Consumer group Which? has ranked hotels based on customer feedback – with pub chain Wetherspoons given a ‘great value’ gong and Premier Inn losing Recommended Provider status as it slips down the list
One hotel chain has come bottom again this year in survey by Which?(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)
The Britannia Hotels chain has been ranked the worst place to stay for the 12th year running in a poll, as Wetherspoons beat Premier Inn and took home the ‘top value’ prize.
Consumer group Which? gave Britannia, with more than 60 sites, a lowly customer score of just 44%. It managed just one star out of a possible five for the quality of its bedrooms and bathrooms.
One Britannia customer at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent, described witheringly as a “total dive”. Another said they had three nights booked but left after one because of the poor service, room and food.
Britannia’s chain include a number of historic and landmark hotels. They include Liverpool’s famous Adelphi, which scores just 2.6 out of possible five on Tripadvisor as the website says guests “frequently cite noise issues due to thin walls”. Britannia’s Grand Hotel in Scarborough gets an even lower 2.4 on Tripadvisor, which says rooms are “basic and dated, with mixed reports on cleanliness.”
The firm’s hotel in London’s Docklands has been the scene of protests amid reports it was being used to house asylum seekers. It has been given a score of 2.8 on Tripadvisor. The Britannia group is controlled by tycoon Alex Langsam, who also owns holiday camp Pontins and was criticised after its Southport’s site sudden closure in early 2024.
The Mirror confronted Mr Langsam at the time at his 10-bedroom mansion in Cheshire. But when asked if he had anything to say to the workers who left in tears, he claimed: “It’s nothing to do with me, I am nothing to do with Pontins.”
Top in the Which? large hotel category was a pub chain with 35 inns. The Coaching Inn Group received a customer score of 81%, with “often historic buildings located in beauty spots or market towns where they aim to be ‘the best venue in town’.”
Pub giant JD Wetherspoon, which has over 50 hotels across the country, was also praised. It came fifth and was the only chain to be awarded a Which? Great Value badge. At just £70 for an average night’s stay, Wetherspoons got four stars for value for money and the majority of other categories, including customer service. One guest commented that the hotel was “clean, comfortable and good value”.
It came above Premier Inn, which slipped to seventh in the large chain table, and lost the Which? Recommended Provider status. While customers still ranked Premier Inn’s beds as some of the most comfortable in the survey, some guests told Which? their stay wasn’t good value and suggested that standards were slipping.
One guest said that “Premier Inn has lost its way. Prices no longer budget levels and service is no longer a priority”. An average night’s stay is £94. Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “A night away should be a real treat but with hotel prices climbing, finding a hotel chain that consistently offers comfort, good customer service and a charming location at a fair price has become harder. “
A spokesperson for Premier Inn said: “At Premier Inn we help millions of people have a great night’s sleep and sell over 20 million room nights every year to families, leisure and business guests. We’re pleased that the 2,746 Which? members who answered for Premier Inn as part of this summer survey awarded us five stars for bed comfort and that they also rated our customer service and cleanliness highly.
“Whether it’s our estate-wide roll-out of brand new, high-quality beds all with a choice of soft or firm pillows, providing relaxing shower products in every room or keeping our food and drink menus updated with new offers to tempt and excite customers, we’re continually investing in our guest experience. We are always looking to improve and welcome comments and feedback– indeed we actively seek them through our own customer surveys. We will certainly pay special attention to address anything that feedback suggests we need to.”
Rhodes Minnis in Kent is a small village with a big heart, boasting a pub that never opened, a cat sanctuary and a Sunday roast that people say is ‘absolutely amazing’
This quiet village is home to a Sunday roast people describe as ‘absolutely amazing’(Image: Nick Smith/CC BY-SA 2.0)
The village is renowned for a Sunday roast that locals describe as “absolutely amazing”, alongside a pub that has never served a single pint or even welcomed customers through its doors, and an animal sanctuary named in honour of a Jack Russell called Lord Whisky.
