Newsletter - Hartwell House

MARCH - SEPTEMBER 2015
WHAT’S ON AT HARTWELL
Hartwell House Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
WWW.HARTWELL-HOUSE.COM
O
nce again we welcome you to
the next edition of What’s
On at Hartwell. True to
the traditions of Hartwell House we
continue to offer a quality of service,
in style and a superb setting. We
remain true to the heritage of the
house offering you, our guest, all that
you would expect to find in a country
house hotel with such a long and
distinguished history.
Inside this issue
3&4
Accommodation offers
5
Dining
6&7
Events
8&9
Celebrate in 2015
10 & 11
Events
12 - 14
The Spa at Hartwell
15
Places of interest to visit
16
Our sister hotels
Jonathan Thompson
Director & General Manager
I
f you yearn to escape the everyday stresses of life to an idyll of calm and
tranquillity then look no further than Hartwell House Hotel. We are hoping for
good weather to show off our 90 acres of parkland, and the many statues and
follies dotted around are perfect for exploring before having a relaxing drink on
the terrace prior to dinner.
Value for money remains important to our guests, and we continue to offer this whilst
ensuring the standards of service you expect and receive from a hotel now once again
a member of Relais & Chateaux. We have a number of special breaks including a
Summer Getaway in July and August, as well as our very popular seasonal lunch and
dinner menus. The Spa Café is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday for guests who
seek a more informal setting, and the hotel offers a varied special events programme for
the coming months.
Situated just one hour from Central London, Hartwell is the ideal location for those
attending Garsington Opera visiting Waddesdon Manor, Stowe or the British Grand
Prix at Silverstone. To avoid disappointment call 01296 747444 to reserve your room.
For whatever reason you visit, you will continue to find Hartwell a memorable and
inspiring place providing a warm welcome, and we very much look forward to welcoming
new and old friends alike.
NEWS, INFORMATION & SPECIAL OFFERS
Two New Special
Breaks celebrating
the Aylesbury
Duck or Valrhona
Chocolate
Two breaks yet both
offering something very
different.
Aylesbury Duck is what
the area is famous for
and here at Hartwell we
have been championing
this dish for many years.
Enjoy a welcome Dry
Martini cocktail made with
Aylesbury Duck Canadian
vodka, followed by a four
course Aylesbury duck
inspired dinner menu.
If chocolate is for you then you will not be disappointed with Valrhona
Chocolate. When you arrive enjoy a Valrhona hot chocolate with Dulcey and
Biskelia cookies, Hartwell marble chocolate with berries and pistachios in your
room, plus a two course dinner with an exclusive Valrhona Chocolate tasting
platter for your pudding.
Both breaks are for two people priced at £390.00 per night and in addition to
the above include overnight accommodation in a classic double or twin standard
room, cooked breakfast served in the dining rooms, free wifi and use of the
Hartwell Spa. Upgrades available to a Royal room for £100.00 (subject to availability)
These breaks are available from 1st April to 30th November 2015
Great Break Offers for Spring and Summer
Two Night Buckinghamshire Country Break
Enjoy a luxurious break to the Buckinghamshire countryside with Hartwell
House’s Two Night Escape to the Country Break. Enjoy the seasons at their
finest with walks around the gardens, parkland and explore the many statues
and follies, monuments and a lake. Or visit nearby Waddesdon Manor, Stowe
Landscape Gardens, discover the dreaming spires of Oxford or treat yourself
to a spot of deluxe retail therapy at Bicester Village, the luxury shopping
outlet. On arrival you will be greeted with Prosecco, Hartwell chocolates and
fruit in your room, then perhaps relax in one of our drawing rooms or enjoy
the Hartwell Spa before dinner in our award winning restaurant. The choice
is yours. The cost of this two night break is £600.00 and includes a classic
standard double room, free Wifi, cooked English breakfast each day, a bottle of
Prosecco, Hartwell chocolates and fruit, £100.00 credit on food and beverage
during your stay and VAT.
