Recommend a just-outside-of-London estate/foodie/spa/hotel thing

[Hatter The Mad]

To the many foodie southerners here... I was wondering if you could recommend a nice hotel/spa set out in some gardens or countryside somewhere. One of those places that is all about lounging, spa-ing and eating amazing food.

I like(d) the look of http://www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk/ but unfortunately they are sold out. Danesfield has a supposedly amazing restaurant.

Not looking to head too far away from London (Surrey, etc).

Have any of you been lucky enough to visit and eat at one lately?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hatter The Mad]

It's my GF's 25th soon and i'm looking to take her somewhere nice. The place you suggested is full on the day I need, but I can get a room here, with breakfast and dinner...£450 for the one night

http://www.stokepark.com/index.html

It's 5* and it was the hotel that featured in The Bridget Jones Diary, Its in The Sunday Times top 10 most romantic hotels IN THE WORLD.


....but £450....and I have NO IDEA how to act round posh people

This looks perfect, good find! The people here wont be posh, don't worry. Just remember to act appropriately for the place - no rowdiness, scruffy clothes at the restaurants, mutual politeness

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Heh....what if I order wine and they bring it to me and I have to do that 'smell and drink' thing with the wine, we went to a posh place on holiday where I had to do that....I panicked and just downed the wine and said 'yes'

Well I am pretty sure most people get the wine thing wrong, too. They think they are tasting the wine to see if they like it or not - actually, the restaurant is just letting you test it to confirm that it is not corked.

If the waiter/wine steward is experienced and sees someone having a good taste and smack of the lips, followed by "that's lovely, I'll take that" they'll probably be rolling their eyes inside.

So, even a sniff will do if you don't want to wet your lips with it. If the wine is corked, you'll feel like you've just inhaled a load of vinegar and rotten wood so you won't mistake it.

 

[Hatter The Mad]

In my experience, a good waiter will smell the cork before he even lets it near you, avoiding possible issues.

I'd hope they would too, but they'd still offer it to you so you can confirm it isn't corked.

 

[Hatter The Mad]

To see if it's corked? I'm guessing that means it hasn't been sealed properly by the cork? Therefore if it hasn't you would be able to smell it? (Stupid comment?!?)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cork_taint

Most often happens if the wine has been stored standing for too long (which lets the cork dry out and disintegrate into the wine). That's why wine should be stored on its side (so the cork is kept slightly moist) until close to drinking time.

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Never knew that! See, this is why people like me should never go to places like Stoke Park

Have you decided on a place to go?

Deciding between Stoke Park and Penny Hill Park today. Looks like it might be Stoke - I can pass on the the Michelin restaurant at Penny in return for what seems to be better value in general at Stoke.

PS: Don't forget, you're the guest, they'll work to make you comfortable and not the other way around. Table etiquette and all that is essentially no more than what would be expected of you at a Pizza Express (seriously). If any, 'posh' people go to places like this to vegetate and lounge around - you'll be surprised at how laid back it is. In fact, you'll be more likely to find it full of Essex ladychavs Forget about it all and just enjoy!

 

[Hatter The Mad]

The bar is really nice at Stoke Park too. I'd certainly go back if I had the chance.

How was the restaurant?

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Going by the reviews - fantastic!

At places like this is it like in the films where you have to slip the fella that helps you with your bags and shows you to your room some money ?

Probably, yes... but I'd do this in any hotel where someone handles my bags for me.

 

[Hatter The Mad]

How much you supposed to slip them, £5? or is that *****!

I have no idea... never had to do this in the UK! I wish we had smaller notes...

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Just an update:

The Vineyard is another one, but I think it's probably too far away to be a suitable choice.

We ended up going here. It was phenomenal. Daniel Galmiche works wonders and his tasting menu was probably one of the best gastro experiences I have ever had. Crazy levels of technical skill, but just enough down to earth enough for you to enjoy every single course.