THE LOCATION

In the Baroque surrounds of a country estate in the Warwickshire/ Coventry countryside sits this stunning hotel and former monastry, surrounded by a moat, no less. It’s nestled away from it all in some 500 acres of landscaped gardens, grounds, lake and woodlands, but just 15 minutes away from Coventry city centre which is perfect for exploring.

The hotel, with its medieval origins, links with the Gunpowder Plot and roll call of regal guests – Queen Elizabeth I lived here as child – is really special. It has 121 bedrooms, all with their own quirks and style, a drop-dead gorgeous orangery-style restaurant – oh, and a Go Ape centre on site for adrenaline junkies!

THE VIBE

The main restaurant and majority of rooms are like a scene straight out of Bridgerton, set in the historic building, which was founded in the 12th Century. It’s all dark mahogany wood, grand pianos, original brickwork, red and gold drapes. The hotel is a bit of a rabbit warren and exciting to explore, with little hidden routes and lots of super-luxe conference rooms dotted around the building which are used for meetings or private dining. Whether you’re going with your other half, friends, family or a night spoiling mum it’s got something for everyone.

SCOFF & QUAFF

The main ‘Garden Room’ restaurant is more of a modern affair, set in a huge glass building (don’t worry, not as hot as it sounds – I visited during a heatwave!), huge ornate metal birdcages and lots of botanical prettiness. It’s a refreshing contrast to the dark luxe of the rest of the hotel – but if you fancy your dining in similar surrounds book in for one of Coombe’s hugely popular medieval banquets in the medieval Abbeygate.

The space is bright, airy and perfect for a bit of people watching as people explore the grounds (even better if there’s a wedding going on like the day I visited). Lighting is subtle and furnishings are lavish and ooze luxury. There’s breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner served here, and if you’re going along for a special occasion let staff know and they will try and seat you in one of the beautiful birdcage seating areas.

It was steadily busy throughout the night and staff were attentive and informative, but not intrusive. The wine list is extensive with loads of lovely offerings, but I went with trusty favourite a Dashwood Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – a refreshing, dry white with hints of grapefruit and pear.

For starters I chose scallops – pan fried, with cauliflower puree, golden raisins and peanut crumble. I wasn’t sure how raisins would work with the seafood, but it was a delicious pairing and one I’d definitely order again. Scallops were cooked to perfection and the puree a wonderfully creamy addition without detracting from the main event. We also ordered the slow cooked free range osso buco with crushed butternut squash, pork popcorn and a pork reduction. The popcorn was really a highlight (yes I stole some – how could I not?).

For mains it was a honey and whiskey glazed duck for me which was cooked pink throughout – just how it should be – and drizzled with a lovely, unctuous five spice jus with fondant potato and hispi cabbage. The steak was from Muddy favourite Aubrey Allen so obviously one of us had to take one for the team. The dry aged sirloin was huge and my steak connoisseur mother said among the best she’d ever tasted (high praise indeed). It came with triple cooked hand cut chips which were just begging to be dipped in some leftover peppercorn sauce.

After that veritable feast we needed a half hour to rest before moving on to pud. I went with one of my all time favourites, banana bread – which wasn’t heavy at all and swimming in a delicious butterscotch sauce, topped with candied walnuts. For mum it was the rhubarb and custard tart which despite objections she would only manage one mouthful, resulted in a clean plate. I think that speaks for itself.

STAY

If you’re looking for a break from reality, you’ve found it, with Coombe’s grand medieval style interior and beautiful Capability Brown grounds.

Rooms are full of their own quirks and style, handily put into categories on its website to make it easier so you know which one to book for families, couples, friends and so on. The one I stayed in had a super kingsize bed on a raised platform, with a roll top bath behind an antique screen and sash windows overlooking the beautiful manicured gardens.

OUT AND ABOUT

There’s loads to do at Coombe and you don’t really need to go anywhere if you don’t want to. Hours of long walks, the GoApe facilities and a shopping area with artisan food market (check out the Coombe Abbey Gin!) and dessert parlour The Sundae Club. If you fancy something different in the evenings there’s the medieval nights and special events are planned for halloween and bonfire night.

If you’re braving going out heading out fear not, you’re basically in Coventry – which has just ended its year as City of Culture, and there’s so much to do here. Of course there’s Coventry Cathedral which is a must-visit and steeped in history. Head to Assembly Festival Garden which always has a different and quirky event on, there’s Herbert Art Gallery and Museum which has some awesome exhibitions and The Belgrade and The Albany theatres if you want to catch a show. If relaxation is the name of the game (when is it not?) head to Mana Spa for a treatment. And just down the road there’s Malt Kiln Farm Shop which has some lovely local produce and pick your own fields (for more PYO locally click here).

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Who wouldn’t like to stay here? It’s a gorgeous hotel with plenty to do whether you’re going away with your other half, taking the kids with you, treating mum or getting away from it all with your girlfriends.

Not for: While a day walking around Coombe is the best day for Fido (I take mine there all the time and they love it) they aren’t allowed in the hotel, so maybe consider stopping in Coombe’s self-catering cottages in Coventry if you can’t bear to leave them at home (review here).

The damage: Rooms start from £105 and increase depending on which type of room you opt for. There’s some awesome packages available online which include family, couples and business options along with others if you wanted to enjoy a medieval banquet night, murder mystery or the GoApe experience.

Coombe Abbey Hotel, Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire, CV3 2AB

www.coombeabbey.com Tel: 02476 450 450

Review: Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry

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