Abingworth Hall

I've just returned from a lovely long weekend at Abingworth Hall with a group of friends from choir. Everyone agreed that it had been a great success and worth repeating. The setting is beautiful, rooms range from nice to gorgeous and the staff are extremely helpful and welcoming. They couldn't do enough for us! Meals were excellent with great menu choices and food cooked to a high standard. It was great to have packed lunches to take out with us on our daily expeditions too. Many thanks, Abingworth Hall, and I hope we'll be back soon!

Two star Hotel facilities. Dilapidated and cold Hotel with out of date everything. ( Imagine Fawlty Towers) Our room was up three flights of stairs and rooms were cold especially the out of date bathroom. Food was ok. On the bright side the Bridge instruction was excellent and very enjoyable.

The holiday was a real mixed bag. Whilst the bridge lessons were generally well received, our learning would have been improved by sample bidding and a wider mix of set plays. Several of us found that EW got the bulk of contract play, whilst NS won the bidding on fewer than ten our of over forty occasions. Whilst our defensive play improved, more offensive opportunities would have been appreciated. Overall, a good mix of players and abilities, though, with the sessions comprising good humour and companionship. The hotel was a different matter, though. Other reviews had led us to expect 'faded glory' - although we found it in need of significant refurbishment and change. Much of the exterior was in need of attention, with some doors visibly rotting. Our room as described as 'superior' and seemed anything but. There was no shower, although there was a bath under the eaves. The TV was tiny and often not working properly. The serving staff were great - helpful and responsive. The food was generally okay, although I think the vegetarians had a different experience. However, a warmer reception would have significantly improved our experience, instead of the indifferent welcome received. The approach was epitomised by an incident when we asked for coffee, as there was insufficient available during a short and planned twenty minute break in play. After searching the hotel for five minutes, and receiving a curt reply, the coffee was finally ready fifteen minutes into the break. By then, we had gone to our room to make our own - and when the coffee was delivered, the fact that we had not waited was met with an obvious and unnecessary eye-roll. Thankfully, the person in charge at the end of the week was much more amenable.

Excellent art holiday. Painting with Sophia Flowers. Good company. Cannot fault anything Good food. Plenty of it. Friendly and caring staff and comfortable surroundings. Can recommend.. Very nice atmosphere. Have been twice and will go again.