Latest reviews in Alfreton, United Kingdom

Travellodge - Great value by saycheese

saycheese — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:56:51 +0000

Review by saycheese

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0871 984 6119

The thing about staying in a Travellodge is that you know exactly what to expect. Yes, itâ¬"s plain, yes itâ¬"s basic, but it offers good value for money. The rooms and dÃ©cor are standard across the country â¬ a double or twin bedded room with a sofa which opens out into a double bed. So a family of four can stay for the same room rate. You can book on the website up to one year in advance if you want to get a real bargain â¬ at the moment Â£19 per night for the entire room (2008) which sleeps up to four people. Bookings at the cheapest rates cannot be refunded if you change your plans, but I reckon at that price itâ¬"s worth taking the gamble of losing your money if you decide not to go for any reason.

The thing about staying in a Travellodge is that you know exactly what to expect. Yes, itâ¬"s plain, yes itâ¬"s basic, but it offers good value for money. The rooms and dÃ©cor are standard across the country â¬ a double or twin bedded room with a sofa which opens out into a double bed. So a family of four can stay for the same room rate. You can book on the website up to one year in advance if you want to get a real bargain â¬ at the moment Â£19 per night for the entire room (2008) which sleeps up to four people. Bookings at the cheapest rates cannot be refunded if you change your plans, but I reckon at that price itâ¬"s worth taking the gamble of losing your money if you decide not to go for any reason.

Greggs - Food by chrisynth

chrisynth — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:38:01 +0000

Review by chrisynth

Rating: 4.00

Website: www.greggs.co.uk

Tags: bargain

You get value for money food at greggs which is always good because you can buy snacks without spending all your money.
The staff seem to all be women and they seem friendly and do their job well. It does look hectic to work there!
The place does get busy at around dinner time with work people and the small layout can sometimes be a problem because the area gets congested with a queue into greggs.
The location is right in the centre so it is easy to access and their is outdoor public benches outside.
Greggs is usually very clean and their food is usually good for money snacks.You get value for money food at greggs which is always good because you can buy snacks without spending all your money.
The staff seem to all be women and they seem friendly and do their job well. It does look hectic to work there!
The place does get busy at around dinner time with work people and the small layout can sometimes be a problem because the area gets congested with a queue into greggs.
The location is right in the centre so it is easy to access and their is outdoor public benches outside.
Greggs is usually very clean and their food is usually good for money snacks.

Subway - Nice Subs by chrisynth

chrisynth — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:57:25 +0000

Review by chrisynth

Rating: 4.00

Website: www.subway.co.uk

Tags: good value, british

The staff are friendly even though they are all teens. The place is quite small but i am very happy that subway came to Alfreton because people prefer subway to greggs and other fast food shops and bakeries because it is healthy. The selection is quite big to choose from and although it is expensive for 'a sandwich' you won't regret paying for it when you eat it.
The alfreton store is clean but doesn't have much seating which isn't that much of a problem if it isn't raining because you can go and eat in the town centre on a bench or something.The staff are friendly even though they are all teens. The place is quite small but i am very happy that subway came to Alfreton because people prefer subway to greggs and other fast food shops and bakeries because it is healthy. The selection is quite big to choose from and although it is expensive for 'a sandwich' you won't regret paying for it when you eat it.
The alfreton store is clean but doesn't have much seating which isn't that much of a problem if it isn't raining because you can go and eat in the town centre on a bench or something.

Star Kebab House - Not that great! by chrisynth

chrisynth — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:34:37 +0000

Review by chrisynth

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 01773 831525

If you live in alfreton, you will have heard of this takeaway for their bargain food. All i can say really is that it isn't that great...
I had some chips from there once and they were still frozen, recently i thought i might try it again and i bought a donner kebab. It was ok, just they put everything into a tray and expected me to put it all together. Once again, it's just an average dodgey takeaway that sells hit and miss food.
If you are desperate for food then by all means go but i wouldn't go out of your way for some food from there.If you live in alfreton, you will have heard of this takeaway for their bargain food. All i can say really is that it isn't that great...
I had some chips from there once and they were still frozen, recently i thought i might try it again and i bought a donner kebab. It was ok, just they put everything into a tray and expected me to put it all together. Once again, it's just an average dodgey takeaway that sells hit and miss food.
If you are desperate for food then by all means go but i wouldn't go out of your way for some food from there.

