The Talbot Inn
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Summary of reviewsThe Talbot Inn in Ripley, near Woking, is celebrated for its excellent location marked by picturesque surroundings and easy access to local attractions like RHS Wisley Gardens, Guildford and Hampton Court. Its proximity to the High Street and the river provides beautiful walking opportunities, contributing to the inn's historical and charming atmosphere. The quiet village setting, combined with convenient access to London by train, makes it an ideal base for both city visits and peaceful retreats. Guests also appreciate the large green areas for dog walking, free parking and nearby dining and golf options.
The breakfast experience at The Talbot Inn receives high praise for its variety and quality. Guests enjoy well-cooked options such as poached eggs and vegan full English breakfast, complemented by a pleasant ambiance, sometimes with garden views. Though there are occasional critiques about service speed and the availability of fresh fruit, the overall consensus is that the breakfast is plentiful, delicious and well presented with attentive staff catering to dietary needs.
Dining at the inn is another highlight with guests commending the excellent food and comfortable restaurant ambiance. The menu includes well-prepared dishes like fish and chips, pizza and pasta, although some suggest adding more variety and traditional pub options. Despite occasional criticisms about service speed and limited menu options, the overall dining experience is enhanced by tasty meals, reasonable wine prices and friendly, efficient staff.
Guest feedback on room accommodations is mixed. Positive points include spacious, clean and comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities like tea/coffee making facilities and hairdryers. The historical charm of the building adds to its appeal. However, issues such as stuffiness, inconsistent cleanliness, outdated decor and faulty infrastructure are noted by some guests, suggesting that updates and improved housekeeping are needed.
Staff at The Talbot Inn are consistently praised for their friendliness, professionalism and efficiency. Both the reception and restaurant teams contribute to a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere with particular staff members receiving individual commendations for their excellent service. While there are rare reports of unprofessional behavior, the general sentiment is that the staff significantly enhance the guest experience.
The WiFi service is generally reliable and satisfactory with most guests finding the connection stable and functional in various areas of the hotel. Parking is ample and convenient, although the unexpected £10 per night fee has led to some dissatisfaction. The available EV charging stations are appreciated, although they are sometimes inoperable and the high usage cost is a point of contention.
For families, The Talbot Inn offers a warm and suitable environment with helpful staff, family rooms and enjoyable breakfast options. However, some family rooms may not accommodate multiple children comfortably and the presence of weddings can occasionally disrupt the family-centric atmosphere.
The comfort of the beds receives mixed reviews. While many guests find the beds large and comfortable, issues such as overly soft or worn-out mattresses and uncomfortable pillows are common complaints.
In summary, The Talbot Inn is a well-located, charming establishment with praised dining options and friendly staff. While it offers a generally comfortable stay, attention to room updates, cleanliness and minor service improvements could significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
Categories
The breakfast experience at The Talbot Inn receives high praise for its variety and quality. Guests enjoy well-cooked options such as poached eggs and vegan full English breakfast, complemented by a pleasant ambiance, sometimes with garden views. Though there are occasional critiques about service speed and the availability of fresh fruit, the overall consensus is that the breakfast is plentiful, delicious and well presented with attentive staff catering to dietary needs.
Dining at the inn is another highlight with guests commending the excellent food and comfortable restaurant ambiance. The menu includes well-prepared dishes like fish and chips, pizza and pasta, although some suggest adding more variety and traditional pub options. Despite occasional criticisms about service speed and limited menu options, the overall dining experience is enhanced by tasty meals, reasonable wine prices and friendly, efficient staff.
Guest feedback on room accommodations is mixed. Positive points include spacious, clean and comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities like tea/coffee making facilities and hairdryers. The historical charm of the building adds to its appeal. However, issues such as stuffiness, inconsistent cleanliness, outdated decor and faulty infrastructure are noted by some guests, suggesting that updates and improved housekeeping are needed.
Staff at The Talbot Inn are consistently praised for their friendliness, professionalism and efficiency. Both the reception and restaurant teams contribute to a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere with particular staff members receiving individual commendations for their excellent service. While there are rare reports of unprofessional behavior, the general sentiment is that the staff significantly enhance the guest experience.
