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STANBROOK ABBEY HOTEL NEW DINING HABITS
Standing proud at the foot of the Malvern Hills, the historic Grade II listed Stanbrook Abbey Hotel in Worcester has undergone a dramatic transformation, with the owners investing £4.2m in cleverly reworking and remodelling the space.
The former nun’s dining room on the ground floor is now home to The Refectory Dining Room & Terrace, a new contemporary restaurant serving modern British, seasonal cuisine from head chef David Humphreys.
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With its seamless blend of modern and heritage design, including arched windows and circular booths, the Refectory oozes warmth and period charm, yet is bright and open with a sumptuous feel for dinner and show-stopping Afternoon Teas. Served on contemporary stands, their signature Afternoon Teas offer a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, home-made cakes, pastries and the all-important scones, jam and clotted cream served with freshly brewed fine loose teas and a glass of something sparkly if you fancy. For dinner, the menu changes seasonally with dishes influenced by locally sourced produce wherever possible, and provenance firmly front of mind.
As the name suggests, the Refectory opens up to an impressive terrace, revealing the perfect spot for sipping a pre-dinner cocktail, a chilled glass of wine or enjoying a meal alfresco as we venture into the much longed-for summer sunshine.
The iconic abbey was acquired in 2017 by privately-owned country house hotel group, Hand Picked Hotels. The owners have taken their time to carefully design and plan a renovation project with meticulous detail in order to celebrate the building’s history whilst making it a more usable space and welcoming environment for guests and the local community.
As part of the development, there are 15 stunning new bedrooms at the hotel, taking the total to 70 rooms with varying details such as feature fireplaces, stained-glass windows or roll top baths. Every luxurious detail has been considered, with the new rooms adopting a fresh neutral palette, warm accent colours and modern furnishings that showcase the next generation of bedrooms at the abbey.
Whilst modern detailing is key for the hi-tech savvy travellers of today, maintaining the historic building’s integrity was crucial in this development phase. At Stanbrook Abbey, the old and new sings in perfect harmony, which is no mean feat considering its rich heritage.
Once home to a group of Benedictine nuns, this unique hotel has history around every corner with so many nooks and crannies to
explore. Arched cloistered corridors invite guests to meander from one wing to another to discover more hidden gems. For those happy to climb the spiral staircase of the 100ft bell tower, they’ll enjoy breath-taking views of the Malvern Hills before retreating back down to enjoy the splendid original chapel, The Callow Great Hall, which, with its stained glass windows, carved pews and immaculate tiled floor, is now increasingly popular for weddings, private parties and corporate events with a difference.
Whichever way you look, whether it’s up or down, there is much to discover. The hotel’s extensive cellar, complete with the original bread ovens on display and exposed brick walls, is home to a collection of cosy rooms perfect for wine tasting events and private dining. Also in the cellar is a games room with football table, piano, card table and octagon bumper pool table, so plenty to occupy couples, families and groups of friends in search of a quirky hideaway.
It’s not only the features inside this hotel that set it apart, as the 26 acres of grounds are a huge draw for those in need of a tranquil break. They feature a pretty willow-lined lake, an orchard, a lavender garden and a central courtyard at the core of the estate.
With so much to enjoy at the new Stanbrook Abbey, the hotel is set to lead the way for afternoon teas, family dining, special celebrations and indulgent staycations for the community on its doorstep and beyond.
abbey, as this protected building is now a characterful, welcoming and fully-fledged hotel with its doors wide open.
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It’s no longer ‘nun’s the word’ at the
WINING & DINING S TANBROOK ABBE Y HOT E L
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