Special Treat For The Mrs (South East)...HELP!

[Lordbenny]

Ok, so I want to book the Fat Duck in Bray for this special birthday treat for me & the Mrs but its a bit of a lottery (Have to book 2 exactly months in advance and then you get a reservation if your VERY lucky!)If I do get a table I will book a nice hotel nearby and all will be cushty.

However, I need some contingency, do any of you know any 'special' hotels/resturants that offer something a little different or quirky in the Surrey/Sussex/Kent/East Hampshire area? Don't want a spa, done that, but something that will set this night apart from other nights out. I also have the day to do something, punting & a champagne picnic sprang to mind.

[Puggit]

Sorry it's Oxfordshire, but: http://www.manoir.com/web/olem/le_manoir.jsp

[Lordbenny]

Puggit said:

Sorry it's Oxfordshire, but: http://www.manoir.com/web/olem/le_manoir.jsp

Feck me, that's not cheap! Ok, so the Fat Duck's not exactly cheap as chips but Le Manoir's gonna set me back over a grand for one night out!!! I was thinking of around half that.....yes, I'm a cheap skate!

[AlanKSG]

I suspect that Raymond is slightly less likely to poison you than Heston (allegedly).

[prand]

I'd have a look at Pennyhil Park.

Their resto (the Latymer) has just received its first Michelin star (10 course tasting menu for £78 a head) and it has a brilliant spa and gym complex. Rooms & beds are terrific. I've stayed at the hotel for a wedding and it is one of the best hotels I've stayed at in the UK for the money, I can guarantee the Mrs would be very happy to stay there.

There are usually some package deals (current one is £325 for room and dinner at the Latymer) so worth giving them a ring to find out what they can offer.

http://www.pennyhillpark.co.uk/

Edited by prand on Tuesday 21st April 16:21

[CVP]

Puggit said:

Sorry it's Oxfordshire, but: http://www.manoir.com/web/olem/le_manoir.jsp

Of course you can just have dinner there and stay locally for a lot more reasonable cost. I honestly felt the rooms there were not worth the cost but the food most certainly was.

Chris

[Lordbenny]

prand said:

I'd have a look at Pennyhil Park.

Their resto (the Latymer) has just received its first Michelin star (10 course tasting menu for £78 a head) and it has a brilliant spa and gym complex. Rooms & beds are terrific. I've stayed at the hotel for a wedding and it is one of the best hotels I've stayed at in the UK for the money, I can guarantee the Mrs would be very happy to stay there.

There are usually some package deals (current one is £325 for room and dinner at the Latymer) so worth giving them a ring to find out what they can offer.

http://www.pennyhillpark.co.uk/

Thanks for that but, what a terrible website.

[prand]

Lordbenny said:

Thanks for that but, what a terrible website.

Yeah, thats why I suggested ringing instead!

[BigAlinEmbra]

Lordbenny said:

I also have the day to do something, punting & a champagne picnic sprang to mind.

If you've got the time then whisk her off to Bruges. Fairytale beautiful city, plenty of canals for the boat trips and I'd assume your Mrs is like everyone else's a like's chocolate.
The belgians are rather good at that.
£500 quid would easily see you on an over nighter

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigalinembra/sets/721...

[Lordbenny]

BigAlinEmbra said:

If you've got the time then whisk her off to Bruges.

Thanks for the idea but she's virtually Belgian herself, she lived for 25 years in Brussels & we've done Bruges a few times!

[NathanJones]

Hi

I stayed here and I cannot fault it at all, I know the bill was pricey but I was not paying:-)

http://www.chewtonglen.com/

[JulesV]

I haven't been for a long while but have a look at:

http://www.amberleycastle.co.uk/

A stunning place and when I was there, very good food and service. It was nearly 20 years ago though.....

[Lordbenny]

JulesV said:

I haven't been for a long while but have a look at:

http://www.amberleycastle.co.uk/

A stunning place and when I was there, very good food and service. It was nearly 20 years ago though.....

Now that looks more like it! I like the tree house

[BigAlinEmbra]

Lordbenny said:

BigAlinEmbra said:

If you've got the time then whisk her off to Bruges.

Thanks for the idea but she's virtually Belgian herself, she lived for 25 years in Brussels & we've done Bruges a few times!

She must already love you if she lives in England now, just save yourself the cash.

[Lordbenny]

BigAlinEmbra said:

Lordbenny said:

BigAlinEmbra said:

If you've got the time then whisk her off to Bruges.

Thanks for the idea but she's virtually Belgian herself, she lived for 25 years in Brussels & we've done Bruges a few times!

She must already love you if she lives in England now, just save yourself the cash.

You don't realise how true that statement was, she be back there in a shot if it wasn't for me!

[FUBAR]

South Lodge Hotel nr Horsham?

http://www.southlodgehotel.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE_HOTELS/...

Same group as Pennyhill Park but I live opposite so you get the bonus of buying me a beer. Just what you need on a romantic weekend away with the Mrs

Edited by FUBAR on Wednesday 22 April 22:03

[dreamer75]

Another for Pennyhill and their restaurant - food is lovely, we've always had good service, good rooms, great spa which you usually get included for a copule of days with the room (if you pick the right deal).

[tango2]

http://www.the-vineyard.co.uk/

The Vineyard at Stockcross near Newbury. Fabulous hotel with a 2 star michelin restaurant, and a spa too for the lazy Sunday morning. Took the hubby for his birthday last year and he loved it - we're both foodies, and I'm extremely particular about service standards - absolutely stunning all round. OK not cheap - but well worth it!

[Big Time Charlie]

This place in Winchester is well worth a look http://www.lainstonhouse.com