Pizza Baker - Lovely Pizzas by chrisynth

chrisynth — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:51:01 +0000

Review by chrisynth

Rating: 5.00

Tags: bargain

The pizzas that this pizza baker makes are wonderful and taste great. I have to have one every week, i love it that much! The pizzas are never undercooked or overcooked but cooked to perfection. The pizza crusts are nice and doughy instead of them being hard and crunchy. They can be a bit greasy at times but still taste great. If you love pizzas i would recommend you buy one from here if you live in or around Alfreton. This shop is next to the job centre opposite the new tesco. They do delivery and the longest i have ever waited is just under one hour.
If you order, get the double pepperoni, it's so nice!The pizzas that this pizza baker makes are wonderful and taste great. I have to have one every week, i love it that much! The pizzas are never undercooked or overcooked but cooked to perfection. The pizza crusts are nice and doughy instead of them being hard and crunchy. They can be a bit greasy at times but still taste great. If you love pizzas i would recommend you buy one from here if you live in or around Alfreton. This shop is next to the job centre opposite the new tesco. They do delivery and the longest i have ever waited is just under one hour.
If you order, get the double pepperoni, it's so nice!

McDonald's Restaurant - Alright mcdonalds by chrisynth

chrisynth — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:39:51 +0000

Review by chrisynth

Rating: 4.00Well, once you have seen one McDonalds you have seen them all really...
The staff are usually friendly and helpful and sometimes even come around with balloons for the children.
The place isn't huge but it copes with the crowds it gets so all is ok. Since the refurbishment there is more seating available. The refurbishment has made the restaurant look much more clean, tidy and 'hip'. The drive thru is also quite fast and there is never a long queue for it. The location of the restaurant is a bit out of the way and it would have done much better at business if it had been in Alfreton town centre.Well, once you have seen one McDonalds you have seen them all really...
The staff are usually friendly and helpful and sometimes even come around with balloons for the children.
The place isn't huge but it copes with the crowds it gets so all is ok. Since the refurbishment there is more seating available. The refurbishment has made the restaurant look much more clean, tidy and 'hip'. The drive thru is also quite fast and there is never a long queue for it. The location of the restaurant is a bit out of the way and it would have done much better at business if it had been in Alfreton town centre.

The Castlewood - The Castlewood by jacktyler

jacktyler — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:01:18 +0000

Review by jacktyler

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 08701 977180

Tags: relaxed, standard pub food, beer garden

The Castlewood is a typical family pub, particularly catering for families with small children. It is located just off the M1 motorway at junction 28, accessible by taking the A38 road towards Mansfield and then the first turn on the left.

The pub is very pleasant inside, with nice furnishings and decor, plenty of seats and well-maintained and clean. The toilets are always clean and regularly checked.

The pub features both indoor and outdoor play areas for children and there are staff on hand to look after the kids and keep them entertained whilst you enjoy a nice meal.

The menu has a good selection of traditional pub meals and the prices aren't bad, but a little on the high side for what you get.

It's a nice place to enjoy a quiet drink in the evening and it rarely gets busy. You're most likely to meet business men having a drink there whilst they stay in the nearby Swallow Hotel.The Castlewood is a typical family pub, particularly catering for families with small children. It is located just off the M1 motorway at junction 28, accessible by taking the A38 road towards Mansfield and then the first turn on the left.

The pub is very pleasant inside, with nice furnishings and decor, plenty of seats and well-maintained and clean. The toilets are always clean and regularly checked.

The pub features both indoor and outdoor play areas for children and there are staff on hand to look after the kids and keep them entertained whilst you enjoy a nice meal.

The menu has a good selection of traditional pub meals and the prices aren't bad, but a little on the high side for what you get.

It's a nice place to enjoy a quiet drink in the evening and it rarely gets busy. You're most likely to meet business men having a drink there whilst they stay in the nearby Swallow Hotel.

The Hayes Conference Centre - The Hayes Conference Centre by Angella

Angella — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 02:27:16 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 3.00Local History
The Hayes was founded as a Christian conference centre but you don't have to be running a Christian conference to stay there. During the years I've heard of it being booked by a group of another religion, and mixed religions or none - a cultural group.

The building held prisoners of war in WWII. One of them escaped. Look for a book on the history in the book shop.

