Piece by Erin Goodall, FoodGoblin Northern Correspondent
Recently I embarked on a mini adventure to Wirral to review a fabulous sounding boutique 4* hotel called Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa. Lucy, my wonderful friend and FoodGoblin Editor, had managed to wangle us transport in style through MINI with one of their Countryman car fleet. See her previous piece for the low down on the ride….
Despite the ride, our mini adventure began not so glamorously along the Northern Circular Loop out of London. But with music blaring and our heated seats on, soon the countryside brightened from concrete grey to green as Lucy and I whizzed across the country to “The Wirral”, or “Wirral” as Lucy likes to call it…she's not too into titles. Neither of us, rather ashamedly as proud Northerners, had ever been to this part of the world and I was excited to check out Thornton Hall’s award winning spa and 3 AA rosette restaurant, The Lawns. After a pleasant, though long drive, we rolled down the driveway of the hotel and made our way in.
Thornton Hall Hotel is set in lovely grounds surrounded by the lush, green terrain of The Wirral; immediately the stresses of the week and Lucy's motorway driving started to ebb away.
The hotel itself is a tale of two halves. The main part of the building is set in a wonderful Victorian interior with a magnificent staircase adorned with intricate and some rather humorous carvings. This section houses The Lawn restaurant which I will go on to explain later. Sadly most of the accommodation is not housed in this part of the hotel, save for a few of the superior rooms. The main lodgings are in a modern, less romantic annexe.
Thornton Hall Hotel is set in lovely grounds surrounded by the lush, green terrain of The Wirral; immediately the stresses of the week and Lucy's motorway driving started to ebb away.
The hotel itself is a tale of two halves. The main part of the building is set in a wonderful Victorian interior with a magnificent staircase adorned with intricate and some rather humorous carvings. This section houses The Lawn restaurant which I will go on to explain later. Sadly most of the accommodation is not housed in this part of the hotel, save for a few of the superior rooms. The main lodgings are in a modern, less romantic annexe.
The room itself was well proportioned with an enormous bed. Tucked in, I couldn't even kick Lucy if I tried. Pleasant decor with modern bright colours brought a comfortable feel to the room. If I had to pick an area to improve, it would be in their amenities. It’ll sound fussy, but there was no conditioner provided which seemed odd to me in a spa hotel where you’re likely to use the pool and need to wash them chlorine-laden locks.
Unpacked we headed to the spa for treatments. This spa has been awarded numerous awards and accolades, so naturally I was excited and it certainly did not disappoint. Lucy and I kicked things off with a facial and massage. The staff were professional and knew their stuff – I’ve had many a treatment in my time and these were excellent. I walked away feeling like my skin had a new lease of life and Lucy was pretty much asleep after her back rub.
The main spa has some of the best facilities I've had the pleasure of experiencing. Alongside the pool, sauna and steam were a snow cave and experience shower which shoots different water temperatures at you and various scents! Outdoors overlooking a green meadow were two hot tubs with a glamorous little touch – a champagne buzzer! Simply press this and a waitress comes with a glass of bubbly – fabulous!
The main spa has some of the best facilities I've had the pleasure of experiencing. Alongside the pool, sauna and steam were a snow cave and experience shower which shoots different water temperatures at you and various scents! Outdoors overlooking a green meadow were two hot tubs with a glamorous little touch – a champagne buzzer! Simply press this and a waitress comes with a glass of bubbly – fabulous!
Post spa and bubbly Lucy and I pottered round the local area working up an appetite for our tasting menu later that evening. The area is particularly scenic surrounded by idyllic greenery – English countryside at its finest.
After dolling ourselves up for dinner we headed to the Grand Hall of the Lawns Restaurant; all wood panelled, chandelier dripping luxury. We opted for the tasting menu together with the wine pairing, obviously. The service was attentive and the atmosphere lively; we were seated next to a couple dining for their 10 year wedding anniversary who shared their fond memories of the place having been married here a decade ago! From a starter of Cornish crab tortellini with shellfish bisque, to the final dessert of strawberry and vanilla parfait with champagne poached strawberries, the portions were ideally sized, light and seasonal. Asparagus featured heavily on the menu, much to my delight, including a starter of it sautéed with truffle, morels and buttermilk. The meat dish was the winner of the night for me though; fillet of Galloway beef cooked rare with Wirral watercress. The final, winning touch was a cracking cheeseboard had Lucy and I hot-faced with salty goodness and ready for the big bed.
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Post deep sleep we went back to the restaurant for brekkie the following morning. This consisted of a huge buffet spread of all the usual breakfast suspects including the classic fry up, pastries, cereals and fruit. Black pudding was on the menu which only ever pleases me.
Once we checked out Lucy dropped me at Liverpool Station which is a short 15 minute drive from the hotel. Surprising as the hotel itself seems quite far removed from the bright lights of any city – however particularly handy if you are coming by train.
The staff, the experience and the food made Thornton Hall a really memorable weekend and I would certainly return. Great value for your pennies and a good excuse to get away from the stresses of the week. (The) Wirral is certainly a destination that should be on anyone's mini break list…at least anyone who enjoys the British countryside and champagne in a hot tub!
Once we checked out Lucy dropped me at Liverpool Station which is a short 15 minute drive from the hotel. Surprising as the hotel itself seems quite far removed from the bright lights of any city – however particularly handy if you are coming by train.
The staff, the experience and the food made Thornton Hall a really memorable weekend and I would certainly return. Great value for your pennies and a good excuse to get away from the stresses of the week. (The) Wirral is certainly a destination that should be on anyone's mini break list…at least anyone who enjoys the British countryside and champagne in a hot tub!
http://www.thorntonhallhotel.com/
I am so grateful for your article.