The WiFi service is generally reliable and satisfactory with most guests finding the connection stable and functional in various areas of the hotel. Parking is ample and convenient, although the unexpected £10 per night fee has led to some dissatisfaction. The available EV charging stations are appreciated, although they are sometimes inoperable and the high usage cost is a point of contention.
For families, The Talbot Inn offers a warm and suitable environment with helpful staff, family rooms and enjoyable breakfast options. However, some family rooms may not accommodate multiple children comfortably and the presence of weddings can occasionally disrupt the family-centric atmosphere.
The comfort of the beds receives mixed reviews. While many guests find the beds large and comfortable, issues such as overly soft or worn-out mattresses and uncomfortable pillows are common complaints.
In summary, The Talbot Inn is a well-located, charming establishment with praised dining options and friendly staff. While it offers a generally comfortable stay, attention to room updates, cleanliness and minor service improvements could significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
Boutique-style Hotel
A historic coaching inn in Ripley that has been revitalized, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern comforts. The individually styled rooms and excellent dining options provide a unique and memorable stay.
Dog Friendly Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Surrey village of Ripley, this destination stands as one of the country's most storied and historic coaching inns. It warmly welcomes dogs.
Hotel with Parking
Onsite parking is available at the rear of the property for a charge, subject to availability. The inn also has electric car chargers available for a fee.
EV charging stations
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Family Friendly Hotel
Accessible Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
The Talbot Inn in Ripley, near Woking, is celebrated for its excellent location, making it a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions. Guests appreciate its proximity to RHS Wisley Gardens, a major draw for many visitors. Set in a picturesque and tranquil village, the hotel offers easy access to charming local sites such as Guildford, Woking and Hampton Court.
The inn's position on the High Street and near the river provides beautiful walking opportunities, contributing to its appealing and historical atmosphere. This quaint and atmospheric coaching inn garners praise not only for its location but also for its character and history. The convenient access to London by train and its peaceful setting allows guests to enjoy the best of both worlds – close enough for city visits yet far from the hustle and bustle.
Free parking, large green areas for dog walking and proximity to excellent restaurants and golf clubs make it an attractive option for various needs, whether for business, weddings or leisure. The staff's friendliness and the inn's beautiful surroundings consistently enhance the overall guest experience.
The breakfast experience at The Talbot Inn generally receives high praise from guests, highlighting a wide variety of positive aspects. Many guests found the breakfast to be very good or excellent with specific mentions of well-cooked and delicious cooked breakfasts, including options like poached eggs and vegan full English breakfast. The selection is often described as plentiful and varied, offering both continental and cooked options, which guests found satisfying. The breakfast room itself is appreciated for its pleasant ambiance with some guests enjoying views of the garden as they dine.
There are mentions of high-quality breakfast offerings and attentive morning staff, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience. Guests frequently note the lovely presentation and superb service with special attention given to dietary needs without issue. Despite the occasional mention of slow service at busy times and the need for fresh fruit, the consensus is that the breakfast includes plenty of choices, from muesli and granary bread to full English options.
A few critical points are raised regarding specific details, such as cold plates, limited selection in the last hour of service and some buffet items not being up to par. However, these critiques are often overshadowed by the overwhelming number of positive remarks regarding the taste, variety and quality of the breakfast served.
Overall, The Talbot Inn appears to offer a strong breakfast experience that delights most guests, leaving them well-fed and ready for the day.
The Talbot Inn offers a commendable dining experience praised for its excellent food with many guests highlighting delicious dinners and great flavor across various meals. The restaurant itself is appreciated for its attractiveness and comfortable ambiance with a modern glass extension providing a pleasant view of the garden. Guests often mention that both dinner and breakfast excel in quality and the menu includes well-prepared options like fish and chips, pizza and pasta.
Despite the high-quality offerings, some guests find the dinner menu limited and suggest adding more variety, including meatless options and more traditional pub food. There are also occasional mentions of slow service and instances when the restaurant was closed or fully booked due to staff shortages. Moreover, some dishes such as the roast lamb and mushroom soup did not meet the expectations of a few guests.