Upgrades to one of our Royal Rooms available from only £50.00 per night
Available from March to November 2015
3
NEWS, INFORMATION & SPECIAL OFFERS
Staying in the Queens Room
Like many of the rooms at Hartwell the first floor bedrooms are named after the French
royalty who lived here in exile, and one of these is The Queen’s Bedroom. Situated on the
first floor and with superb views to the north and east this room was occupied by Queen
Marie-Josephine of France, who lived here in exile with her husband Louis XVIII. Unlike
her husband, she was not happy at Hartwell and took to the bottle. Her portrait is next to
that of the King overlooking the Jacobean staircase which she particularly detested because
the shadows cast by her candle flame as she mounted the stairs to bed, terrified her so much
that she had them removed. No records exist of their original position, which to this day
remain a matter of conjecture. Special B&B Rates of £400.00 per night if you book before 1st June
2015 (not available at Bank Holidays)
Win a night in the Queen’s Bedroom plus dinner and breakfast for two – to be entered
in this free draw just send your name via email quoting “Queen’s Competition” to sales@
hartwell-house.com
Closing date is 30th April 2015. Prize to be taken by 31st October 2015 excluding Bank Holidays
Sunday Night Special!
A Summer Getaway
Stay at Hartwell House any Sunday at the
superb rate of just £200.00 per room to
include cooked breakfast, use of the Hartwell
Spa and service, which equates to a saving of
over £90.00 on the published room rate! This
value for money rate is based on a standard
double or twin-bedded room, subject to
availability. (Excluding Bank Holiday weekends)
For the months of July and August we are pleased to offer this excellent value for
money break. Getaway, relax, explore and enjoy our 90 acres of grounds with many
hidden follies and statues, peaceful drawing rooms, 2 AA rosette restaurant and
superb Spa. For only £270.00 per room per night inclusive of £32.00 seasonal dinner
menu, classic standard or double or twin room, free wifi, cooked breakfast, use of the
Hartwell Spa and VAT. Upgrades to Royal rooms available at £100.00 per room per night
Sunday Late check-out!
Any guests staying with us on a Saturday
and who confirm Sunday lunch for
two in the Dining Room the next day,
will be able to delay their check-out
from 12 noon to 5.00pm, and have
the opportunity to enjoy lunch and
depart at leisure. Please confirm your
luncheon reservation when making
room bookings.
4
Date for your Diary
Cheltenham
Festival
10th to 13th
March 2015
NEWS, INFORMATION & SPECIAL OFFERS
Dining at Hartwell
Hartwell’s 3 course seasonal
Lunch and Dinner
To treat a friend, relative or colleague
to lunch at Hartwell House is to pay
them the supreme compliment. In
addition to our Table d’Hote lunch
menus and A La Carte dinner menus,
we offer our very popular 3 course
seasonal lunch or dinner menu for the
excellent price of £26.00 per person at
lunch and £32.00 per person at dinner.
Using home grown and local produce
where possible, our Head Chef Daniel
Richardson has put together superb
specially prepared meals, available daily
except Sunday lunch.
In August enjoy a welcome glass of
“Prosecco” with our compliments in one
of the historic Drawing Rooms or on the
South Terrace whilst enjoying the Summer
sun before choosing from the daily lunch or
dinner menus
(Offer not available on the seasonal lunch or
dinner menu) Quote – Summer 2015
Date for your Diary
St Patrick’s Day
17th March
English Afternoon Tea
An all year round favourite but particularly in the Summer
when you can explore the grounds and enjoy Hartwell’s famous
Afternoon Tea. Available daily and including a selection of
Jing teas, sandwiches, cream cakes and scones all for £27.00
per person. If you are celebrating enjoy a glass of Prosecco with your
afternoon tea for £35.00 each or a Champagne Afternoon Tea for
£39.00 each. Definitely something to treat family and friends to.
Rosé Wine and Summer Salads
For those of you who are looking for a more casual and
informal dining experience the Spa Café is the place to visit.