Accommodation
In my opinion the accommodation is the best part. It is varied and you can choose it to suit your budget. I like Lakeside bedrooms which have a double bed (because I am used to a double bed at home) and the overhead shower (which is quicker for me, good for washing hair and makes a change as I have a good bath but a dribbly shower at home).

However, the Alan Booth Centre's twin bed room would be better if you later decide you want to share with a friend. And they have baths.

If it's raining you can walk along inside the Alan Booth Centre which links to Lakeside. Other conference goers told me they prefer the Alan Booth centre's twin bed rooms with baths, which could be more suitable and cheaper if you are sharing with a relative or friend.

Accommodation in the old main house varies from a teeny room to a set of linked family rooms. Some upgraded rooms are en suite. Others might have a basin, and share external bathrooms. Check what is available.

My room had one towel and a towelling bathmat.
If you want a larger or a second towel and come by car you could bring your own.

I heard somebody complain that her room was not cleaned or vaccuumed often enough. Another found it a nuisance to have to take the sheets off the bed and put them outside the door on the day of departure when she was rushing for an early breakfast to catch an early coach.

But I always found the staff lovely. I was leaving by car and was one of the lategoers lingering over packing. When staff knocked on my bedroom door, I said I'd be clear in 2-4 minutes and they said no hurry. Once I just missed the hot part of breakfast and asked if they could find me anything, just a sausage, and a member of staff ran in and got me a complete plated cooked breakfast.

Our conference committee apparently looked at other conference centres which could hold up to 300 people and decided this one offered good value.

My Lakeside room had a teamaker on a tray, and a hairdryer. If you are bothered or wondering what to pack, check what will be in your room because the rooms vary and some are being upgraded.

Somebody else pointed out there was no TV. I'd never noticed. When you are busy networking, studying, doing homework at conference workshops there's no time. You could get the news on your laptop in a hotspot. Or read newspapers. Or take your own radio. But I like to get away from it all.

Food
Breakfast:
Table of cold cereals, often hot porridge, half grapefruit, yogurts, fresh fruit. Cooked breakfast which is served by the two conference goers at the ends of oblong tables.
We were asked to pass plates back as it's hard for the staff to get between the tables.

Elevenses
Coffees, tea, including sachets of herb teas, jug of juice, and biscuits.

Lunch
At my conference there was a queue and we used two dining rooms.
Food seemed much better than previous years. I liked most of the main courses, except one of the casseroles. Many of the mealtimes we had two kinds of meat.

One lunch was cheeses and salad. I liked the chicken and rice, though not the dry 'Indian' bread and I felt that I would have liked some vegetables. Ironically we'd had loads of salads plus hot vegetables and dips of beetroot and pickles at lunch the same day.

Your conference organizers can choose the menu. My conference usually had two hot vegetables as well as potato.

I liked the crumble. And nearly all of the desserts. And the liquid custard which did not settle into a skin but was always free-flowing from the metal jug.

On the last night we had a bigger selection of four cake type desserts as you can see. I found the chocolate cake a bit dry and not sufficiently chocolately for my taste. But I thought the 'cheesecake' with toffee topping was lovely. So rush for your favourite.

The fresh fruit looked good - large bananas and other fruit, but we were told to leave it for those who had told the conference they were vegetarians. A huge amount of skullduggery went on. Vegetarians were leaping up when dessert appeared and donating their hot puddings to non vegetarians. Part-time fruitarians were waiting until the full-time vegetarians had been satisfied. Then the fruitarians tried to snaffle a leftover.

At one point a conference goer was lingering over coffee, chatting to me, hoping to get a piece of fruit after everybody else had gone. A committee member was loitering, like a policeman, frightening some off taking fruit. I kept my eyes on my plate so as not to embarrass anybody, but looked sideways. After a couple of bold conference-goers grabbed a piece of fruit and marched off, unchallenged, the lurking committee member surreptitiously took a piece of fruit. I was in hysterics.

Tea
Usually four platters of cakes on two tables, at last two varieties, often half with 'cream' on top, sometimes even three or four types of cake. In 2007 I loved all the cakes which were deliciously moist. In 2008 I didn't like the ginger nor chocolate nor crunchy flapjacks from cereal but loved the tasty coconut cake with dried cherries. Other people felt the opposite. I was sorry I missed the jam donuts which got snapped up fast.

