Ettington Chase, Stratford Upon Avon was the next stop for the two Hayleys on our Principal Hayley Challenge.
We stayed at the newly refurbished hotel 22nd July – 24 July. Our first 2 night stay! Out of the 130 rooms in the hotel we were in one of the deluxe rooms which consisted of a double bed and a single. The room was still spacious and the beds were so comfy, it was hard to get out of them in the morning! We were on the 2nd floor overlooking a row of trees and green fields, all part of the relaxing weekend that lie ahead for us.
On arrival at the hotel we both remarked about how all the Principal Hayley venues so far all have really impressive drive ways and this was no exception. The stay got off to a great start. The welcome we received from the reception was warm and friendly, and even better when we were told we had complimentary dinner the following night! Also waiting for us in the room was a chilled bottle of champagne, a box of chocolates and a signed card from the hotel manager. This is a hotel that really knows how to look after it’s guests (and Challengers!). Very impressed and the chocolates were exquisite!! Our room also had a flat screen TV with a good selection of channels, hairdyer, iron, safe – all items you would expect from a hotel of this quality. The bathroom was a good size, clean and white, with a shower so strong it was like having a massage! Amazing way to wake up in the morning, refreshing if a little vigorous!
After a long journey on the Friday after work we took the opportunity to chill out in the hotel bar, a modern space with comfy booths and high tables. Drinks were of average price for a hotel and the bar had a good ambience. It was a great spot to hang out in and after a well needed drink we headed back to the room, put on our bathrobes and watched a bit of Friday night tv in bed!
After a great night’s sleep we headed to the Tempus restaurant for the buffet breakfast. Notable customer service from a young waitress called Jade who was so helpful and welcoming on our 1st morning. The selection is not huge but enough to choose from, cooked foods, cereals, toast, yoghurt and juices. We both had the cooked breakfast and a cheeky croissant and jam! The 2nd morning we were slightly later so missed the pastries, so would suggest anyone with a craving for a croissant should set their alarm! The waiting staff serve you with hot drinks on request too. The restaurant itself looks great, dark modern décor with chic black surfaces and silverware. Classy but still inviting.
After filling up on breakfast on day 1 we headed into nearby Stratford-upon-Avon for a wander around the historic streets, stopping at Shakespeare’s house and then on to the Big Dig. Along the way we marveled in the amount of amazing tea shops on offer! First stop was a quaint and retro 1940s tea shop called FourTeas (genius right?!) for a hot chocolate, complete with white chocolate stars and marshmallows. Yum. Stratford maintains a real sense of Englishness with history still so evident in the buildings, and the constant reminders of Shakespeare on pub signs and even the street performer! You can feel a real sense of pride in the place and can imagine that a great deal of effort goes into maintaining this English gem of a place as beautiful as it is. We also played mini golf (Hayley C won....not that she would show off about that…!!), took a wander around the Royal Shakespeare Company, wandered along the river by the canal boats, and then jumped on the ferry to take us over the river for just 50p! Less than 2 minutes on the chain ferry a definite must!
In keeping with the Englishness of Stratford-upon-Avon we couldn’t not go for a bit of afternoon tea. Hobsons was our destination and they have so much to choose from it was not an easy task! Scones, lemon cake, orange cake, chocolate orange cake, berry slice, apple tart, crumble, cheesecake, it was every girl’s dream! Being absolutely rubbish at decisions I picked two things. Definite eyes bigger than belly moment but everyone needs a bit of indulgence!
Back to the hotel we went along for a quick swim in the pool, on site. A great pool with woggles on hand if you prefer just to float around! The pool was quiet as we got in there so a great way to unwind after a day of walking. We also had a look around the gym but after the amount of cake we had eaten was not quite ready to actually work out! Good gym though with range of equipment for guests.
Saturday night saw us have our first 3 course Principal Hayley dinner! I selected the grilled mackerel on ciabatta (unusual choice but great!) and then onto the specials for mains – I had my second course of fish, selecting the fried cod crispy potatoes and red lentils. Hayley A took the beef bourginon. Both gorgeous meals though we did have to wait a good hour before we were served our main, we most definitely enjoyed the food once it was served. I think my plate was wiped clean! Onto dessert I tried to hot dessert from the Chef’s daily special menu - cinnamon baked apple and cranberry with ice cream. Good light refreshing dessert to finish off the meal.
We finished the evening by taking a cab into the centre for a few drinks. Again the staff at reception are happy to help here. The cabs are pretty expensive though the centre is only about 15 minutes away.
Sunday, bright and sunny we left the hotel after breakfast and headed off to Bourton-on-Water, another great place nearby. A picturesque village with pretty bridges over the river and on such a beautiful day the place was busy with visitors making the most of the cold water by dipping their feet in and enjoying the view. Bourton is only 30 minutes from Stratford and again really offers up the best of British, quaint gift shops, home made ice cream, teashops, motor museum, fish and chips, traditional pubs, we even stayed to watch a brass band play on the riverside.
We finished our trip by passing through Burford to visit the renowned Huffkins for a last piece of cake, billed as the best teashop in the Cotswolds. We certainly wouldn’t dispute that claim! It was a weekend of indulgence, relaxation and beautiful sights, it may seem like it all revolved around food, and well actually it probably did! But with so many great things on offer both in and around the hotel it is hard to not take advantage and enjoy it all!
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