The earliest mention of Sopwell House is found in a deed from 1603, and after four centuries of visits from notable figures of history, the stunning Georgian country house set in 12 acres of gardens is still as popular today. Located just one mile from the M25/M1 junction, the 128 guestroom hotel is the perfect city escape. Only a twenty minute train journey from Central London, yet guests feel a million miles away from the capital.
The spa at Sopwell House boasts an indoor pool, a sauna, Jacuzzi, and fully-equipped gymnasium. Having worked in the hospitality and leisure industry my whole career, Sopwell House’s spa is the most immaculate and well-maintained spa I have ever had the pleasure to visit, combined with a beautiful and elegant interior design.
There is a choice of two restaurants: The Brasserie and The Restaurant. The former is more suited to casual dining, where guests can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, lunch or dinner. Our breakfast in The Brasserie was outstanding. We were impressed by the buffet available for breakfast, with eggs and sausages sourced from a local farm.
The Restaurant, with two AA rosettes and a modern British-European menu, prides itself on perfecting traditional dishes with a small pinch of the unusual. I was fortunate enough to talk with Executive Head Chef Gopi Chandran, a man extremely passionate about food and his role at the hotel. His enthusiasm and dedication to Sopwell House is evident in the successes of The Restaurant and the kitchen’s partnership with the local farmer’s market. The hotel maintains close ties with the farmers in the area, with Chandran pre-ordering his produce months in advance to ensure a seasonal menu.
The guestrooms at Sopwell House range from Superior rooms to the exclusive Mews Suites, all decorated with the finest interiors. During our stay we experienced one of the Mews Suites, separate from the main hotel in a gated courtyard with its own private entrance, adding a VIP touch.
Beyond the gates is the most beautiful botanical garden, designed by none other than Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist Ann-Marie Powell. Surprisingly, in the centre of the garden sits a stunning hydrotherapy pool for Mews guests to enjoy. Metallic art surrounds the pool, giving a unique and luxurious finish.
The Mews apartments are set within this bespoke garden, with the sound of water from the hydrotherapy pool filling the air. Our home for the night was the Willow Studio, a ground floor apartment fit for a king. Upon entering the space, we instantly relaxed thanks to the cosy atmosphere of the country house decor. Despite the countryside setting, modern amenities were aplenty: WIFI, two mounted widescreen TVs, your very own state-of-the-art Bluetooth speaker and Nespresso coffee machine. The enormous King sized beds ensure a restful sleep – my partner and I almost lost one another during the night. I felt like I could live fulltime in the Willow Suite, with the separate living area (with comfortable sofa, fireplace and entertainment system), spacious bathroom and bedroom.
What really makes Sopwell House the crème de la crème of hotels is each suite’s private terrace with your very own hot tub. If nothing makes you feel like a VIP guest, then a private pool will. Sipping on fine Champagne with loved ones close by feels like heaven.
Sopwell House is no stranger to VIP guests, having hosted many national and international football squads. The England football team has stayed at the hotel on many occasions, as well as being a favourite among Arsenal FC players, who regularly visit with their families.
General Manager Thomas Garlich strongly believes that a happy team make for happy guests, and places importance on quality – aiming to be the best four star hotel possible. Thomas is looking forward to the extensive spa refurbishment in summer 2018, which will further elevate a stay at Sopwell House. Reasonable room rates cater for all, providing excellent value for the absolute beauty and luxury of the whole place. Sopwell House is my new home away from home – simply magnificent!