Dinner
At my conference we had many non-drinkers. Fruit juice was provided in jugs on the table at most meals.

Trolleys bring trays of food to the end of your oblong table and the two people at the end serve the others. Newcomers find this rather daunting and lots of people rush to avoid the end two seats.

However, once I talked myself into liking serving, I found that being a server really is an advantage. You discuss with the person sitting opposite who will serve and whether to pass down the gravy and custard or whether it will speed service and ensure everybody gets a share if you serve it out. You are able to converse with everybody on the table, asking what they would like, offering seconds, being in the position of power, can boss the others about, or take the nicest portions or a second helping if you are fussy or greedy!

We always had ample food for seconds. And if you ever find one person misses out, for example if they come in late, or you let others have the marble chocolate pudding and you had the spotted dick, but you'd rather try a piece of the chocolate pud - rather than see it thrown away - you will often be able to find extra food on the next table.

Coffee was already on the lunch or dinner table in an insulated pot. Not strong enough for me - I drink espresso coffee, but I was happy with the juice and never bothered with the Fair Trade instant coffee available free in my bedroom.

Drinks
At my conference, Writers' Summer School, all meals were included and the only extras were alcoholic drinks. You can buy a bottle of wine from the bar and share it on your table. One person in a group might do this, for example if you already know each other from home, or are in a joint activity during the day. Another person might take a turn to buy a bottle of drink another day. If you have a convivial group, on a one week conference, you might only need to buy one bottle, or two, but would have a glass of wine at 3-6 meals.

The bar served alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks at my conference.

An urn of free drinking water was near the bar. My handy hint, here and any venue - if the supply of plastic drinking cups, or wine glasses, has run out, you can use the drinking water to wash out a nearby glass and then fill it with the clean drinking water.

Noise
Strangely everybody misses the now demolished Garden House where bedroom doors were left open and people partied all night. I remember the days when Garden House rooms had no locks and I locked my camera in my suitcase and, when I was undressing, men looking for the communal showers would walk into my adjacent room by mistake and back out apologising. So to me the privacy and security of a hotel-style room is luxury.

Nowadays in Lakeside's ground floor rooms I could hear people walking overhead at night. I suppose one could ask for an upstairs room. If you wear earplugs or have hearing problems you should tell people in adjoining rooms to wake you in case of evacuation in a fire or emergency.

Late night partygoers may be asked by conference organizers to stay in the bar area of the main house so that those in other buildings can sleep well.

Location
Off the M1 Junction 28 north of Nottingham and Derby.

Entertainment
Pleasant flowered lawn, short walk to small lake with bench seats so you contemplate, meditate and if your life is full of care you don't have to 'stand and stare' but can site and stare. Croquet for lawn (deposit I think), games room with table tennis (deposit required for borrowing equipment).

Computer room with three computers and printer and honesty box to pay for paper.
('Adult' / 'porn' sites blocked.)
Bar.
Conservatory.
The 'Smal'l Conference Room is the smaller of two conference rooms but actually quite large, and here you can organize dancing. (Check on equipment and music to bring and who will act as your DJ.) A third building with a large hall should come into use for large meetings when some technicality has been sorted out, but then the current large conference room may be knocked down and an updated version installed.

Lots of leaflets on local attractions.
Newspapers can be delivered to lounge hall for conference guests to read.
Reading matter includes bible by the bed, Christian magazine in bedroom; table by dining room of donated second hand books sold in aid of charity.
Chapel for Sunday morning services.

Wifi
Wireless reception worked in various parts of the centre. I saw people using plugged in laptops in the bar area, and wirelessly in the audience in the small conference room.

One person had Wifi reception in her bedroom and another didn't. We thought that might be due to layout of the land or the transmitters. I suggest at conferences you try to remember to bring your laptop's connector, modem and plug so that if your building or room is beyond wireless range if necessary you can plug in.

Outings
Your conference might organize a free walk, charge for a coach to a free destination, or charge for the coach and give you the option of paying admission charge. Some stately homes charge nothing or less if you visit just the gardens. And some are so busy in summer that you have to wait for a space on booked guided tours.

If you have a National Trust card, student card, or photo ID showing you are retired, remember to bring it with you.