With approximately 100 homes, Rhodes Minnis forms a close-knit community nestled within Kent‘s rural landscape, positioned near the coastline and Canterbury’s food scene, as well as the fashionable town of Folkestone. Beautiful walking routes encircle the area.
A remarkably straight road cuts through the village in a way that would impress the Romans. Travelling from the south, up an incline that can prove challenging when meeting a lorry, visitors pass hedgerows, trees, stone walls, pristine lawns and residences.
The properties vary from white weatherboarded and flint structures to red brick, timber and contemporary designs. Numerous dwellings sit on elevated ground, providing stunning countryside vistas. At the hamlet’s ‘heart’, indicated by a straightforward crossroads, sits the building constructed as a pub but never used for its original function.
A classic red telephone box also features in the village, encircled by verdant fields and forest canopies. This is certainly a place where animal welfare is held in high esteem, with two sanctuaries that have collectively helped tens of thousands of animals over the years.
It’s impossible to talk about this village without mentioning the late Jack Russell, whose name adorns the much-loved and highly-rated The Lord Whisky Tea Rooms, as well as the sanctuary on the way to the neighbouring village, Stelling Minnis.
The black and white dog lived an impressively long life of 22 years, and his legacy continues through The Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund. This registered charity provides vital support for abused or injured animals at the sanctuary and offers essential veterinary care for those with low incomes.
Whisky was part of the family of the sanctuary’s founder, Margaret Todd, from the age of four. It was the unique care that ‘Lord Whisky’ required that led Margaret to realise the need for a sanctuary.
The Lord Whisky Tea Rooms, situated in Gate Lane in Rhodes Minnis, comes highly recommended on Restaurant Guru 2024 and boasts a brilliant 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, with 77 reviews singing its praises. One recent review raves: “Incredible food and friendly staff, would highly recommend. Also popped by the sanctuary to see their animals and speak about their vets.”
A chuffed customer from last year shared: “We called in for some lunch on Sunday but once I’d smelt the roast I knew exactly what I was having. We had roast chicken with cauliflower cheese, roast potatoes, broccoli, carrots and Yorkshire pudding all served with a delicious gravy.”
“Oh my word, it was absolutely amazing. Reminded us of my mum’s legendary roasts. Apparently the cook is new. Never let her go. Thank you so much and all for a good cause too. Finally, the staff were so friendly too.” Just a stone’s throw away is the Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary on Green Lane, founded in 1970 by Veronica Huthwaite who left her home to the trustees, reports the Express.
A quick look at the photos reveals a perfect haven for cats, filled with plenty of space for lounging and play. The sanctuary offers shelter and care for unwanted and homeless cats and kittens from Kent, London, and occasionally further afield. Sadly, the sanctuary has seen an increase in difficulties when rehoming older cats, meaning many will stay at the sanctuary longer. To spread Christmas joy and support, the sanctuary will host a Christmas Fair at Hawkinge Community Centre on November 30, from 10am to 1pm.
Ever wondered about the origin of the name “Minnis”? It’s believed to have ancient roots, traditionally used to describe common land for grazing animals. For those captivated by the allure of Rhodes Minnis, nestled in the scenic Elham Valley and bordering the verdant Lyminge Forest, purchasing a property here might feel like a rare privilege, given the limited number of homes available on the market.
Rightmove’s sales data tells a compelling story: only one home was sold in the past year. This is a stark contrast to the five homes that changed hands in 2022 and four in 2021, resulting in an average sale price of £250,000 – heavily skewed by the single sale post-November 2023 of a charming yet renovation-ready two-bedroom detached cottage.
On a positive note, prospective buyers now have the opportunity to secure a home through Laing Bennett – a spacious four-bedroom family residence built in 1985, priced at £799,500, boasting extensive gardens at the front and back for enjoyment.
