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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

In search of an amazing foodie hotel within 1.5 hrs of SE London...

49 replies

waxweasel · 29/12/2015 20:47

DH and I are planning to get away for the night child-free for the first time in 3 years. It'll probably also be the last time for another 3 years since I'm due to have DC2 shortly Smile so no expense spared!

We live in south east London, looking for somewhere ideally within 1.5 hr drive. We did originally want to go to The Pig (which is a little over 2 hrs for us, but willing to make an exception as it looks so amazing....)

Only going for one night so don't plan to leave the hotel. Main thing is the food has to be incredible - we're basically after amazing restaurant with rooms tacked on. Spa would be nice but not essential as I'm pregnant so can't do many treatments anyway. Walks/other activities not necessary as we're lazy and will just be sleeping/eating Smile

Any recommendations?

OP posts:
CrapWreathKeith · 29/12/2015 20:52

The Knowle in Higham, Kent, or the Chilston Park Hotel in Lenham, Kent are both lovely. The Knowle only has 3/4 rooms though I think.

CrapWreathKeith · 29/12/2015 20:54

Oh, and the 'Who'd a thought it' in grafty green is lovely too, though more high end B&B than hotel.

LBOCS2 · 29/12/2015 20:54

We drove for 2.5hrs from SE London to go to Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter in the Cotswolds for one night.

Their tasting menu is fab.

lalamumto3 · 29/12/2015 20:55

What put you off the Pig ? Have heard good things about it

CrystalGlitz · 29/12/2015 20:56

Limewood in Lyndhurst - a little cheaper than Chewton Glen and also has a small spa.

contortionist · 29/12/2015 20:56

Waterside Inn, Bray.

ivykaty44 · 29/12/2015 20:57

Mallory court, part of the Eden group

TheBestChocolateIsFree · 29/12/2015 21:03

If money no object then I'd look for a nice hotel within a ten minute taxi ride of the Fat Duck actually.

Original poster
waxweasel · 29/12/2015 21:15

Amazing, thanks! Will go and google all of those now...

Meant to say that the Pig was booked up for the weekend we wanted. We're a bit restricted on dates as we can only go when my parents are here visiting and can babysit.

OP posts:
petitdonkey · 29/12/2015 21:48

If you google Bray Cottages I highly recommend them- they have lovely cottages in the heart of Bray so you can go to the Waterside Inn or the Fat Duck (they will try and get you a reservation)
You can then also have lunch at one of Hestons pubs!!

IMHO chilston park in Kent is rubbish food. Thackerays in tunbridge wells is really lovely too.

wickedwaterwitch · 30/12/2015 17:19

Hibiscus is amazing - it's in London but you could stay anywhere really

www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk

So is Pollen St Social, sorry, also London

pollenstreetsocial.com

I ate at Lords of The Manor Rd recently, it was ok but not a patch on the above

I agree The Fat Duck is amazing but getting a table could be a challenge

This is great good too, out of London and they have rooms - the website doesn't remotely do the restaurant justice but it is great food

www.thefeatherednestinn.co.uk

Oh and truly incredible good at Le Manoir if your budget will stretch to it

www.belmond.com/le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons-oxfordshire/

wickedwaterwitch · 30/12/2015 17:19

Food, not good!

wickedwaterwitch · 30/12/2015 17:24

Le Manoir really sounds the best bet for you - it's amazing food (have eaten there twice), beautiful grounds and gardens - they give you a map and a lovely hotel. If you can get in there, do.

wickedwaterwitch · 30/12/2015 17:41

Sorry, it wasn't Lords of The Manor I ate at recently! They have a Michelin star.

It was here

www.lowerslaughter.co.uk - ok but wouldn't really recommend.

fishybits · 30/12/2015 17:54

Waterside in Bray.

We had an amazing supper and lovely breakfast the next day. It's an incredible restaurant with rooms.

EnriqueTheRingBearingLizard · 30/12/2015 18:05

You could look at The Wellington Arms or The Old Swan & Minster although I'm not quite sure about your time criteria for travelling.

GloriaHotcakes · 30/12/2015 18:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Themodernuriahheep · 30/12/2015 18:08

Some people swear by Gravetye..

vestandknickers · 30/12/2015 18:12

Walletts Court near Dover is gorgeous.

EnriqueTheRingBearingLizard · 30/12/2015 18:20

I forgot to add The Wild Rabbit
which is a bit pricier.

I've gone for pubs with rooms type places which are quite relaxed, but with a reputation for good food, similar to The Pig. My DD's been to The Pig and loved it.

GladiatorsInSuits · 30/12/2015 18:21

I didn't rate Hibiscus - would suggest Le Manoir or stay at the Crazy Bear in Beaconsfield and eat at Fat Duck

wickedwaterwitch · 30/12/2015 18:49

I wasn't mad about the food at the Wild Rabbit but it's very stylish and the rooms look nice (we didn't stay)

Fair enough GIS (Scandal reference, right?) if you didn't care for Hibiscus, each to their own Smile

(A friend who is a chef in a Michelin starred place says it's a chef's favourite apparently)

I'd be interested to see if you can get a table at The Fat Duck. I've been but not since their new menu

User543212345 · 30/12/2015 18:58

The Hand and Flowers at Marlow has cottages attached and does great food. Not quite a hotel but worth it in my mind.

wickedwaterwitch · 30/12/2015 19:01

I just looked on The Fat Duck website and there are tables in March but only for lunch I think

wickedwaterwitch · 30/12/2015 19:01

And only for 3 or more people, shame!