Perfect for al fresco dining on the terrace or balcony and to
enjoy a glass of Rose wine with a summer salad. The Spa
Café is open daily for morning coffee, lunch and snacks
from 9.00am to 6.30pm, and every Friday and Saturday for
dinner with last orders at 9.00pm. Reservations can be made
direct with the Spa Café by calling 01296 746526
5
Events
Wednesday 15th April 2015
Jewellery Day at
Hartwell House Hotel
Date for your Diary
Easter
3rd to 6th
April
Garsington Opera 2015 –
The Summer Season
Performances include: Cosi fan tutte, Death in Venice,
Intermezzo, Midsummer Night’s Dream.
If you are visiting Garsington Opera on the Wormsley Estate
in 2015, then what better combination than a stay at Hartwell
House and an evening of opera in the spectacular grounds of
Wormsley. Enjoy afternoon tea in one of our drawing rooms
or order a Champagne picnic to take with you to enjoy in the
grounds before or during the performance.
Sunday 15th March 2015
Mother’s Day
One of the most important days of the
year and one of our busiest lunches!
Book early to treat that very special
person to a very special lunch.
6
Bring your items of jewellery
for valuation with the team of
Bonhams’ Jewellery specialists.
Followed by a delicious
lunch in the Soane dining
room and a talk by Mr. John
Benjamin on the goldsmith
Henry George Murphy.
Join us for what will be an
interesting day, start by having
pieces of jewellery valued by
Bonham’s specialist. Then
enjoy a delicious two course
lunch before listening to an
illustrated talk by Mr. John
Benjamin, known to most of
us as one of the experts on the Antiques Roadshow. He will
tell us the amazing story of the designer goldsmith, Henry
George Murphy – a thriller like no other. Tickets cost £60.00
a head and can be obtained from Francesca Wall, The Apple
Orchard, Bradenham, High Wycombe, HP14 4HA
Telephone 01494 562220
Events
Friday 17th April 2015
Champagne Edouard Brun Dinner
Hartwell’s House Champagne for 2015
Friday 24th April 2015
Cashmere and Pearls Lunch
Buy one Pashmina and get one Free!
By popular demand, Hartwell
House is once again co-hosting
a Champagne Edouard Brun
dinner. Founded in 1898 in
the Grand Cru village of Ay by
the banks of the River Marne,
this is still a family business
handed down the generations.
Philippe and Emmanuel retain
the age old traditions to bring
such fine champagne as we will
be tasting during the course of
the evening. Cost is £67.50 per
person inclusive of VAT.
Special accommodation rate
available if attending the
dinner of £180.00 per room
based on double occupancy
to include free wifi, cooked
breakfast, use of the Spa and
VAT (subject to availability)
By popular demand the Cashmere and Pearls Lunch is back.
Two well known local companies The Cashmere Centre and
The Pearl Company will introduce you to the world of luxury
that is cashmere and pearls. Ever wondered what makes a good
cashmere sweater? Why are the prices so different and what
is the difference between 2, 4 and 8 ply cashmere? Victoria
Pollock, Head Designer at The Cashmere Centre, the UK’s
largest cashmere specialist, will be on hand to answer all of these
questions and more, along with tips and advice on caring for
your precious garments. Also on show will be a selection of their
comprehensive cashmere range.
The perfect complement to cashmere are of course, pearls.
Adrienne Gannon, Head of Product Design and Purchasing
at The Pearl Company will be in attendance to tell all there
is to know about our favourite jewellery. How do you tell a
real pearl from a fake? How does an Akoya pearl differ from a
Tahitian? All this and more and the chance to view the Pearl
Company’s unique range of affordable luxury.
As an added bonus the Cashmere Centre are offering 2 for 1
on any purchases on the day, and there is a 50% discount on
selected pearl items.
Cost is £35.00 per person inclusive of a two course lunch,
glass of Prosecco, coffee and VAT.
Date for your Diary
St George’s Day
23rd April
Hartwell Gift Cheques – the perfect present.
Hartwell House Gift Vouchers are available not only for
treatments and products but also as gifts for afternoon tea,
luncheon, dinner and a range of Hartwell memorabilia.