Rhodes Minnis was once home to its own local pub, The Prince of Wales Inn, situated on Longage Hill. Back in the vibrant 1920s, under the stewardship of a dedicated landlord, the pub was renowned for selling over two barrels of beer per week. Its exterior, a pleasing mix of red tiles against white paint, underwent several name changes, all revolving around the Prince of Wales theme. However, the pub’s fate took a turn when Prince Charles’ marriage ended; it adopted its final name, the Battle of Britain.
Sadly, as Royal ties unravelled, so did the pub’s fortunes, leading it to become a private residence. This transformation was documented by the renowned Dover Kent Archives, a treasure trove for pub history buffs. Another establishment, The Gate Inn, lost its licence in the mid-1990s and is now used by the aforementioned animal sanctuary as The Lord Whisky Centre, housing the tea rooms. It was once a Whitbread pub, proudly displaying a splendid pub sign of ‘the gate’ – a tribute to the old toll gate that once stood on the Mockbeggar to Lyminge road.
A property built with the intention of being a pub, but never actually opened as one, is now a private residence known as Flint Cottage. This striking building sits at the junction of Longage Hill and White Horse Lane, featuring six large windows at the front, a midnight blue front door, and a lattice fence and hedge.
In 2021, the owner and other knowledgeable locals shared intriguing details about the property with the Dover Kent Archives. Built in 1898, it boasts a spacious cellar with barrel access and a Victorian posting box built into the garden wall, dating from the same year.
The reason it never opened as a pub is said to be due to a failed licence application, as it fell within the Lyminge parish, the same as the Prince of Wales, rather than the Elham parish as initially presumed. According to the website, there was a reluctance among Lyminge councillors to grant many pub licences.
Rhodes Minnis boasts a village hall, run by a dedicated group of trustees who organise two annual flower shows in the spring and summer. Plus, there’s Tree Light Yoga offering weekly classes every Monday.
Digging into the history books reveals that during the turbulent Swing Riots of 1830, a group of activists gathered on the commons at Rhodes Minnis. These riots were a key part of the wider rebellion by agricultural workers against the introduction of machinery and poor working conditions.
The study ‘Historical geographies of property, protest and the commons, 1500-1850’, penned by Briony McDonagh and Carl Griffin, suggests that such gatherings by the working class on common lands represented “a deliberate act of occupying something which was theirs, something not yet taken away”.
There’s also the charming “chapel in the fields”, a Methodist chapel built in 1888. It remains the only place of worship in the village, featuring a lovely red door and a welcoming lawn at the back. On sunny days, the congregation often prays outside, soaking up the stunning views of the Kentish landscape.
For those thinking about a trip, a quick look on Airbnb uncovers three fantastic accommodation options in Rhodes Minnis, with nightly rates ranging from £127 to £1,579. The most expensive option provides a luxurious, stylish, and spacious retreat worth considering for those looking for a touch of luxury.
The budget airline has issued a warning to all passengers travelling to the EU from October 12, as the new Entry/Exit System will replace manual passport stamping with an automated process
The airline has flagged the “important changes” to border checks set to impact millions of Brits from next month(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
EasyJet has sounded the alarm over a series of “important changes” to border controls for Brits heading to the EU from next month.
The budget airline is warning passengers that from October 12 the fresh Entry/Exit System (EES) will swap manual passport stamping for an automated system that gathers biometric information.
This means your face will be photographed and fingerprints taken to help handle travellers “more efficiently,” the low-cost carrier explained, no matter which airline you’re flying with. It continued by making clear that youngsters under 12 won’t need to undergo the fingerprinting process.
EasyJet’s announcement stated: “From October 12, 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace manual passport stamping with an automated process that collects biometric data (facial photo and fingerprints) to help process travellers more efficiently. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.”
It explained: “Non-EU nationals visiting one of the 25 EU Member States or 4 Schengen Associated Countries for short stays may be affected – read the full list of participating countries. You may experience longer wait times at passport control while the system is being rolled out.”
