasure-trove of gorgeous places to stay with something to suit everyone who's looking for something special; if it's a miles from anywhere hideaway you want, they've found it. If you want sophisticated design and luxury extras there's plenty for you too! All the entries are written with such infectious enthusiasm you'll want to pack your bags for your next great trip straight away!
Fabulous!, 10 Oct 2007
This Alastair Sawday book is absolutely fabulous. Mya husband and I never use anyone other than 'Sawdays'. You will never be disappointed and the accommodation you will never fault. It really is a super book and well worth a buy.
Stay WITH the French, 10 Oct 2007
This book allowed us to travel through France safe in the knowledge that a "friend" had recommended good places to stay.
We wanted to find places where we could travel for several hours and find a place for an overnight stay where we could also eat rather than jump in the car again and seek out a restaurant. We found some real gems and even came home with some now trusty recipe's (Mme Poope's chicken in cider is delicious!).
If the other guides are anything like this I will certainly ensure that I have one to hand when I travel through other countries.
Indispensable guide for Francophile, 12 Dec 2006
I strongly recommend you take this guide with you if you are planning to tour France.
We have enjoyed travelling in France for many years and have used different guides to find small privately owned and family managed hotels and auberges, often in out of the way places. Others we have chanced upon in our travels.
However, Alastair Sawday's French Bed & Breakfast has introduced us to some delightful bed and breakfast establishments, which of course are not to be found in any hotel guide. We were not aware that bed & breakfast is such an established part of French culture and it has been delightful to be effectively invited into French homes. In some dinner is also offered with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed meal - almost as part of the family, and usually with wine!
I will mention only two of the entries, which we have liked so much that we visited them both twice in 2006 and which we plan to stay at again next year. They both have the further distinction of being attached to vineyards - another reason to return to them!
Entry number 67 is a delightful old house in the champagne area run by the English wife of the French champagne maker. The room we stayed in was very comfortable with a large comfortable bed, not always available in France, with armchairs and a large bathroom. It is then lovely to sit outside on the terrace enjoying an excellent dinner - with champagne and good Bordeaux wine!
Entry number 85 is also a delightful old house, but in Alsace run by the fluent English speaking wife of the French winemaker. It is in a beautiful old walled town with a good choice of restaurants within walking distance. As a nice welcome you are offered a glass of wine (or two!) on arrival! The rooms are a little old fashioned. but the owner has promised that over the winter she is planning to build new en suite shower/toilets - to enable her to remain in the Alastair Sawday guide! We will be back in 2007.
We plan to use the guide again next year in France, with trips planned to explore Alsace further and also to south west France, where Alastair Sawday lists a number of interesting looking overnight stops and bed & breakfast places to try!
Classic French homes from home, 06 Dec 2006
I can't speak highly enough of this great new guide!
This latest edition brings together the finest bed and breakfasts that France has to offer. Just leafing through the guide is inspiring! Each of the seven hundred homes gets a decent sized write up and because this is a Sawday guide you know that wherever you stay will be really special. Definitely recommend it and all the Sawday titles!
Special Places for a special treat, 28 Nov 2006
A new Special Places from Alastair Sawday is always a special treat to read and to savour the anticipation of Special Places to Stay. This new edition is fully refreshed with new discoveries plus old favourites and has a green/eco tinge, consistent with Sawday's beliefs. Great to hear that his company has won a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category.
"Special" Just Took on a Whole New Meaning, 16 Nov 2007
Thanks to Alistair Sawday I have much more room on the bookshelf; the AA, RAC, Michelin and Johansens books won't be needed again so they have all taken a long holiday to the charity bookshop!
Sawday's British Hotels & Inns is much more then a book; it is a guide that will change your attitude towards `going away' forever. In the past trying to find a nice place to stay was always the job of my wife who would spend hours researching places, but now there is a sprint to the bookshelf to find this book whenever we decide to go anywhere.
