Every now and then – and only very occasionally mind – it’s nice to get out of the Big Smoke for a couple of days and find some peace and quiet in the good ol’ countryside. If you’re thinking of treating yourself to a little getaway soon then stop googling and get yourself a room at Great Fosters – this place is seriously impressive, it even had a throne for a toilet…
Great Fosters was converted into a 43 room hotel in the 1930s but was originally built as a royal hnting lodge in 1550 which should start to give you some idea of the grandeur of the place! Aside from a few modern touches of luxury we can’t imagine much about this place has changed over the years: think huge stone fireplaces, wood panelled walls, tapestries, four poster beds and mullioned windows. It’s pretty much like stepping into a scene from ‘Shakespeare in Love’
Great Fosters also boasts fifty acres of land to wander around, including a lake, landscaped gardens and orchards. Oh, and there’s also a heated outdoor swimming pool.
A place like this needs a restaurant to match of course and Great Fosters certainly delivers. We ate in the Tudor Room restaurant, which is very much in the fine dining vein but there’s also the option to eat at The Estate Grill with a simpler á la carte menu. An epic eight course tasting menu followed with dishes such as sesame crusted tuna, watermelon, soy and wasabi; truffled Tunworth, pan fried crumpet, honey and quince; and salted chocolate mousse, praline and caramel.
Great food, stunning rooms, beautiful gardens, a swimming pool – we can’t recommend this place enough for a relaxing break. And the best part? It’s only just outside London.
Great Fosters, Stroude Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9UR
www.greatfosters.co.uk