Luxury Hotel with great dining

[Bob-iylho]

I have a big wedding anniversay coming up this year in September.
I'd like to take the Mrs to a special hotel.
We stayed and had a 7 course taster menu at Le Manoir about 5 years ago, absolutely loved it.
Thinking about going again but would like to explore similar hotels.
Ideally in the south east as I'll be going in a classic which is renowned for it's unreliability, Mrs Bob will not be best please if we arrive on a flat bed truck....... also in the country if possible.
Give me ideas please.

Edited by Bob-iylho on Saturday 25th January 23:50

[thebraketester]

Whatley Manor is fab but a little outside your location but a wonderfully beautiful place with amazing rooms, MS restaurant and spa.

Waterside Inn.... amazing and one of the best breakfast in beds we have ever had. Everything about that place is just amazing.

I would go to either of those places again in a heartbeat.

[85Carrera]

Lympstone Manor

[GT03ROB]

Chewton Glen in the New Forest

[RC1807]

GT03ROB said:

Chewton Glen in the New Forest

James Martin?

[GT03ROB]

RC1807 said:

GT03ROB said:

Chewton Glen in the New Forest

James Martin?

I think he was there once, but not any more.

[kingBadger]

I also really liked the Waterside Inn - although the rooms were very quirky! How about The Fat Duck and staying over as I think they have rooms? It's an experience to say the least.

Recently went to Dormy House in the Cotswolds and really enjoyed it although it's not in the area you need. It's very similar to Whately Manor (been there lots of times!).

Not quite as special but still good fun is South Lodge in West Sussex, has a nice afternoon tea and a couple of good restaurants.

[red_slr]

If you ever come up north then Northcote near Preston / Blackburn is a great option, tasting menu plus nice rooms and not insanely expensive either.

Down south I would go with Four Seasons Hampshire but its a la carte.

[NDA]

GT03ROB said:

Chewton Glen in the New Forest

This one ticks all the boxes you have.

[GT03ROB]

NDA said:

GT03ROB said:

Chewton Glen in the New Forest

This one ticks all the boxes you have.

I do like the place. It strikes the right blend for me. Excellent food, not stupid prices for food (I didn't say cheap), service is excellent without being over the top.

[ChrisnChris]

GT03ROB said:

Chewton Glen in the New Forest

Looks interesting although I do wonder why they would proudly proclaim their beef is sourced from Donald Russell.
Why not develop a relationship with a local producer?
There are quite a few in Hampshire.

[FunkyGibbon]

Not South East, but East... Morston Hall is fab.

[HarryW]

Second Chewton Glen, we’ve been for few anniversaries over the years. Great discrete service, just the right amount of expensive without being obscenely so iykwim.

Seem to recall it being Michael Winners favourite place outside on London.

[Bob-iylho]

These are great chaps, keep them coming.

[thebraketester]

If you like fish then The Goring Hotel in London, where Nathan Outlaw has one of his places (obvious pun avoided). I have never stayed there but it looks fairly swanky. The food it amazing, I can vouch for that.

[James_P]

Beaverbrook

[LooneyTunes]

red_slr said:

Down south I would go with Four Seasons Hampshire but its a la carte.

Restaurant there is nowhere near the standard it needs to be to classed as "great dining"... especially given the OP is familiar with Le Manoir.

Have stayed several times but last time the overall service was pretty poor, to the extent that I would be surprised if I ever go back.

[CS Garth]

Chewton is a good call, I personally rate Limewood as well, it’s got a great spa (sauna has a large glass window overlooking the woods) and Hartnett is on the stoves. The Pig chain is good as well.

Clivedone is excellent but is more formal. Babington is a bit “younger” as is Soho Farmhouse.

Slightly different ie not a country house but I like the Royal Crescent at Bath too - easy to potter round town from.

[red_slr]

LooneyTunes said:

red_slr said:

Down south I would go with Four Seasons Hampshire but its a la carte.

Restaurant there is nowhere near the standard it needs to be to classed as "great dining"... especially given the OP is familiar with Le Manoir.

Have stayed several times but last time the overall service was pretty poor, to the extent that I would be surprised if I ever go back.

That's a shame, I have been many times but last time was a good few years ago now. Always pretty good so its a shame to hear its gone down hill.

[GT03ROB]

CS Garth said:

Chewton is a good call, I personally rate Limewood as well, it’s got a great spa (sauna has a large glass window overlooking the woods) and Hartnett is on the stoves. The Pig chain is good as well.

Clivedone is excellent but is more formal. Babington is a bit “younger” as is Soho Farmhouse.

Slightly different ie not a country house but I like the Royal Crescent at Bath too - easy to potter round town from.

Cliveden to me is just too formal. Went for a meal there once, smartly attired but sans jacket & tie. Got offered jacket & tie by the maitre'd. Now I just looked scruffy, felt uncomfortable, swore I'd never go back. And I haven't!!

Not quite as upmarket as Chewton, but nearby is Rhinefield House. Had an excellent meal there one evening.