Once I've found somewhere I like the feel of I don't even bother doing any additional research...what's the point, the guys at Alistair Sawday have done it all for you. When you initially read this book you will probably feel the same as me with regards to the details of the many hotels listed; "surely these places can't be real, the writers must have used a bit of `artistic license'". However, pay a visit to one of these hotels and you'll realise that these are the truest descriptions available. In my opinion there is no excuse for not staying somewhere perfect and I would defy anyone to find a place to stay, listed in this guide, which is not "just right".
Word of warning when you buy this book: be prepared to become addicted to going away - you'll find so many `special' reasons for taking a holiday. And remember: forget how many "Stars" a hotel has...if it is in one of Alistair Sawday's books, it doesn't need them.
If only I had more time and more money ...., 12 Nov 2007
.....and then I could spend every weekend in one of these hotels !
Actually, the next best thing is to curl up on the sofa with this book and plan some trips for next year.
The Sawday books are just so much nicer than your average hotel guide - and I've yet to find a bad recommendation. There are always tempting photos of the hotels/pubs and they steer well away from the bland corporate chain hotels - basically, it's more like having a really good personal recommendation from a friend.
You get a good idea of the character of each place from the text - and it will be honest too, ie telling you if somewhere is "folksy" or "eccentric" or if the food is "simple but filling." so you should be able to tell whether somewhere is your cup of tea or not...
Sadly most of the places in here ARE my cup of tea....now I just need a lottery win so I can sample all of them....
You only live once!, 10 Nov 2007
I'm no snob, but I am very particular about the places I stay. I've long been a fan of Sawday's B&B Guide and use it wherever I can. I've never been disappointed.
This book is the perfect companion volume. There are times when you want to stay in a hotel rather than a B&B and to be honest, finding a good one is becoming increasingly difficult. I bought this book after a particularly toxic experience in a Holiday Inn, where my complaint about being given a 'smoking room' was handled by giving me a large can of what is euphemistically called air-fresehner.
I can now relax, certain that whatever my need, wherever I travel, there's somewhere to stay that's passed the Sawday test. What's surprising, is that many of the hotels in this book are actually no more expensive than the ghastly chain hotels. Give yourself a treat and buy this book today!
Buy one of these and start planning.........., 01 Nov 2007
As the days get shorter and you go to work and come home in the dark, I've sometimes thought that in any next life I'd come back as a cat but now I've changed my mind and I want to come back as a Sawday's Inspector. However, for the moment I will content myself with drooling over the yet to be sampled possibilities, smiling over memories of the ones already visited and wishing there were more weekends in which to explore these.
Anyway, what is there to say about the guide itself? I'm sure existing Sawday's fans will appreciate the new, clearer layout, but for any new to these guides, it's the excellent photos (usually the place itself and a bedroom) and the honest, factual and often entertaining reviews (and from my experience these are reviews that can really be trusted) that set the Special Places to Stay brand apart from the rest. What is also impressive is the number of pubs (hence Hotels, Inns and Other Places) offering really high quality accommodation rivalling (and perhaps surpassing?) many hotels.
The map guides, the clear summaries all make for ease of use not to mention the quick reference indices so you can see at a glance the wheelchair-accessible or wi-fi enabled places. Look also for the special 'green entries' highlighting the ethos of the Sawday's operation.
Don't just take my word for it, take advantage of the excellent Amazon price and see for yourself. You won't regret it and it will help you forget about the winter months ahead..........
a great pocket guide book with some hidden humour, 11 Nov 2008
It is another great Sawday guide book, with some lovely looking places to stay. My favourite is entry139, Duns Inane, owned by Rusty McThatch (costing "whatever the three sisters at the crossroad ask you!") But seriously, if you're planning to go to Scotland for a break or longer holiday this guide has lots to offer. It's very rare you stay at a not so special place in his books.
Scottish treats, 03 Nov 2008
Rarely having been disappointed by the match between blurb and reality from other Sawday guides, I come to the newest with high expectations. I have drooled over the treats from lochside Highlands luxury with 'sublime' cooking to 'peaceful manse' or 'writer's retreat'. Tempting photographs of the glorious views and varied properties from the Borders to the Orkneys will indeed l | | |