Ideal for those who may have to get something at the last
minute, they can be purchased on line, by telephone or in
person at the House or Spa Reception, and are available all
year round.
7
Celebrate a Special Occasion in 2015
Whatever the occasion to celebrate in 2015, Hartwell House is the best venue and you will
never be disappointed. There are a number of private rooms to hire from a drawing room for
afternoon tea, to a dining room for that special occasion, rooms for a dinner dance for up to
72 guests or even a marquee for 150, and each one, whatever the occasion or size, is ideal for
your individual private celebration. The south terrace overlooking manicured lawns is perfect
to enjoy a glass or two of something before your lunch or dinner.
Your event would not be special without the menu and our Head Chef Daniel Richardson
has created a number of lunch and dinner options, and coupled with a carefully selected
private dining wine list, your guests will most certainly be impressed.
We take pride in the levels of service we offer to individual guest or larger groups alike. From
the moment you arrive you will be met by a senior member of staff who will be with you
throughout the day, providing continuity of service and a level of knowledge and experience
certain to make your day one to remember for all the right reasons.
In addition you and your guests can always take advantage of special accommodation rates
available by visiting www.hartwell-house.com and making their visit even more memorable.
For further information on Special Events at Hartwell House call one of the team on
01296 746502 who will be pleased to discuss your requirements.
8
The Octagon Dining Room
The James Wyatt Room
The Library
9
Events
Date for your Diary
Wednesday 10th June 2015
The Royal Horticultural Society Luncheons
Chelsea Flower
Show
19th May
Saturday 9th May 2015
The Yapp Wine Luncheon
Celebrate general election
victory, drown your
sorrows or, more likely,
figure out what happens
next at our popular
annual four-course
lunch. Appropriately
this magnificent stately
house was once the seat
of the exiled King of
France, Louise XVIII.
Could that be an omen?
Tom Ashworth of
Yapp Brothers (vintners of Mere, Wiltshire) will
be hosting a Wine Luncheon at Hartwell House.
Guests are invited to arrive at 12.30pm for a glass
(or two!) of sparkling wine, to be followed by Chef’s
delicious three course lunch with specially selected
wine served with each course. The complete event
costs just £70.00 per person and includes reception
drink, lunch, all wines and VAT.
Reserve your place for this extremely popular luncheon
with Yapp Brothers by calling 01747 860423 direct.
10
In conjunction with the Royal
Horticultural Society, visit
Hartwell House and join head
gardener Richard Jones. He will
not only explain recent plantings
and restoration but also take
you on a historical journey to
rediscover the lost flower garden
of Lady Elizabeth Lee, an enigma
to garden historians for many
years. Morning coffee and
biscuits will be served on arrival
followed by a Summer 3 course
luncheon with wine after the
tour. The cost for this event is
£30.00 for RHS members and
£36.00 for non members.
To make a reservation call
01296 747444 or
email [email protected]
Date for your Diary
Wimbledon
Fortnight
29th June to
12th July
Events
Sunday 12th July 2015
Summer Tea Recital
We are pleased to welcome back Paul Harris and friends
who will once again perform to include Mozart’s Serenade
for 13 Winds, one of the greatest pieces of music ever, and
a rare treat to hear this spectacular work. Our famous
Afternoon Tea will be served in the drawing rooms at
5.00pm followed by the recital and finishing off with
canapés and a glass of Prosecco. Cost is £44.00 per person
and what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
A limited number of seats are available on the Vestibule gallery
for £27.00 to include the recital, Prosecco and canapés.
Friday 31st July 2015
A Summer Garden Tour with Richard Jones
Enjoy summer in the gardens and grounds of Hartwell House, and what
better way than to join Richard Jones our Head Gardener who will take you
on a guided tour to view the many plants, shrubs and trees in bloom. We will
commence with coffee on arrival at 11.00am prompt in the Library, followed by
the tour and then a two-course lunch, a glass of wine and coffee, all for £30.00
per person. A change of footwear may be advisable.
