A mini break – brought to public prominence in Bridget Jones when Bridge and Daniel Cleever a la Hugh Grant, sauntered off to the Cotswolds in a sports car, silk scarf at hand, for a weekend of mischief. I've found that minibreaks IRL involve far more traffic, tricky trains and repair stations. About Time comes with an easy solution: Hampton Manor.
With no sports vehicle and sadly no Hugh, but an immediate train from Euston to Hampton in Arden – a five minute walk will make you this stylish country home hotel.
Hampton Manor: The Lowdown
This isn't any forgettable staid country inn, this 19th century gothic house has presence; high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and impeccable design. It’s difficult to acquire a country house hotel so eclectic – you half expect it to show at the Clerkenwell Design Week, having a merge from the old and also the new, and the always wonderfully rich William Morris designs. We were in one of the 15 bedrooms; it had been an area filled with the nooks and crannies, a room to explore from carefully left out books and interesting quotes and even your own espresso beans to grind. The restroom was something to Facetime friends home about, having a standalone Victorian style bath and an extremely powerful shower complete with Hampton Manor engineered products which all smelt like a lavender garden.
The staff dressed up in chinos and tweed waistcoats make you feel safe, like you’d gone back in its history to a realm of cream teas, but also miraculously frothy soya caps. The only thing to notice is Birmingham Airport terminal is only two miles away, so be sure to take earplugs if you don't desire to be woken early by Ryanair flights zooming over at dawn.
Hampton Manor: The Food
Peels restaurant, named after Sir Frederick Peel the once family who owns the Manor is a popular restaurant. And the like a goody for any guest to have it only 20 strides from their bedroom. It’s not everyday you can visit a Michelin star restaurant, albeit having a gluten and dairy allergy.
Inventiveness could be a issue with these restrictions and I often find myself eating bland pieces of dry chicken. Good new fellow dairy-free babes, I'd no problems here. You can either choose from the two options of four course meals or opt for the seven. We opted for the 4 course accompanied by crusty homemade bread using the choice of fat to garnish it with. Our highlights were the foamy moreish leek and potato soup with high-end rice krispy style garnish, and also the splendidly soft slivers of wagyu beef. For drinks, order a few cocktails featuring herbs and ingredients grown within the kitchen garden.
Hampton Manor: The Verdict
Hampton Manor is a real special gem. Readily available to London, interesting, delicious food, stylishy glamorous rooms, and thoughtful service. Visit for the weekend, and ensure look around the grounds and walled garden. Who says the nation can’t be hip?!
