This hotel allowed me to do something I never thought possible: to write a cock-and-bull story for The Times.

In the pretty Buckinghamshire village of Stony Stratford are two old coaching inns, The Cock and The Bull, and it is from these that the phrase “cock-and-bull story” is believed to have originated.

I was staying in The Cock. I could have stayed at The Bull, which was a couple of doors away (separated by Carpetwise and a builders' supply outlet), but it looked a bit rough around the edges. Rooms cost £25 and groups of well-oiled individuals were smoking cigarettes and glaring at the outsider (me) as I considered asking about a booking.

The Cock was twice the price, but more than twice as enticing. Inside, neatly dressed staff were busy behind a small bar. At reception a polite manageress gave me the keys to a comfortable double room overlooking Stony Stratford's high street and a flamboyant pub sign depicting a cockerel. By leaning out the sash window I could see the equally over-the-top sign for The Bull, just down the street.

The room was tastefully decorated, with a gold and green canopy over a sleigh bed made from dark wood. An oval mirror hung next to a bow-legged antique desk. Cream curtains at the tall windows were tied by gold ropes. I sat in a olive-coloured suede chair thinking that for £50 I had done pretty well for myself.

Downstairs, an information panel near the front door explained how the expression “cock-and-bull story” came from the hotel's former life as a coaching inn (parts of the building date from the 15th century). Stony Stratford was a busy staging post for coaches travelling north from London, with many inns from which to choose.

The Cock and The Bull, in the centre of the village, were among the most popular. The Cock was the official stop-off for the Manchester Flier service, which left London at 8.30am and arrived in Manchester at 5.10am the next day, with a 25-minute stop in Stony Stratford en route.

“Cock-and-bull” stories emerged as travellers' tales - told over an ale or two and exaggerated when retold by others.

I ate a perfectly fine Thai curry at The Cock. Then I strolled to The Bull, quieter than before and minus the glaring smokers, for a pint. The Bull was smaller than The Cock, with rock music playing loudly. But I guess that, as with any cock-and-bull story, if you want to know for sure - you had better go and see for yourself.

Bottom line Mystery Guest paid £50 for a B&B double

Sampling the fare Decent food, good beer

Best thing The history

Worst thing Small bathroom

Need to know The Cock (01908 567733, www.cockhotel-stonystratford.com), 72-74 High Street, Stony Stratford, Bucks MK11 1AH

Room 8 out of 10

Food 6.5 out of 10

Service 9 out of 10

Value 7 out of 10

Score 7.63

PUT TO THE TEST: 20 Mystery Guest questions for... The Cock

1. Do rooms have kettles/coffee makers?

YES

And is there fresh milk?

NO, UHT POTS

2. Is there a hairdryer, and is it fixed to a wall?

YES, BUT NOT FIXED TO THE WALL

3. Are coathangers metal, wooden, removable?

WOODEN

4. Complimentary bottle of water?

NO

5. Sheets and blankets or duvets?

DUVETS

6. What about a 'pillow menu'?

NO

7. Is lighting good enough for reading?

YES

8. Is there a shaving/make up mirror? And is it well lit?

YES & YES

9. What about the in-room entertainment system?

TV & DVD PLAYERS

10. Is there a temperature control panel?

NO

11. Do the windows open?

YES

12. Is there good sound-proofing?

DOUBLE GLAZED AT THE FRONT WHICH FACES THE ROAD

13. Is there wi-fi internet access?

YES

14. Is there a good place to go jogging nearby?

YES - ON THE STONY STRATFORD TOWN WALK

15. What is the vegetarian food selection like?

A SELCTION INCLUDING WILD MUSHROOM LASAGNE AND TOMATO & VEGETABLE RISOTTO

16. Is there baby listening/babysitting? NO And are children welcome at adults’ evening meals?

YES

17. Is there wheelchair access to all areas?

NO

18. Do you get a free paper in the morning?

NO

19. Is there a pub round the corner?

THEY HAVE A PUB

20. Is there free car parking?

YES

And is it secure?

YES - IT'S A PRIVATE CAR PARK

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