Friday 11th September 2015
Best Cellars of France 11th Anniversary Dinner
Once again our Food and Beverage Manager, Tony Critchley has put together
a superb cross section of French wines from our cellars for you to enjoy at this
annual dinner. Join us for the evening and enjoy a four course dinner with
Champagne Reception and wine with each course. Cost per person is £85.00
inclusive of the Champagne reception, dinner, wines and VAT.
Special accommodation rate available if attending the dinner of £180.00 per room based
on double occupancy to include free wifi, cooked breakfast, use of the Spa and VAT
(subject to availability)
15
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Date for your Diary
British F1 Grand
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11
THE HARTWELL SPA
the
SPA
at HARTWELL HOUSE
March Offer
Treatment of the month
AGE REPAIR FACIAL
An intensive treatment for ageing skin, including a unique dual
layering of intensive masks, with specific lifting, plumping and
firming massage. Delivers instantly visible results.
For the special price of £70.00 a saving of £10.00
Monthly Health and Beauty Offers
for Spring and Summer
As a guest of the hotel or if you have booked a Half or Full Day
Beauty Experience you have full use of the gymnasium, indoor
heated pool, whirlpool bath, hot tub, sauna and steam rooms plus
the two all-weather tennis courts just a short walk from the Spa.
The courts can be reserved in advance and equipment is available
to hire from the Spa Reception.
12
April Offer
Treatment of the month
PERFECT BACK WITH A BACK,
NECK AND SHOULDERS
Designed for backs prone to blemishes and
oiliness, this treatment restores skin, leaving
it smooth, glowing and flawless. For the
special price of £70.00 a saving of £10.00
THE HARTWELL SPA
June Offer
Treatment of the month
AROMA CLEAR FACIAL
For those seeking a deep and effective
cleanse that cannot be achieved
with products alone. This facial is
recommended to maintain super clear
skin and pores and is also perfect for
problematic skin.
The results are clear, clean and bright
complexion, full of health and vitality.
For the special price of £62.00
a saving of £10.00
May Offer
May Indulgence Day
Unwind with an Indulgence day to
include use of the spa facilities, an 85
minute treatment and a two course
lunch for the special price of £105.00
Monday to Thursday, £115.00 Friday
to Sunday.
13
THE HARTWELL SPA
Date for your Diary
Henley Royal
Regatta
1st July
To make a booking for any of the offers or
for further information please call 01296
746500, and quote the specific offer.
Please book early to avoid disappointment
July and August Offer
Spa Experience Offer
Relax in style and treat yourself and a friend to a half day spa
experience to include: Use of all Spa Facilities. Gymnasium,
sauna, steam room, spa bath, and relaxation by the swimming
pool, a 55 minute treatment from our Spa Tariff and a tea or
coffee in the Spa Café and Bar.
£130.00 for two people Monday to Thursday
£150.00 for two people Friday to Sunday
September Offer
Treatment of the month
ROSE HYDRATOR WRAP
This intensely hydrating treatment includes the layering of
rich rose serum, oil and cream, leaving your body radiant, soft
and smooth and your spirits bright and uplifted.
For the special price of £52.00 a saving of £10.00
14
If you are thinking of joining a Spa
Membership Club then look no further
than Historic Hartwell House. For a club
that is welcoming, individual and excellent
with no queues and children at fixed times
only we cater for your needs in a peaceful
and relaxing way, a calm blend of old and
new.
Call Lisa O’Mahoney our Spa Manager
on 01296 746500 for information on
membership of the Spa or why not pop
in and we will be delighted to show you
around in person.