Overall, the dining at The Talbot Inn is considered a significant highlight with well-managed dinner service and reasonably priced, tasty wines enhancing the experience. The helpful and friendly staff further complement this, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for an enjoyable meal.
The Talbot Inn offers a mixed experience when it comes to room accommodations. On the positive side, many guests found their rooms spacious, clean and comfortable, often highlighting the ample size and modern amenities such as tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryers and fans. The historical charm of the building and its convenient location were appreciated by many. Ground floor rooms were noted for their ease of access and some rooms featured pleasant views or were quiet, making for a relaxing stay.
However, several recurring issues affected the overall guest experience. There were complaints about rooms being stuffy or overly warm with some ventilation problems leading to condensation. Maintenance and cleanliness were inconsistent with reports of dusty surfaces, cobwebs, stained carpets and unpleasant odors in several rooms. Infrastructure issues such as difficult-to-open windows, faulty showerheads and outdated decor also detracted from the experience. Additionally, some guests were disappointed with small room sizes and a lack of basic amenities such as water glasses or a sufficient number of coat hangers.
While the Talbot Inn has its charms and offers some well-appointed rooms, there is a significant need for updates and better housekeeping practices to enhance the guest experience.
The Talbot Inn has garnered varied feedback regarding the comfort of its beds. Guests frequently praised the king-size and large beds, describing them as extremely comfortable, super comfy and very convenient. Cleanliness of the bed linens and overall bed conditions was noted positively as well. However, there were recurring complaints about the mattresses being too soft, old and saggy with some even describing them as worn out or lumpy. Several guests mentioned the pillows were either flat or hard, contributing to an uncomfortable sleep experience. The spare fold-out and camp beds received particularly negative remarks, being labeled as uncomfortable or even awful.
Overall, while many found the beds at The Talbot Inn comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, a significant number of guests highlighted issues with the softness and condition of the mattresses and pillows.
'The Talbot Inn' seems to elicit mixed feelings when it comes to cleanliness. On one side, numerous guest reviews highlight the positive aspects, noting that the rooms and communal areas were clean and well-presented. Many guests found their rooms to be very clean, comfortable and nicely arranged. The premises overall were described as clean, creating a hygienic environment that some visitors appreciated. Cleanliness in the main building and restaurant was noted favorably and many guests repeatedly mentioned that their rooms were clean.
However, the negative feedback cannot be ignored. Multiple reviews pointed out issues with cleanliness across various areas of the hotel. Guests reported dirty carpets, stained bed linen and dust in all rooms and common areas. Problems with mould in the bathrooms, especially in the shower areas, were frequently mentioned. Some visitors found used items like cotton buds and old food in their rooms, indicating that housekeeping might need more diligence. Additionally, aspects like dirty surfaces, smelly carpets and neglected maintenance were recurrent themes.
The consensus points to a need for improved and more consistent cleaning standards at 'The Talbot Inn'. While many found their rooms to be clean and comfortable, others experienced significant cleanliness issues that impacted their stay. The hotel appears to oscillate between maintaining well-kept rooms and falling behind in ensuring a spotless environment, potentially depending on the specific room or timing of the stay.
The Talbot Inn receives high praise for its friendly and helpful staff with numerous guests commending the welcoming atmosphere created by both the reception and restaurant teams. Many reviews highlight the professionalism and efficiency of the staff, noting their politeness and attentiveness. The bar and housekeeping staff were frequently mentioned as being particularly supportive and friendly. Exceptional staff members like Tracy in housekeeping and the night receptionist Arvind were singled out for their superb service.
Visitors also appreciated the accommodating nature of the staff, who went out of their way to make guests feel welcome. The overall experience is often described as pleasant and relaxing, enhanced by the warm interactions with staff members. Despite some isolated instances of unprofessional behavior and occasional lapses in attentiveness, the general consensus is that the staff at The Talbot Inn significantly contribute to a positive and enjoyable stay.
In summary, the staff at The Talbot Inn are seen as a major asset to the establishment, largely contributing to its reputation for great service and a welcoming environment.