The Foreign Office had previously issued fresh guidance for all affected Schengen nations: “New Schengen entry requirements.”
From October 12 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will commence. When journeying into and out of the Schengen zone, for brief visits, you may be required to: “If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be taken at the border, before you leave the UK.”
“You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.”
The European Commission has also previously outlined the reasoning behind the scheme, with a spokesperson explaining: “The EES is an advanced technological system that will digitally record the entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries, including Schengen Associated ones, for short stays.”
“It will capture biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial image, and other travel information, gradually replacing the current system of passport stamping. The EES will modernise and improve the management of EU external borders. It will provide reliable data on border crossings, systematically detect overstayers as well as cases of document and identity fraud.”
It continued: “The EES will thus contribute to preventing irregular migration and protecting the security of European citizens. Additionally, with the increased use of automated border checks, travelling will become smoother and safer for all. The new system meets the highest standards of data and privacy protection, ensuring that travellers’ personal data remain protected and secure.”
By the end of the six-month process for the EES scheme, it is anticipated that the rollout will be complete., reports Birmingham Live. This gradual approach is deemed crucial to allow border authorities, the transport industry, and travellers to adapt to the new procedure step by step.
The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin next month, which will change requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area
From October 12, you might be required to register your biometric details(Image: AFP)
Next month the European Union‘s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will commence. This represents a fresh digital border system that will alter requirements for British citizens journeying to the Schengen area.
The Schengen area permits more than 450 million people to move freely between member countries without passing through border controls. From October 12, if you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive.
You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. Guidance on Gov.uk states: “After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. “.
When EES is launched, you may need to establish a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport upon arrival, reports the Liverpool Echo.
You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken at dedicated booths. The government has also revealed that if you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, EES checks will be completed at the border, before you depart the UK.
Your digital EES record remains valid for 3 years. If you enter the Schengen area again during this period, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when you enter and exit.
The 29 countries in the Schengen area are:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
If you are travelling by air to a Schengen zone nation, you might face extended waiting times upon arrival at your destination. The fresh system is being rolled out to strengthen border security across the EU and its surrounding nations.
It could also prove useful in cutting down on illegal immigration within the Schengen region. Automated border monitoring procedures will be put in place to assist the EU in preventing visitors from outstaying their welcome.
Your arrivals and departures, or entry denials will be digitally recorded in the EES. The EES system is anticipated to make travel “simplified” and more secure.
Non-EU citizens journeying for brief visits to a European nation using the EES are impacted. Though there are exemptions which can be found here.
If you decline to supply your biometric information, you will be refused entry into the territory of the European countries operating the EES. Your information will only be retained in the system for the reasons it was gathered. The information held in the EES is safeguarded against misuse and access to it is limited to designated personnel within national authorities.
The EU is introducing a new entry and exit system (EES) from October 12, meaning Brits will face a new set of passport rules when travelling to Europe
New passport rules for Brits holidaying abroad could lead to longer queues and waiting times(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The Foreign Office has refreshed its travel guidance concerning new passport rules being implemented across all Schengen nations, including popular holiday destinations such as Italy, Spain, France and Greece. The EU is introducing a new entry and exit system (EES), which will come into force on October 12.
Once EES goes live, holidaymakers will need to create a digital record during their first trip to the Schengen zone at the port or airport upon arrival. Tourists will be required to provide fingerprints and have photographs taken at specially designated booths.
No prior information will be needed before journeying to a Schengen area country. Passengers flying to Schengen destinations may face longer queues when they reach their location. This comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.
Passengers flying to Schengen countries may face longer queues when they reach their destination(Image: LightRocket via Getty Images)
The latest passport requirements
Issuing new guidance before its introduction, the GOV.UK website states your passport must show a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before your arrival date, reports Cambridgeshire Live.
The guidance explained: “If you renewed your passport before October 1, 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago. It must have an ‘expiry date’ at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue).”
“Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.”
