I hope this finds you safe and well. The past months have been incredibly challenging for all of us. Missing out on time with loved ones, adjusting to new routines and coping with different working and social practices hasn’t been easy.
The hospitality industry has been hit particularly hard, but I have been lucky. I am incredibly grateful to the key workers who have, and continue, to stay here. This business has been absolutely crucial. It has also been a real pleasure to welcome leisure guests. Among them, many familiar faces.
Open for business
The Cross fully reopened on 4 July. Having catered for key workers during lockdown, I knew that I could provide a relaxing place to stay while still adhering to government guidelines. I don’t greet guests in full PPE and expect them to read a huge Health & Safety manual! That being said, a healthy dose of common sense does need to be applied. With this in mind, here are some of the things guests can (and cannot) expect for the foreseeable future. Don’t worry, there aren’t a load of new draconian rules to adhere to…
Check in
As an independent business that can only sleep a maximum of 14 guests, you won’t find me behind a big glass screen. If I already have all your information (e.g. via email) then there is no need to register. If you would like to book an arrival time, please let me know.
Public areas & bedrooms
Guests have always highly rated the cleanliness of my premises. In these times, this is enhanced with special attention to all handles and hard surface areas.
Breakfast
I still offer my usual wide range of food options which include a Full English. Each guest has their own individual serving dishes and cutlery. I place freshly prepared food a sensible distance away from guests.
My main dining area
In good weather, guests are welcome to use both my communal garden and my own private garden to eat alfresco. My dining area is large, so if the weather isn’t pleasant there is plenty of indoor space.
When The Cross is busy, I ask guests when they would like to have breakfast. This way, timings can be staggered. Just let me know when you would like to eat!
My courtyard garden
Lunch
The local shops and restaurants are back to ‘normal’. There are numerous supermarkets in Wells and Shepton Mallet which are just a couple of miles from me. With notice, I can provide a picnic.
Evening meals
I am happy (with a bit of notice) to cook an evening meal for guests. The village pub is open. I can lay a table in my dining room for guests to enjoy a takeaway. There are lots of establishments open for takeaways in Wells and Shepton Mallet.
Self-catering
Rather bring your own provisions? No problem. Mells has a kitchenette and is ideal for families. If there is a small group of you, then book Mells and Chew together. Both rooms have external entrances, so guests can come and go between the two rooms and all eat together in Mells or in my dining area.
Mells provides self-catering accommodation
Drinks
I have always had an honesty bar, so there is no need for money to change hands at the time of purchase. My bar area is regularly wiped and disinfected.
Check out
My card machine is wiped and disinfected between uses. Alternatively, guests can pay by BACS.
Plenty to see & do
The local attractions are open. Wells Cathedral, the gardens, chapel & cafe at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells market (on Wednesdays & Saturdays) RSPB reserves and Longleat to name but a few! Or the Somerset countryside takes some beating. You could walk for miles without bumping in to anyone. Croscombe is not too far from the coast.
Relax!
The Cross is a spacious building and while being spotlessly clean it isn’t a sterile environment. I will always comply with the latest government guidelines and advice but that needn’t take the fun out of a stay here. It’s all about being sensible. If you do have any concerns, please get in touch.
Finally, it really helps me financially if you book direct. (I have to pay commission to third party sites.) My cancellation policy is no different. You can book directly on my site, fill out an Enquiry Form or give me a ring.
I hope to see you soon. Stay safe.