Guests at The Talbot Inn have generally positive experiences with the WiFi service provided at the hotel. Many reviews highlight that the WiFi works well, is good and even excellent in various areas, including the rooms and public spaces. Guests frequently noted that the connection was stable, which enhanced their stay. However, there are a few mentions of difficulties in connecting to the WiFi or instances where the service was slow or not available. On the whole, the majority of guests found the WiFi to be reliable and satisfactory during their visit.
When it comes to parking at The Talbot Inn, guests frequently mention the ample availability of parking spaces, highlighting that there is plenty of parking with a large and spacious car park on site. Many visitors appreciate the convenience and ease of parking their vehicles with comments noting the good onsite parking and ample parking facilities.
While the general sentiment is positive regarding the availability of parking, some guests are caught off guard by the £10 per night parking fee, emphasizing that the charge is unexpected and not clearly communicated during booking. This has led to suggestions that the overnight parking fee should be included in the room rate or better highlighted in the listings.
The availability of free parking is also noted, although some reviews mention that parking can be tight or limited, particularly during large events like weddings where spaces can be at a premium. Guests with electric vehicles appreciate the EV charging facilities, although there is feedback indicating a need for more non-Tesla chargers.
Overall, the feedback on parking facilities at The Talbot Inn is mixed but leans towards positive, especially in terms of space availability and ease of parking. The main contention lies in the additional cost and the clarity regarding this fee.
The Talbot Inn offers electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, which is a convenient amenity for guests driving electric cars. Reviews highlight the availability and good quality of the EV charging facilities, providing a positive aspect for environmentally conscious travelers. However, several reviewers noted that these chargers were not operable at times, which could be an inconvenience. Additionally, there have been multiple mentions of the high fees associated with using the EV chargers with some guests specifically pointing out the cost of £12.50 per hour as extremely high. While the existence of EV chargers is a commendable feature, the inconsistent operability and high usage costs are areas that could benefit from improvement.
The Talbot Inn offers a family-friendly experience with a range of activities and amenities suitable for children. Guests frequently highlight the warm and helpful staff who contribute towards a welcoming atmosphere for families. The hotel provides suitable facilities for young children, including spare camp beds upon request and family rooms accommodating up to four guests. Families can enjoy a fun environment, well-situated for visiting relatives and a quaint place overall.
The family breakfast receives positive mentions with a warm and inviting atmosphere, although breakfast rooms can be crowded. The family-friendly restaurant and good children's amenities make dining convenient and enjoyable for families. However, it should be noted that there is no discount for kids on the continental breakfast or parking.
While the Talbot Inn is seen as a wonderful venue for family stays, guests have pointed out a few issues. Some family rooms may only accommodate a single double bed, which can be inconvenient for families with more than one child. Additionally, weddings hosted at the venue can disrupt the stay for families not attending the event, leading to sleepless nights due to noise and crowded facilities.
Overall, the Talbot Inn is favorably reviewed for its family-friendly environment, helpful staff and suitable facilities, making it a good choice for families traveling with young children.
The Talbot Inn has garnered attention for its charming ambiance, although there are mixed opinions regarding its four-star rating. While the hotel offers a lovely setting and has the potential to be outstanding with some investment, many guests feel it falls short of true four-star standards. Some reviewers expected more given the pricing level and noted that the hotel could benefit from updates. Despite these criticisms, the overall experience remains enjoyable for guests who appreciate the hotel's existing charm. However, improvements in facilities and services would help align the hotel more closely with its advertised rating.
Guests have shared mixed reviews regarding the accessibility of 'The Talbot Inn' for those with disabilities. On the positive side, many appreciated the accessibility of the rooms with several mentioning that the establishment offers rooms on the ground floor that are easily accessible and particularly helpful for wheelchair users. Some guests noted that the rooms were well-equipped and, in some cases, close to the restaurant, which was convenient.
The establishment made efforts to accommodate guests with specific needs, such as reserving parking spaces for those with mobility issues. A few guests highlighted the decent wetrooms available for wheelchair users, indicating a thoughtful consideration of their requirements.
However, several guests encountered challenges that suggest room for improvement. Some mentioned that the stairs and corridors posed difficulties for those carrying luggage or with mobility concerns. Others pointed out that the hotel was not fully disability-friendly with specific comments about accessibility limitations due to stairs.