The Government has clarified that the collection of your fingerprints and photos will depend on your ports of arrival and departure. For those setting sail on a cruise, the Government’s website stated: “If you start and finish your cruise outside the Schengen area, for example at a UK port, you’ll normally be exempt from entry/exit checks even if you visit the Schengen area. If you leave the cruise in the Schengen area and travel to another destination, you’ll need to complete entry/exit checks when leaving the ship.”
For those travelling by ferry or Eurostar, the advice said: “If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be taken at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.”
For those travelling for work, there are specific rules: “If you frequently travel to the Schengen area for work and or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. You must be aware of the penalty and enforcement approach for exceeding the immigration limit in any individual member state you plan to travel to, or through.
“Your digital EES record is valid for three years. If you enter the Schengen area again during this time, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when you enter and exit.”
What are the Schengen countries?
The 25 EU countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden as well as four non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
A pretty UK seaside town is a popular destination for many – including French travellers and it’s easy to see why so many people flock to the coastal area during the summer
The popular coastal town is perfect for a sunny long weekend(Image: PA)
The UK has many charming towns – including this one, once thought to be a ‘prestigious’ holiday destination for French tourists. Folkestone in Kent is a town full of buzz and atmosphere, located in the south-east of England on the coast. Bustling with creative outlets, vast range of food, local beers and wines there is so much on offer for visitors.
With beautiful beaches and independent shops it’s a great destination for a long weekend away. Folkestone has also had some famous historic residents who once called it home, including Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie – which can all be found at the Folkestone museum.
Mermaid Beach in Folkestone, Kent, UK(Image: Getty)
According to Visit South East England, Folkestone has seen lots of regeneration and development, with brand new shopping areas, leisure facilities and boutique hotels. The nearby designated coastal park of Samphire Hoe is a great place to wander, and is a haven for wild birds. The area’s maritime history is well preserved too, through ancient remains and architecture.
With an elegant clifftop promenade, a lower coastal park, a fishing harbour and Victorian cliff-tops, it’s an idyllic town by the beach and offers many things to do. The booming economy has grown in the past 10 years. It’s home to the world’s first multi-storey skatepark, a New York Highline-inspired garden walkway, leading to the revitalised Harbour Arm, an annual Pride, and LGBTQ+ bookshop and even mini golf on the beach.
It’s also home to the iconic Mermaid Beach, which boasts a glorious stretch of pristine goodness with an eye-catching coastline which is in the shape of a mermaid’s tail. There’s loads to do in Mermaid Beach if you do plan on taking a trip. You could check out the Folkestone Mermaid sculpture located on the beach.
People flock to the beach in the warm weather – making it a charming place to visit(Image: PA)
There’s also the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is one of the most visited tourist spots. This award-winning park has one of the largest free adventure playground for children, as well as beautiful gardens and forest treks, perfect for the whole family.
Meanwhile Folkestone itself is gaining recognition as a hub for art and culture. There’s the Folkestone Triennial which is an international public art festival that scatters sculptures and other artistic creations throughout the town.
Folkestone is also one of the best connected towns on the coast, with direct rail links to London and is the ideal base for exploring the beautiful surrounding landscape – while still being easily accessible. Visit South East England recommended some of the best things to do in Folkestone including:
Animal lovers should head straight for the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. It’s a great place to see dozens of exotic and rare species.
The nearby Kent Battle of Britain Museum has the best collection of Battle of Britain memorabilia of any war museum in the UK (including dozens of aircraft).
Take a ride on the miniature steam trains Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.
One impressed visitor took to TripAdvisor and said: “Folkestone have really made a shining example of what to do with a cliff area. After leaving the amazing boardwalk (again, genius idea) on the beach we walked right up and beyond the playground. The accessibility to the beach in several places was brilliant.”
While another chimed: “This is such a beautiful walk between the cliff and the beach. Nice flower beds and landscaped arrangements. It was also protected from the wind, which was quite strong when we were there.”