For further information or to make a
reservation for any of the events or offers
contained in this What’s On please
contact 01296 747444 or email
[email protected]
PLACES OF INTEREST TO VISIT
Waddesdon Manor
Bicester Village
Discover a relaxed shopping haven in the
Oxfordshire countryside, where spacious
boutiques showcase fabulously discounted
labels from the leading fashion and lifestyle
brands normally only found in the world’s most
exclusive shopping streets. Shopping is pure
pleasure at Bicester Village, where sophisticated
boutiques, spacious boulevards, attentive service
and a friendly, unhurried atmosphere combine
to offer a truly unique retail experience. There’s
so much to enjoy here, whether it’s browsing
prestigious boutiques at leisure for great-value
buys, or sampling fine food and drink in the
Village’s cafés and restaurants. And with such
a rich selection of attractions nearby - from
gorgeous scenery, imposing stately homes,
historic towns and Michelin starred restaurants
to explore.
For more information and opening times
please call 01869 323200 or visit
www.bicestervillage.com
This Renaissance-style château was built by Baron
Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his outstanding
collection of art treasures and to entertain the
fashionable world. The 45 rooms on view combine
the highest quality French furniture and decorative
arts from the 18th century with superb English
portraits and Dutch Old Masters. The Victorian
garden is considered one of the finest in Britain
with its parterre, seasonal displays, fountains and
statuary. At its heart lies the aviary, stocked with
species once part of Baron Ferdinand’s collection.
Visit the new contemporary art gallery in the
Coach House at the Stables. Note: managed by a
Rothschild family charitable trust. House entrance
by timed tickets only.
For further details, opening times and forthcoming
events please call 01296 653226 or visit
www.waddesdon.org.uk
Stowe Landscape Gardens
One of the first and finest landscape gardens in
Europe, located only 2 miles from the centre of
Buckingham, and owned by the National Trust. You
can wander through Stowe’s green valleys and vistas
or take on the intellectual challenge set by its 18th
Century creators to find the political and classical
meaning behind each elegant temple and statue.
For information visit www.stowe.co.uk
Explore The Chilterns
An area of unspoilt rolling chalk hills,
magnificent beech woods quiet valleys and
charming brick and flint cottages, all looking
glorious in the Spring and Summer sunshine.
Enjoy the magnificent Red Kites overhead by
walking along the Icknield Way and watch them
glide over the Chiltern escarpment.
For information visit www.chilternsaonb.org
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OUR SISTER HOTELS
Bodysgallen Hall & Spa
Standing in over 200 acres of its own
parkland to the south of Llandudno with
spectacular views of Snowdonia and Conwy
Castle. Believed to have 13th century
origins, Bodysgallen Hall provides all that is
best in country house hospitality. Beautiful
gardens include a rare 17th century parterre
of box hedges filled with sweet-scented
herbs, a rockery with a cascade, a walled
rose garden, and several follies. The hotel
has two restaurants, with imaginative food,
which have been awarded three rosettes
by the AA with fine-dining in the Main
Hall, prepared from fresh local produce
and complemented by fine wine. 1620,
Bodysgallen Hall’s Bistro offers simpler
good value food in a contemporary setting.
For further information, or to make a
booking please contact:
www.bodysgallen.com
Telephone 01492 584466
Spa Reservations
Tel: +44 (0)1296 746500
E-mail: [email protected]
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
Middlethorpe Hall is a William and Mary
country house, built in 1699 of mellow
red brick with limestone dressings. The
restoration, conservation and conversion
into a country house hotel have been
carried out to exacting and historically
accurate standards. It has been elegantly
decorated in period and furnished with
antiques and fine paintings, so that its
look and ambiance is that of a well-kept,
well-furnished private country house.
Middlethorpe Hall is renowned for its
imaginative cuisine and its panelled dining
rooms which overlook the manicured
gardens. It also boasts a Health and Fitness
Spa built behind the façade of two listed
Edwardian cottages.
www.middlethorpe.com
Telephone 01904 641241
Main Switchboard
Tel: +44 (0)1296 747444
Fax: +44 (0)1296 747450
Bedroom & Dining Enquiries &
Reservations
Tel: +44 (0)1296 747444
E-mail: [email protected]
Meetings, Weddings & Private Dining
Enquiries & Bookings
Tel: +44 (0)1296 746501
E-mail: [email protected]
Hartwell House Hotel
Oxford Road, Near Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire HP17 8NR
www.hartwell-house.com