Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-754-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57239" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-754-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-754-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-754-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-754.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This gorgeous wisteria-covered lakeside manor house is in the heart of Staffordshire countryside and that perfect mix of away from it all but close enough so you&#8217;re not totally off the grid. You might recognise it from Channel 5&#8217;s The Motorway Hotel &#8211; it&#8217;s around a ten minute drive from the M6 and in the quaint village of Acton Trussell. There&#8217;s 2 AA Rosette restaurant The Orangery onsite and an old fashioned pub-style lounge if you just fancy a drink or chilled meal. The real call of this place though is being in the perfect location to explore the great outdoors, and it&#8217;s super dog-friendly too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>If you&#8217;re looking for somewhere to chill and enjoy a little staycation, you&#8217;ve found it. This place is a luxe, indie hotel steeped in history, based in a Grade II listed building, with beautifully decorated rooms throughout. It&#8217;s proud of it&#8217;s location (as it rightly should be) with work by local artists adorning the walls and a guide to Staffordshire in each bedroom so you can check out where to explore nearby &#8211; more on that later though! </p>



<p>On a hot day grab a drink and head outside for a wander around the tranquil lake, or just sit and watch the lily pads bobbing about. On a rainy day stay snuggled up in the Lounge Bar, a former village pub complete with low wooden beams and roaring fire, where a huge range of drinks and bar snacks are served. If you fancy getting dressed up, head to the hotel&#8217;s Orangery Restaurant, with its vaulted ceilings, shimmering chandeliers and gorgeous views over the canal, perfect for watching the boats trundle past.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1357.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52020" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1357.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1357-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1357-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1357-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Lounge Bar</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1354.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52017" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1354.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1354-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1354-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1354-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>They&#8217;re all about local here, from craft beers to foods &#8211; and even small batch gin. There&#8217;s breakfast, lunch and dinner served &#8211; and if you&#8217;ve got room make sure you book in for afternoon tea, it&#8217;s a goodie with sweet (pictured below) or savoury options. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1367.jpg" alt="afternoon tea" class="wp-image-52031" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1367.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1367-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1367-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1367-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We started with a drink in the bar. It was really busy with locals and hotel guests and after seeing the drinks menu I can see why. There were cocktails, local beers, an extensive wine list and champers and fizz by the glass &#8211; just what we needed after a day traipsing around the Staffordshire countryside. I started with a glass of Nyetimber and managed to have my arm twisted for a second one. Would have been rude not to, no?</p>



<p>Through to The Orangery for dinner, and it&#8217;s a really impressive, light and airy space with a private dining room to the side for larger groups. It&#8217;s lovely watching the canal boats trundle past, and air con makes sure it doesn&#8217;t turn into a greenhouse on a warm day. </p>



<p>While I finished my glass of fizz we tucked into some tasty homemade breads, one treacle and the other linseed served with a salted butter and sun-dried tomato butter. We also had the amuse bouche of gazpacho topped with finely sliced basil and served with a parmesan crisp. It was among one of the best I&#8217;ve tried and a perfect aperitif on a warm day like when we visited.</p>



<p>The menu is a lovely mix of traditional British with some curveballs thrown in, and with that in mind I went for the Teriyaki Quail to start. My god, what a dish this was! It had that lovely teriyaki sweetness, complemented with pickled mooli, a lovely umami broccoli and sesame puree, puffed rice and shimeji mushroom. It was an absolute triumph and a dish I&#8217;ll definitely be back for. Mr Muddy had the Ballotine of Sea Trout with Brixham crab, feuille de brick, apple , radish and a lovage emulsion. If you&#8217;re a trout lover this one&#8217;s for you, it&#8217;s a great light option, perfect before a meaty main!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1320-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57243" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1320-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1320-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1320-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1320.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Teriyaki quail</figcaption></figure>