Feedback on room maintenance varied with some issues noted such as loose toilet seats, broken tiles and dusty radiators. It's clear that while 'The Talbot Inn' has made attempts to cater to disabled guests, there remain areas that could be improved to ensure a more comfortable stay for all.
The Talbot Inn is a charming, quaint boutique hotel set in a gorgeous, historic building. It boasts a unique vintage feel, full of character and authentic inn qualities. The rooms are beautifully decorated in a boutique style with a combination of quirky and modern vintage charm. The hotel’s décor and ambiance contribute to its characterful and distinctive atmosphere. Set in a lovely village, The Talbot Inn offers a picturesque and inviting environment for visitors.
The Talbot Inn shines as a notable destination for pet travelers, consistently praised for its dog-friendly environment. Guests appreciate the numerous dog-friendly rooms and areas, complimenting the establishment on being well-suited for pet accommodations. Dogs are genuinely welcomed throughout the property, highlighted by thoughtful touches such as providing dog bowls.
Families and individuals alike have found the rooms spacious, even large enough to comfortably house multiple dogs. While a pet fee of £10 is noted, it does not seem to deter guests from bringing their furry companions along. However, some reviews mentioned a pervasive dog smell in certain areas, which might be a consideration for those sensitive to such odors. Despite a few comments about the smell, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the welcoming atmosphere and dedicated areas for dogs make The Talbot Inn a highly regarded choice for pet owners.
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Location
The inn's position on the High Street and near the river provides beautiful walking opportunities, contributing to its appealing and historical atmosphere. This quaint and atmospheric coaching inn garners praise not only for its location but also for its character and history. The convenient access to London by train and its peaceful setting allows guests to enjoy the best of both worlds – close enough for city visits yet far from the hustle and bustle.
Free parking, large green areas for dog walking and proximity to excellent restaurants and golf clubs make it an attractive option for various needs, whether for business, weddings or leisure. The staff's friendliness and the inn's beautiful surroundings consistently enhance the overall guest experience.
Breakfast
There are mentions of high-quality breakfast offerings and attentive morning staff, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience. Guests frequently note the lovely presentation and superb service with special attention given to dietary needs without issue. Despite the occasional mention of slow service at busy times and the need for fresh fruit, the consensus is that the breakfast includes plenty of choices, from muesli and granary bread to full English options.
A few critical points are raised regarding specific details, such as cold plates, limited selection in the last hour of service and some buffet items not being up to par. However, these critiques are often overshadowed by the overwhelming number of positive remarks regarding the taste, variety and quality of the breakfast served.
Overall, The Talbot Inn appears to offer a strong breakfast experience that delights most guests, leaving them well-fed and ready for the day.
Dinner
Despite the high-quality offerings, some guests find the dinner menu limited and suggest adding more variety, including meatless options and more traditional pub food. There are also occasional mentions of slow service and instances when the restaurant was closed or fully booked due to staff shortages. Moreover, some dishes such as the roast lamb and mushroom soup did not meet the expectations of a few guests.
Overall, the dining at The Talbot Inn is considered a significant highlight with well-managed dinner service and reasonably priced, tasty wines enhancing the experience. The helpful and friendly staff further complement this, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for an enjoyable meal.
Rooms
However, several recurring issues affected the overall guest experience. There were complaints about rooms being stuffy or overly warm with some ventilation problems leading to condensation. Maintenance and cleanliness were inconsistent with reports of dusty surfaces, cobwebs, stained carpets and unpleasant odors in several rooms. Infrastructure issues such as difficult-to-open windows, faulty showerheads and outdated decor also detracted from the experience. Additionally, some guests were disappointed with small room sizes and a lack of basic amenities such as water glasses or a sufficient number of coat hangers.
While the Talbot Inn has its charms and offers some well-appointed rooms, there is a significant need for updates and better housekeeping practices to enhance the guest experience.
Beds
Overall, while many found the beds at The Talbot Inn comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, a significant number of guests highlighted issues with the softness and condition of the mattresses and pillows.
