It's Mother's Day next weekend, and if you haven't already planned a treat for your Mum, look no further than a weekend in Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. This delightful English town is not only full of literary culture; but is home to some of the country's most stylish hotels and eateries.
The Menzies Welcombe Hotel & Spa sits just on the edge of the town. It's long winding driveway through the golf course makes you feel miles away from the world. Nature is in it's abundance around the hotel. Signs warn drivers to be careful of squirrels, and a flock of geese provide a lovely morning wake-up call.
At the end of the drive, the hotel itself resembles a baronial castle. It's elegant exterior, and well-maintained grounds, is carried on inside with its historic and quintessentially English country hotel decor. The hotel bar provides a comfortable place to relax, with leather sofas and a grand piano.
It also opens out onto the terrace that overlooks the hotel's glorious landscaped garden- perfect for a drink on a bright Spring day.
Standard rooms cost £195 per night for bed & breakfast; but with suites at just £50 more, they provide excellent additional space. The suites, have a smart living room with television; long corridor off which is an elegant bathroom with bath and shower cubicle; and a good-sized bedroom with an additional television. The accommodation is very comfortable, and glorious Gilchrist & Soame toiletries are provided for guest's use.
A varied 24-hour room service menu is also available; but the £5 tray charge is a tad excessive. The hotel's restaurant however is excellent value for money, and has received a selection of awards and commendations; all of which are well-deserved. Friendly staff; including excellent newcomer Ben, will cater to your stomach's every need. The rosemary infused bread is recommended; and the guinea fowl with potato gratin, pepper ratatouile and a red wine jus is to die for! The restaurant does not permit diners to wear trainers or jeans, so smart casual dress is required to fit into its elegant atmosphere.
Breakfast is also served in Trevelyan restaurant; and offers guests a good variety of hot and cold choices; including fresh fruit, pastries and cooked breakfasts.
The hotel's spa is a must-visit. A large range of treatments are available to choose from. Sitting adjacent to the hotel, the spa's entrance contains a relaxing water feature; from which you can head to the pool, gymnasium, sauna and spa pool or the beauty area. The Clarin's Back, Neck & Shoulder massage costs just £30 for a half hour treatment, and it will leave you fully relaxed and smelling divine!
In Stratford itself, no visit is complete without a trip to the RSC's Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The next main season starts in April; but the shop is a delight to wander around! For up-to-date performance and theatre tour schedules, visit www.rsc.org.uk.
The place to eat in town is definitely The One Elm. This fabulous gastro-pub provides amazing food and service. A lot of the staff live together above the pub; so it really does have a 'home from home' atmosphere. Oak tables, carved wooden bread baskets and tree print wallpaper parallel The One Elm's focus on the basics- good food and good service.
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| Image: The One Elm |
The food is exquisite, and there is a varied menu and range of daily specials. The steaks are excellent, and staff can tell you all about where the meat was sourced and how it will be cooked. The homemade warm chocolate brownie dessert is also not to be missed.
For Mother's Day, flowers are being given to all the Mums! The One Elm (http://www.oneelmstratford.co.uk) is definitely well worth a visit.
For more information on the Menzies Welcombe Hotel & Spa visit http://www.menzieshotels.co.uk.
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1 comments:
Excellent- have often passed The One Elm and wondered if it was worth trying. Will definitely set an evening aside now!
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