Options include:
1 Chatsworth House - big interesting house and gardens;
2 Denby Pottery with seconds shop;
3 DH Lawrence Museum in Eastwood near Nottingham (free entry and two attractions near each other on the trail).
4 Crich tramway.
5 Outing to a discount shopping mall.

If the conference coach tour is fully booked you could arrange a twosome or foursome in a your car or a friend's car and meet up with the coach party or choose your own destination.

Shopping
Centre's own shop has lots of Christian literature, postcards, and a few souvenirs.

Swanwick village has a party shop.

Leaflets tell you about places you can visit on your way there, on your free afternoon, or on the way home. Factory and discount places include Denby Pottery (with guided tours you must book, and several shops - check their website), Royal Crown Derby, Nieper nightwear, and discount shopping malls.

Parking & Luggage
It seems health and safety won't let your conference helpers assist you with luggage and there are not big trolleys like the ones in five star hotels and some university centres. But parking for the disabled is right by the Lakeside door. If you need a room near a lift ask the conference organizer. I travelled by car and found the easiest solution for getting luggage from the car to the room was not one big suitcase but two small airline bags on wheels.

Would I go again? Yes. Wide beds are better than the single beds at some university centres. I've been here several years running.Local History
The Hayes was founded as a Christian conference centre but you don't have to be running a Christian conference to stay there. During the years I've heard of it being booked by a group of another religion, and mixed religions or none - a cultural group.

The building held prisoners of war in WWII. One of them escaped. Look for a book on the history in the book shop.

Accommodation
In my opinion the accommodation is the best part. It is varied and you can choose it to suit your budget. I like Lakeside bedrooms which have a double bed (because I am used to a double bed at home) and the overhead shower (which is quicker for me, good for washing hair and makes a change as I have a good bath but a dribbly shower at home).

However, the Alan Booth Centre's twin bed room would be better if you later decide you want to share with a friend. And they have baths.

If it's raining you can walk along inside the Alan Booth Centre which links to Lakeside. Other conference goers told me they prefer the Alan Booth centre's twin bed rooms with baths, which could be more suitable and cheaper if you are sharing with a relative or friend.

Accommodation in the old main house varies from a teeny room to a set of linked family rooms. Some upgraded rooms are en suite. Others might have a basin, and share external bathrooms. Check what is available.

My room had one towel and a towelling bathmat.
If you want a larger or a second towel and come by car you could bring your own.

I heard somebody complain that her room was not cleaned or vaccuumed often enough. Another found it a nuisance to have to take the sheets off the bed and put them outside the door on the day of departure when she was rushing for an early breakfast to catch an early coach.

But I always found the staff lovely. I was leaving by car and was one of the lategoers lingering over packing. When staff knocked on my bedroom door, I said I'd be clear in 2-4 minutes and they said no hurry. Once I just missed the hot part of breakfast and asked if they could find me anything, just a sausage, and a member of staff ran in and got me a complete plated cooked breakfast.

Our conference committee apparently looked at other conference centres which could hold up to 300 people and decided this one offered good value.

My Lakeside room had a teamaker on a tray, and a hairdryer. If you are bothered or wondering what to pack, check what will be in your room because the rooms vary and some are being upgraded.

Somebody else pointed out there was no TV. I'd never noticed. When you are busy networking, studying, doing homework at conference workshops there's no time. You could get the news on your laptop in a hotspot. Or read newspapers. Or take your own radio. But I like to get away from it all.

Food
Breakfast:
Table of cold cereals, often hot porridge, half grapefruit, yogurts, fresh fruit. Cooked breakfast which is served by the two conference goers at the ends of oblong tables.
We were asked to pass plates back as it's hard for the staff to get between the tables.

Elevenses
Coffees, tea, including sachets of herb teas, jug of juice, and biscuits.

Lunch
At my conference there was a queue and we used two dining rooms.
Food seemed much better than previous years. I liked most of the main courses, except one of the casseroles. Many of the mealtimes we had two kinds of meat.

One lunch was cheeses and salad. I liked the chicken and rice, though not the dry 'Indian' bread and I felt that I would have liked some vegetables. Ironically we'd had loads of salads plus hot vegetables and dips of beetroot and pickles at lunch the same day.

Your conference organizers can choose the menu. My conference usually had two hot vegetables as well as potato.

I liked the crumble. And nearly all of the desserts. And the liquid custard which did not settle into a skin but was always free-flowing from the metal jug.