Cleanliness
However, the negative feedback cannot be ignored. Multiple reviews pointed out issues with cleanliness across various areas of the hotel. Guests reported dirty carpets, stained bed linen and dust in all rooms and common areas. Problems with mould in the bathrooms, especially in the shower areas, were frequently mentioned. Some visitors found used items like cotton buds and old food in their rooms, indicating that housekeeping might need more diligence. Additionally, aspects like dirty surfaces, smelly carpets and neglected maintenance were recurrent themes.
The consensus points to a need for improved and more consistent cleaning standards at 'The Talbot Inn'. While many found their rooms to be clean and comfortable, others experienced significant cleanliness issues that impacted their stay. The hotel appears to oscillate between maintaining well-kept rooms and falling behind in ensuring a spotless environment, potentially depending on the specific room or timing of the stay.
Staff
Visitors also appreciated the accommodating nature of the staff, who went out of their way to make guests feel welcome. The overall experience is often described as pleasant and relaxing, enhanced by the warm interactions with staff members. Despite some isolated instances of unprofessional behavior and occasional lapses in attentiveness, the general consensus is that the staff at The Talbot Inn significantly contribute to a positive and enjoyable stay.
In summary, the staff at The Talbot Inn are seen as a major asset to the establishment, largely contributing to its reputation for great service and a welcoming environment.
Wi-Fi
Parking
While the general sentiment is positive regarding the availability of parking, some guests are caught off guard by the £10 per night parking fee, emphasizing that the charge is unexpected and not clearly communicated during booking. This has led to suggestions that the overnight parking fee should be included in the room rate or better highlighted in the listings.
The availability of free parking is also noted, although some reviews mention that parking can be tight or limited, particularly during large events like weddings where spaces can be at a premium. Guests with electric vehicles appreciate the EV charging facilities, although there is feedback indicating a need for more non-Tesla chargers.
Overall, the feedback on parking facilities at The Talbot Inn is mixed but leans towards positive, especially in terms of space availability and ease of parking. The main contention lies in the additional cost and the clarity regarding this fee.
EV charging stations
Family
The family breakfast receives positive mentions with a warm and inviting atmosphere, although breakfast rooms can be crowded. The family-friendly restaurant and good children's amenities make dining convenient and enjoyable for families. However, it should be noted that there is no discount for kids on the continental breakfast or parking.
While the Talbot Inn is seen as a wonderful venue for family stays, guests have pointed out a few issues. Some family rooms may only accommodate a single double bed, which can be inconvenient for families with more than one child. Additionally, weddings hosted at the venue can disrupt the stay for families not attending the event, leading to sleepless nights due to noise and crowded facilities.
Overall, the Talbot Inn is favorably reviewed for its family-friendly environment, helpful staff and suitable facilities, making it a good choice for families traveling with young children.
4 Star
Accessible
The establishment made efforts to accommodate guests with specific needs, such as reserving parking spaces for those with mobility issues. A few guests highlighted the decent wetrooms available for wheelchair users, indicating a thoughtful consideration of their requirements.
However, several guests encountered challenges that suggest room for improvement. Some mentioned that the stairs and corridors posed difficulties for those carrying luggage or with mobility concerns. Others pointed out that the hotel was not fully disability-friendly with specific comments about accessibility limitations due to stairs.
Feedback on room maintenance varied with some issues noted such as loose toilet seats, broken tiles and dusty radiators. It's clear that while 'The Talbot Inn' has made attempts to cater to disabled guests, there remain areas that could be improved to ensure a more comfortable stay for all.
Boutique-Style
Dog Friendly
Families and individuals alike have found the rooms spacious, even large enough to comfortably house multiple dogs. While a pet fee of £10 is noted, it does not seem to deter guests from bringing their furry companions along. However, some reviews mentioned a pervasive dog smell in certain areas, which might be a consideration for those sensitive to such odors. Despite a few comments about the smell, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the welcoming atmosphere and dedicated areas for dogs make The Talbot Inn a highly regarded choice for pet owners.
No, The Talbot Inn doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Talbot Inn.
Yes, The Talbot Inn welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Talbot Inn.
No, The Talbot Inn doesn't have a gym.
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