Searching for a venue to celebrate a big birthday, when your friends live all around the UK, is a difficult choice. Or so I thought before hearing about The Barnsdale Hotel, ideally situated in Rutland, a ten minutes’ drive from the picturesque town of Oakham and bordering Leicestershire, Northampton and Lincolnshire.
Based on the edge of Rutland Water Reservoir, surrounded by fields, the Barnsdale is country house luxury hotel with oodles of charm. We are given a warm welcome upon entering the hotel and walking out to the quadrangle, the sound of pétanque being played along with laughter, it feels like stepping back in time to a different gentle world, far away from the busy London noises of the morning. A few guests sit at the tables enjoying a drink, along with the unexpected warmth of the sun, which has made a rare appearance. We pass people with dogs enjoying a pawsome retreat where the dogs receive complementary treats, dinner, and a dog bed for their stay, enjoying the wonderful local walks and nature reserve.
After a warm welcome at reception, we head to our rooms, passing doors all named after birds (there is a local falconry and bird watching centre for keen twitchers) and enter the Woodpecker room. Charm personified with cottage-core design, I merrily snap multiple photos for some interior design inspiration. The beautifully patterned wallpaper is complemented by the warm mustard collar of the velvet curtains, and two armchairs. The perfect place to lounge for a quick read from the information pack filled with details about the hotel and local walks. A tray of tea, coffee, and fresh milk (such cute little bottles!) is a welcome refreshment, along with a bottle of The King’s Ginger spirit which we cannot wait to try later.
Looking out of the window there is a panorama of wide-open fields. A breath-taking view which cannot help but put a smile on our faces. We also spot the outdoor pool and hurry to unpack, so we can get outside and make the most of the pleasant weather.
Walking up to the spa area, we are given a quick tour of the beautiful seating area where you can relax with a drink and take in the views, and we are shown the sauna, hot tubs, and pool. Changing into our swimming costumes we’re given a dry robe and flip flops to keep us warm before we take a dip in the pool. No Wim Hoff style antics are needed as the pool is a wonderful warm temperature for a leisurely swim and chat. We take turns visiting the sauna and quickly head for the hot tubs for a soak in luxuriously warm water, taking a big exhale as we relax in the beautiful surroundings.
We take a tour of each other’s rooms before dinner, each beautifully decorated and spacious, and hang out before getting ready. There are many areas of the hotel to suit whatever your mood, The Burley bar is a cosy space filled with cosy chairs and antique prints, with a cosy refined ambience.
We head to 1760 restaurant in the Orangery for our dinner, which in the day is light and airy and at night is cosy and warm. We begin with Whispering Angel rose wine which is light and refreshing (the sun is out so rose is a must!) and celebrate with the Langois Cremant de Loire. We share starters of mini bangers with an ale dip, and chicken and leek croquettes, which are equally delicious. For the mains, there are sharing dishes of beef wellington and smoked haddock and fish pie to choose from. We choose the fresh rigatoni pasta arrabiata which has pulled pork and parmesan, the line caught Atlantic cod with clams, samphire and vermouth sauce. The dish of the night is the rare-breed pork chop with mustard glaze with cheddar mash and is hands down the best we have ever had. The small pieces of apple and calvados sauce perfectly complementing the tender meat. Too full for pudding, we store away the details of the various desserts for our next visit. Yes, this is so good we are already planning our next stay, with eyes on the spiced treacle tart and crème brûlée cheesecake among other tasty options.
After a night in very comfortable beds (with extra pillows to choose from for your ideal sleep), we make our way to have a Signet Breakfast (complementary for guests who book direct), with a breakfast buffet spread of toast, pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurt and cereal, and we all opt for a cooked breakfast. From egg hollandaise, to full breakfasts, the standard is high and leaves us replenished and contented.
Checking out is smooth, and as we wait on the sofa in reception, one of our friends retrieves her phone, forgotten in the excitement of the spa the previous day. :Did you have anything else?”, the hotel manager asks. “No, we’re all good”, we say before he asks again, “would you perhaps have left a blue robe?” “Oh yes!” the same friend responds as we all dissolve into laughter. “Nothing else?” he asks again, and he goes to find another discarded item, bringing out a scarf that most definitely belongs to our group. Whilst we might be forgetful, we will definitely never forget the most wonderful weekend in such a beautiful hotel, where attention to detail and service in such a stunning setting, is truly one to remember.