On the last night we had a bigger selection of four cake type desserts as you can see. I found the chocolate cake a bit dry and not sufficiently chocolately for my taste. But I thought the 'cheesecake' with toffee topping was lovely. So rush for your favourite.

The fresh fruit looked good - large bananas and other fruit, but we were told to leave it for those who had told the conference they were vegetarians. A huge amount of skullduggery went on. Vegetarians were leaping up when dessert appeared and donating their hot puddings to non vegetarians. Part-time fruitarians were waiting until the full-time vegetarians had been satisfied. Then the fruitarians tried to snaffle a leftover.

At one point a conference goer was lingering over coffee, chatting to me, hoping to get a piece of fruit after everybody else had gone. A committee member was loitering, like a policeman, frightening some off taking fruit. I kept my eyes on my plate so as not to embarrass anybody, but looked sideways. After a couple of bold conference-goers grabbed a piece of fruit and marched off, unchallenged, the lurking committee member surreptitiously took a piece of fruit. I was in hysterics.

Tea
Usually four platters of cakes on two tables, at last two varieties, often half with 'cream' on top, sometimes even three or four types of cake. In 2007 I loved all the cakes which were deliciously moist. In 2008 I didn't like the ginger nor chocolate nor crunchy flapjacks from cereal but loved the tasty coconut cake with dried cherries. Other people felt the opposite. I was sorry I missed the jam donuts which got snapped up fast.

Dinner
At my conference we had many non-drinkers. Fruit juice was provided in jugs on the table at most meals.

Trolleys bring trays of food to the end of your oblong table and the two people at the end serve the others. Newcomers find this rather daunting and lots of people rush to avoid the end two seats.

However, once I talked myself into liking serving, I found that being a server really is an advantage. You discuss with the person sitting opposite who will serve and whether to pass down the gravy and custard or whether it will speed service and ensure everybody gets a share if you serve it out. You are able to converse with everybody on the table, asking what they would like, offering seconds, being in the position of power, can boss the others about, or take the nicest portions or a second helping if you are fussy or greedy!

We always had ample food for seconds. And if you ever find one person misses out, for example if they come in late, or you let others have the marble chocolate pudding and you had the spotted dick, but you'd rather try a piece of the chocolate pud - rather than see it thrown away - you will often be able to find extra food on the next table.

Coffee was already on the lunch or dinner table in an insulated pot. Not strong enough for me - I drink espresso coffee, but I was happy with the juice and never bothered with the Fair Trade instant coffee available free in my bedroom.

Drinks
At my conference, Writers' Summer School, all meals were included and the only extras were alcoholic drinks. You can buy a bottle of wine from the bar and share it on your table. One person in a group might do this, for example if you already know each other from home, or are in a joint activity during the day. Another person might take a turn to buy a bottle of drink another day. If you have a convivial group, on a one week conference, you might only need to buy one bottle, or two, but would have a glass of wine at 3-6 meals.

The bar served alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks at my conference.

An urn of free drinking water was near the bar. My handy hint, here and any venue - if the supply of plastic drinking cups, or wine glasses, has run out, you can use the drinking water to wash out a nearby glass and then fill it with the clean drinking water.

Noise
Strangely everybody misses the now demolished Garden House where bedroom doors were left open and people partied all night. I remember the days when Garden House rooms had no locks and I locked my camera in my suitcase and, when I was undressing, men looking for the communal showers would walk into my adjacent room by mistake and back out apologising. So to me the privacy and security of a hotel-style room is luxury.

Nowadays in Lakeside's ground floor rooms I could hear people walking overhead at night. I suppose one could ask for an upstairs room. If you wear earplugs or have hearing problems you should tell people in adjoining rooms to wake you in case of evacuation in a fire or emergency.

Late night partygoers may be asked by conference organizers to stay in the bar area of the main house so that those in other buildings can sleep well.

Location
Off the M1 Junction 28 north of Nottingham and Derby.

Entertainment
Pleasant flowered lawn, short walk to small lake with bench seats so you contemplate, meditate and if your life is full of care you don't have to 'stand and stare' but can site and stare. Croquet for lawn (deposit I think), games room with table tennis (deposit required for borrowing equipment).

