Looking forward into 2015 there are a number of things the discerning gent would need to take with him from the year gone. Work hard, play hard is one of our mottos – in order to sustain this the need to rest and recharge continues. Elysium Magazine visits Hanbury Manor to visit the stunning mansion set in over 200 acres of country grounds. If there is anywhere that fits the requirements for the discerning gent, it certainly looks the part.
Location
Hanbury Manor, near Ware in Hertfordshire is a stunning Jacobean style mansion set in 200 acres of charming country grounds, and full of impressive original features providing you with a completely unique setting for your relaxing break.
Steeped in history and oozing with character – including an impressive vaulted chapel – Hanbury Manor combines sumptuous comfort with every convenience you need to create an idyllic, quintessentially English experience. About an hour drive from London, it was a breeze to find with plenty of parking on the ground. All set we were excited to see whether Hanbury Manor could impress as much as the grounds had.
The Room
Upon completing the required formalities at reception, we were shown to our fantastic room. Hanbury Manor has recently undergone a refresh and we stayed in one of the Prestige rooms, equipped with the usual amenities with a luxury feel. A great view of the stunning grounds, including the extremely popular and excusive, golf course.
A tour of the grounds provided great insight into Hanbury Manor’s history and it was clear why it was so popular. Afternoon tea had a waiting list for groups and the atmosphere was electric. Hanbury Manor’s staff have done a fantastic job in providing excellence in service – the awards hanging across reception are well deserved. We were greeted at every interaction with staff and they were all keen to ensure all residents were made to feel welcome. Exactly what the discerning gent needs when looking to relax and recharge.
The Food
Hertfordshire is home to a number of fine restaurants, a fantastic place to find independent eateries covering every cuisine you could think of. Hanbury Manor hosts three restaurants, the Zodiac Restaurant, Oakes Grill and Oak Hall and Cocktail Bar.
We dined at Zodiac Restaurant; located in the Manor House, this 2-AA Rosette restaurant is an elegant setting where guests can dine in a luxury setting. The atmosphere was very elegant, many couples and families dined at the restaurant and all made an effort to ensure they came dressed to impress. A number of couples we spoke to were regulars and couldn’t recommend the restaurant enough.
The menu provides a 3-course meal for a set price – we started off with the Seared Hand Dived Orkney Scallop and Confit Chicken and Wild Mushroom Terrine. Both dishes were amazing simple but refined with a fresh taste. The Scallops were particularly delightful and were clearly popular with the dinners.
Next we went with the waiter’s recommendations from the menu, the Fillet of Premium Black Angus Beef and the Salt Marsh Lamb Cannon.
The Angus Beef was succulent and plentiful; it was accompanied by Truffle Mash Potato, Wild Mushrooms, Smoked Aubergine, which really set the dish apart from your usual steaks. The superior ingredients were exemplified by the dish and really made an impact on our palate.
The Lamb main was another treat that, again, was popular with the visitors at Hanbury Manor. The attention to detail by the chef was apparent, well presented and perfectly executed. Another reason to visit Hanbury Manor.
The desserts were equally elegant dishes. We opted for The Strawberry Patch (Vanilla Cheesecake, Strawberry Sorbet, Strawberries, Strawberry Tuile) and The Orchard (Fine Apple Tart, Apple Jelly, Cinnamon Ice Cream). Both included matched with wines by the waiter. A fantastic end to the evening with Zodiac delivering on all fronts.
The Spa
Apart from the stunning golf course, the Spa is another reason to visit Hanbury Manor. The luxurious setting has a great spa and services available for the discerning gent and his significant other. The treatments on offer are impressive and certainly are adapted to your requests. It does get busy so if visiting we would recommend booking in advance.
Verdict
Hanbury Manor is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fantastic, memorable stay just outside of London. The idyllic setting, the superior service and enchanting history are just a few reasons to visit. It certainly gets the discerning gent’s stamp of approval.
Details
Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club
Ware, Hertfordshire, England SG12 0SD United Kingdom
www.marriotthanburymanor.co.uk