Hardwick Arms, Stockton-On-Tees

Former coaching inn that is listed in the Good Beer Guide. I was stopping the night here, but of the 5 venues I visited in Sedgefield, this was just about the worst. Having checked in earlier in the day, I had briefly visited the main bar area to the left-hand side of the courtyard, in order to get somebody to check me in. It appeared fairly traditional. However, opening hours of this part of the building are limited. I had walked in as they were setting up for a 5pm opening, whilst it had already closed when I returned closer to 10pm. Instead, all of the action was happening in the Herd & Herb bar/restaurant on the opposite side of the courtyard. A quiz night was in action, with the usual outspoken quizmaster creating quite a noise. Luckily the quiz was just finishing and usually happens with such events, people were starting to stream out the door. I was still in time for a nightcap and had Bass or Trooper to choose from. I chose the latter and received my worst quality beer of the day. I certainly don't recall Trooper tasting that bad. The hotel itself had a room with radiators blasting out permanently. With the window open, I was kept awake my some loud Latino music, which got me wondering what happening establishment I had missed out on. At least breakfast and the couple of girls serving it helped to redeem my visit the following morning. In summary, how on earth is this place listed in the Good Beer Guide?