Computer room with three computers and printer and honesty box to pay for paper.
('Adult' / 'porn' sites blocked.)
Bar.
Conservatory.
The 'Smal'l Conference Room is the smaller of two conference rooms but actually quite large, and here you can organize dancing. (Check on equipment and music to bring and who will act as your DJ.) A third building with a large hall should come into use for large meetings when some technicality has been sorted out, but then the current large conference room may be knocked down and an updated version installed.

Lots of leaflets on local attractions.
Newspapers can be delivered to lounge hall for conference guests to read.
Reading matter includes bible by the bed, Christian magazine in bedroom; table by dining room of donated second hand books sold in aid of charity.
Chapel for Sunday morning services.

Wifi
Wireless reception worked in various parts of the centre. I saw people using plugged in laptops in the bar area, and wirelessly in the audience in the small conference room.

One person had Wifi reception in her bedroom and another didn't. We thought that might be due to layout of the land or the transmitters. I suggest at conferences you try to remember to bring your laptop's connector, modem and plug so that if your building or room is beyond wireless range if necessary you can plug in.

Outings
Your conference might organize a free walk, charge for a coach to a free destination, or charge for the coach and give you the option of paying admission charge. Some stately homes charge nothing or less if you visit just the gardens. And some are so busy in summer that you have to wait for a space on booked guided tours.

If you have a National Trust card, student card, or photo ID showing you are retired, remember to bring it with you.

Options include:
1 Chatsworth House - big interesting house and gardens;
2 Denby Pottery with seconds shop;
3 DH Lawrence Museum in Eastwood near Nottingham (free entry and two attractions near each other on the trail).
4 Crich tramway.
5 Outing to a discount shopping mall.

If the conference coach tour is fully booked you could arrange a twosome or foursome in a your car or a friend's car and meet up with the coach party or choose your own destination.

Shopping
Centre's own shop has lots of Christian literature, postcards, and a few souvenirs.

Swanwick village has a party shop.

Leaflets tell you about places you can visit on your way there, on your free afternoon, or on the way home. Factory and discount places include Denby Pottery (with guided tours you must book, and several shops - check their website), Royal Crown Derby, Nieper nightwear, and discount shopping malls.

Parking & Luggage
It seems health and safety won't let your conference helpers assist you with luggage and there are not big trolleys like the ones in five star hotels and some university centres. But parking for the disabled is right by the Lakeside door. If you need a room near a lift ask the conference organizer. I travelled by car and found the easiest solution for getting luggage from the car to the room was not one big suitcase but two small airline bags on wheels.

Would I go again? Yes. Wide beds are better than the single beds at some university centres. I've been here several years running.

The Waggon And Horses - The Waggon and Horses by jacktyler

jacktyler — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:42:20 +0000

Review by jacktyler

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01773 545 890

Tags: relaxed, standard pub food, friendly

This is a JD Wetherspoons pub, the only one in Alfreton, located just off the main high street, somewhat out of the way and easily overlooked.

Although it is part of the Wetherspoon chain, the management have done their best to maintain the pubs individual character and once inside, you will find the staff both friendly and welcoming and efficient.

The decor is comfortable, relaxing and clean. There are numerous tables and plenty of little nooks and crannies to escape into for those seeking a little privacy.

Food is the typical Wetherspoons menu, reasonable quality, but rather small portions and somewhat overpriced in my opinion. There is a good selection of local real ales.This is a JD Wetherspoons pub, the only one in Alfreton, located just off the main high street, somewhat out of the way and easily overlooked.

Although it is part of the Wetherspoon chain, the management have done their best to maintain the pubs individual character and once inside, you will find the staff both friendly and welcoming and efficient.

The decor is comfortable, relaxing and clean. There are numerous tables and plenty of little nooks and crannies to escape into for those seeking a little privacy.

Food is the typical Wetherspoons menu, reasonable quality, but rather small portions and somewhat overpriced in my opinion. There is a good selection of local real ales.

The Peacock - The Peacock by jacktyler

jacktyler — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:18:24 +0000

Review by jacktyler

Rating: 5.00

Tags: relaxed, young and fun, friendly

This traditional country pub is a real gem and highly recommended.

Although from the outisde, the pub looks somewhat tired and run down, once you get inside, things are completely different.

The furnishings and decor are cosy and welcoming, the tables clean and well-kept, the air clean and bright. The toilet facilities are good and kept very clean.