<p>And you&#8217;re spoilt for choice on the mains menu, it&#8217;s extensive without being overwhelming. There&#8217;s a great mix of everything from rump cap to fish dishes, vegan options, pub classics and some pretty mouth-watering sounding steaks. Of course I had to go with the bone-on sirloin steak, which is sourced from the Staffordshire Moorlands on a family-run farm and then cooked to perfection on the charcoal grill. And this steak was pretty perfect, that lovely charcoal exterior, pink in the middle and served with triple cooked chips, a portobello mushroom and a watercress and shallot salad. I&#8217;d recommend the peppercorn sauce too &#8211; creamy but sharp and exactly what&#8217;s needed for dunking those crispy, fluffy chips into!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1322-1000x667.jpg" alt="sirloin steak the moat house" class="wp-image-57245" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1322-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1322-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1322-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1322.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We had a break before ordering pud (only 5 minutes but who&#8217;s counting?) and I went with the waitress&#8217; recommendation of the white chocolate and coffee bavarois, with espresso syrup, caramelised white chocolate, hazelnut ice cream and chocolate tuile. It was decadent, but incredibly moreish, and the coffee tones really cut through the other two courses. Which was a relief really, as it meant I could tuck into some of Mr Muddy&#8217;s cheeseboard with a whopping five cheeses. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1321-1000x1000.jpg" alt="chocolate and coffee bavarois The Moat House" class="wp-image-57244" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1321-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1321-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1321-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1321-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1321-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1321-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1321.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;d be forgiven for thinking after the proverbial feast the night before we wouldn&#8217;t have had room for breakfast. WRONG! Though I did only have the one plate of full English. It was buffet style and perfect to set you up for a busy day. After several glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice and a couple of coffees I was raring to go. The sausages and tomatoes were a personal favourite, and the pastries looked particularly delicious &#8211; next time!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">STAY</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s some 40 individually designed rooms brimming with character and original features like wood panelling and exposed beams. There&#8217;s Nespresso coffee machines (unfortunately not served by George Clooney but a girl can dream&#8230;) and you can take your pick from luxury suites, family rooms, twin options or a handcrafted oak four poster if you want to feel like lady of the manor, for a night or two at least. It&#8217;s a lovely little slice of luxury but not too fancy if you&#8217;re planning on walking miles and turning back up in muddy boots &#8211; or stilettos (naturally!) &#8211; you&#8217;re not going to feel out of place. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1324-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Moat House bedrooms" class="wp-image-57247" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1324-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1324-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1324-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1324.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We stopped in the Chetwynd Suite, which was spacious with a king-size oak four poster bed, a small lounge space with views over the moat and a bathroom with bath and shower. We made good use of the lounge area, it was a nice chilled space to relax with a good book and felt like a separate space to the bedroom even though it was just through an archway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DOG FRIENDLY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1323-1000x667.jpg" alt="dog at The Moat House" class="wp-image-57246" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1323-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1323-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1323-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/06/Untitled-design-1323.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re looking for somewhere to spend some quality time and take the pooch too, this is it. There&#8217;s rooms for those taking their dog with them and loads of lovely walks around, not to mention dog friendly pubs for pit stops. You can have up to two dogs per room at a cost of £15 each, or upgrade to the VIPooch package which is £30 per dog and includes luxury dog blanket, doggie popcorn and a bottle of paw-secco or dog beer in your room on arrival (yes, really). Forgot to pack their dinner? Choose them something from the doggy menu available at reception. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1362.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52025" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1362.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1362-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1362-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1362-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are several accessible bedrooms complete with emergency pull cords, and don&#8217;t worry about not being able to reach to the bar &#8211; there&#8217;s step-free routes and lifts throughout. Parking is accessible and so are several bathrooms throughout the hotel. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1365.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-52029" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1365.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1365-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1365-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/01/Untitled-design-1365-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s some gorgeous walks nearby like the <a href="https://www.moathouse.co.uk/hotel-in-staffordshire/things-to-do-in-staffordshire">Moat House Circular</a>, <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/cannock-chase-forest">Cannock Chase</a> which is also home to GoApe, stately home <a href="https://www.weston-park.com">Weston Park</a> or scenic National Trust&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/biddulph-grange-garden">Biddulph Grange Gardens</a>. If you prefer adventuring on the water the canal is right next to the property &#8211; which has its own private moorings &#8211; so hire a barge and head along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. For shopping there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-west-midlands/stores/">McArthur Glen designer outlet</a> which has loads of stores like Kate Spade, Boss, Coach and possibly best of all, the Hairbo store. <a href="https://trentham.co.uk/shopping-village/about-the-shopping-village/">Trentham Gardens</a> is a slightly different shopping experience with 77 shops, restaurants and cafes in wooden huts. It&#8217;s set in 725 acres of gardens and woodlands to explore too. </p>



<p><strong><em><a href="http://www.moathouse.co.uk">The Moat House Hotel</a>, Lower Penkridge Road, Acton Trussell, Staffordshire, ST17 0RJ, Tel: 01785 712217</em></strong></p>


Review: The Moat House, Acton Trussell

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