Hotel Endsleigh

I would have sent this privately to Alex Polizzi if I’d been able to ascertain an address but the only ones published online are concerned with her motivational speaking. Her reputation as a hotel inspector would suggest she keeps an eye on her own turf so I write this in the knowledge that though other reviews may be more positive, the criticisms that follow will be taken in the spirit of helpful advice rather than of carping. We were slightly disappointed though to be fair were comparing it to other great country hotels in which we’ve stayed. Most of what follows are small details which would cost little to put right. There were lots of features we loved like the huge bed, ultra thick bath towels and robes (with hoods!), two armchairs in the room, current issue of Country Life. All ticks. I don’t mind (and even like) the antiquated bathroom about which another reviewer has complained. The water was plentiful and hot and there was a table on which to put things. On arrival only one room key was offered, though a second was supplied on request; also, a second suitcase stand (why do hotels invariably provide only one for two guests?). I had to ask for a sheet of writing paper and an envelope because none was provided in the room. The window frames rattled heavily when open, so we had to keep them shut and it was a bit hot in the night. No box of tissues by the bed though plenty of PG Wodehouse. The food…..! Oh !! SO rich, all so creamy and mousse-like, sauces and disguised veg, sculpted at every turn. Artistic creations on a plate reigned supreme. We had to ask about the multiple flavours dotted about every dish to know what we were eating, and over 4 days it was too much. An honest-to-goodness, no frills dish as an alternative would have been welcome. Then, there was such a long wait between courses. At the start of each dining experience a dish of oil is placed on the table and bread is set down. We prefer butter, and said so at our first dinner, but had to remind the kitchen of this on subsequent evenings. On our third evening, still awaiting our first course, the butter took 20 mins to arrive so after about ten, I asked jokily, “Are they milking the cow?!” “No” the waiter said ”chef is preparing it”, and when the butter came it was whipped and soft and shaped into a scoop so had obviously been “created” somehow. Was this necessary? Could they have made a note of our preference instead of presenting oil each time? On the plus side the public rooms were comfy and cosy, log fires blazed, (though not in the mornings unless the room was full). Other guests were delightful, and staff invariably friendly and eager to please. The countryside is stunning and there are wonderful walks.

Stayed here as an early Valentines treat, very nice suite, huge bed, enormous bathroom, free standing bath, walking shower, twin basins, very good quality dressing gowns and slippers, big thick towels. Let down by poor lighting, this may be because of building being listed. Was nice to have a separate sitting room, with view of the beautiful gardens. We had a half bottle of complementary champagne, a very nice touch. The whole ground floor public rooms are candle lit in the evening, along with log fires, made a beautiful setting for our evening meal. Service is excellent, nothing too much trouble, the staff are really caring. On to the food, started with the local crab salad with pickled cucumber and red pepper sorbet, this was totally delicious, best crab dish I’ve had in a while, followed by pork tenderloin with pineapple salsa, decent amount of well cooked vegetables. Yes it was nice, but I felt something was lacking. Dessert however was a disappointment, crème brûlée with cinnamon beignet, which had little flavour. The crème brûlée had no crisp caramel topping, so more like a set custard, the mace and crème fraiche sorbet was nice though. My husband had the mushroom arancini, followed by venison, which sadly wasn’t that hot, but was cooked medium rare. Chocolate pave to finish, that he said was good. A decent bottle of pinot noir to accompany the meal, went down well. Breakfast is totally served at the table, no buffet! This was a pleasant surprise, so everything came fresh, full English and eggs florentine were good, very good loose leaf tea served, no soggy toast either. Had a walk around the gardens after breakfast, they really are worth looking at. Yes we will be back, sooner rather than later.

We visited the hotel for 3 days over the new year period package . We had an amazing time from arriving to leaving the hotel staff could not do enough for guests it was warm cosy with open fire places with big baskets of logs to burn . Our room was warm and welcoming with the most comfy bed and well maintained during our stay . The food through out the stay was of a very high standard and the Gala dinner was very good .and the fireworks at midnight were amazing . All in all a brilliant break with amazing staff. Thank you