There are lots of interesting nooks and crannies to sit and enjoy your pint or a nice meal, and meals are where this little pub excels. The food is top quality and the portions are very generous. The prices are unfeasibly low for such quality and quantity. The menu is excellent with a wide range of dishes to suit every pallete and every wallet, ranging from OAP specials, to gourmet top-notch meals.

There is a large garden with seating for smokers and a play area for children.

Of particular interest is the "skeleton" in the pit, visible through a glass panel in the floor which you can stand on and look down into. Local legend has it that when the pub cellars were being refurbished, a tunnel was uncovered which links the pub to a nearby church. In the tunnel was found a human skeleton. This is of course, now replaced by a replica, but nethertheless, it makes a fascinating talking point and gives the pub a sense of chartacter and authenticity.This traditional country pub is a real gem and highly recommended.

Although from the outisde, the pub looks somewhat tired and run down, once you get inside, things are completely different.

The furnishings and decor are cosy and welcoming, the tables clean and well-kept, the air clean and bright. The toilet facilities are good and kept very clean.

There are lots of interesting nooks and crannies to sit and enjoy your pint or a nice meal, and meals are where this little pub excels. The food is top quality and the portions are very generous. The prices are unfeasibly low for such quality and quantity. The menu is excellent with a wide range of dishes to suit every pallete and every wallet, ranging from OAP specials, to gourmet top-notch meals.

There is a large garden with seating for smokers and a play area for children.

Of particular interest is the "skeleton" in the pit, visible through a glass panel in the floor which you can stand on and look down into. Local legend has it that when the pub cellars were being refurbished, a tunnel was uncovered which links the pub to a nearby church. In the tunnel was found a human skeleton. This is of course, now replaced by a replica, but nethertheless, it makes a fascinating talking point and gives the pub a sense of chartacter and authenticity.

Ye Olde Macdonald Farm - Ye Olde Macdonalds Farm by jacktyler

jacktyler — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:11:26 +0000

Review by jacktyler

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 01773 833274

Tags: relaxed, pool, friendly

This is a somewhat rundown, spartan pub on the main high street in Alfreton. The focus is definitely on drinking, not food, although there is a basic menu and what food where is, is cheap and tasty.

The furniture, decor and furnishings are all rather dark and dingy, and this adds to the somewhat "grotty" atmosphere of the pub.

On the positive side, the local crowd are fun and young (although usually drunk!) and there are good entertainment facilities inside - a good jukebox, several fruit machines and video games, quiz machine and a pool table.

The toilets are very uninviting and wellies are recommended!This is a somewhat rundown, spartan pub on the main high street in Alfreton. The focus is definitely on drinking, not food, although there is a basic menu and what food where is, is cheap and tasty.

The furniture, decor and furnishings are all rather dark and dingy, and this adds to the somewhat "grotty" atmosphere of the pub.

On the positive side, the local crowd are fun and young (although usually drunk!) and there are good entertainment facilities inside - a good jukebox, several fruit machines and video games, quiz machine and a pool table.

The toilets are very uninviting and wellies are recommended!

The Hudson Bay - Over priced and well below average by Wadders22

Wadders22 — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:56:24 +0000

Review by Wadders22

Rating: 1.00A most disappointing meal yesterday. Very little choice. Had to wait 50 mins for starter to arrive. Tomato soup tasted like a shop bought pasta sauce. The
Spinach and chestnut parcels were changed at the last moment to 'mediteranean parcels' and when the large clod of unrisen puff pastry arrived it had a small filling of cabbage and celery. The accompanying vegetables were bland boiled carrots, mange tout and baby corn which were most probably frozen, lacking flavour and taste. Roast potatoes were VERY roasted. The meal was over priced, lacking imagination and poorly cooked. I will not eat there again or recommend The Hudson Bay to anyone else.A most disappointing meal yesterday. Very little choice. Had to wait 50 mins for starter to arrive. Tomato soup tasted like a shop bought pasta sauce. The
Spinach and chestnut parcels were changed at the last moment to 'mediteranean parcels' and when the large clod of unrisen puff pastry arrived it had a small filling of cabbage and celery. The accompanying vegetables were bland boiled carrots, mange tout and baby corn which were most probably frozen, lacking flavour and taste. Roast potatoes were VERY roasted. The meal was over priced, lacking imagination and poorly cooked. I will not eat there again or recommend The Hudson Bay to anyone else.