The perfect Quintessential English Country House and Spa stay in Britain

Driving through the lush, verdant greenery surrounding the Mallory Court Hotel brings on an instant feeling of relaxation. It is a feeling that is reinforced as you pass through the ivy-covered arched entrance into lounges full of extremely comfortable-looking sofas and chairs while the bow window seating is really inviting. The soft blue and white décor with hints of gentle yellows are equally relaxing.

This is a hotel that definitely lives up to its website description: ‘the epitome of a quintessential English Country House Hotel and spa’. Over a hundred years old, the hotel was built as a Lutyens-style family home by the eminent architect Percy Horder who was also responsible for the design of the formal gardens. Mallory Court remained a family home until the 1970’s when it became a hotel. A new bedroom wing was added in 1998, built in a style that blends in perfectly with the original house. Mallory Court now offers 43 luxury bedrooms, all of which have been individually designed using décor that varies between the indulgent, contemporary and traditional country house depending on where you stay. It’s dog friendly too, making it perfect for a weekend away with a canine companion.

Chef Simon Haigh has just rejoined the Mallory Court Hotel as Chef Director. Over a decade ago, he was head chef. During that time the Mallory Court Hotel acquired a Michelin Star. It still has three AA rosettes, and with the return of Simon Haigh, more awards are likely. His return has been welcomed by the hotel’s general manager, Nick Hanson who comments that “We are delighted Simon has returned. He is one of the most respected fine dining chefs in the UK and his food is a big draw.”

Simon is renowned for his passion for food, especially seasonal food. He comments “We cook with the seasons and change the menu every day. I like the seasonality of things – the produce not only tastes better, but is more sustainable and you have less food waste.” 

Not surprisingly given these accolades, the food is a total delight. Afternoon teas are full of exquisite, luscious cakes while the seasonal menus include delights such as Pan-fried catch of the day with spinach and boulangerie potatoes, Roast Cod loin with curried lentils, cauliflower dukkah, and grapes while the chicken is Halal. (Upon request).

Much of the restaurant’s produce is sourced very close at hand, in the kitchen and herb garden tended by estate manager Chris Holdsworth. An extensive range of food is grown here including broad beans, turnips, spinach, chard, beetroot, gooseberries, peaches, nectarines, and rhubarb. 

The gardens surrounding Mallory Court Hotel are well worth exploring. A network of paths leads you through to a formal garden with beautiful herbaceous borders, as well as a rose garden and a rock garden. Strolling through the shrubbery brings you out into the pleasure grounds with stunning vistas across the surrounding countryside. Trees are very much a feature of these gardens, and the most recent include a fruit tree planted by Sir Peter Rigby, owner of the hotel, to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Also on site is a purpose-built events suite known as The Knights Suite, which utilises names redolent of the area’s traditional aristocratic families such as De Montfort, Leycester, and Beauchamp. 

Tucked away among the trees and close to the Rose Garden is a luxury Spa, which is open seven days a week. Treatments, nail salon appointments, and gym facilities have to be pre-booked. A great place for a pampering session, especially with friends or close family, the range of treatments available is extensive and includes massage, facials, and EsPa maternity. Complete the session with a swim in the indoor or outdoor heated pool, or a visit to the sauna and steam room.

This is definitely the perfect location for anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s luxuriously relaxing and environmentally friendly with stunning food and drink set amid beautiful grounds. The location could not be better as it is roughly midway between London and Manchester. 

Situated in Warwickshire, Mallory Court is close to Royal Leamington Spa, a pretty town dominated by early nineteenth-century Georgian architecture reflecting its popularity as a Spa town. Although the original spa buildings are now closed, you can still see them since the Royal Pump Rooms have become the town’s art gallery and museum. Other attractions within easy driving distance include Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park, Lord Leycester’s Hospital in Warwick, and the world’s largest collection of historic British cars containing over 400 vehicles at the British Motor Museum. 

Not to be forgotten is Warwick Castle – a massive building surrounding a green inner court, complete with portcullis, dungeons, turrets, and ramparts to explore. Additional attractions include children’s activities, live shows, falconry, have-a-go archery sessions and walk-through experiences focusing on a Royal Victorian weekend party and preparations for battle in medieval England, a Great Hall and State Rooms, gardens, and towering over everything within the grounds – the massive full-scale replica Trebuchet. Watching it being readied for a firing demonstration is an amazing experience.

Mallory Court Country House Hotel and Spa, Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB

www.mallory.co.uk