CHECKING IN: BEAVERBROOK HOTEL
IN ONE LINE
A luxury country house hotel seeped in history, with ‘Great Gatsby’-vibes and sweeping views of the Surrey Hills (and a check-out bill that’s as grand as the Victorian facade)
SETTING THE SCENE
Opened in 2017 after extensive renovations, Beaverbrook is only 20miles from London but will leave you thinking you are a world away from the big smoke. The Hotel is comfortably nestled within 470 acres of bucolic Surrey countryside and plays the role of English country house hotel very well. With just 35 rooms spread around the estate -split between The House, The Coach House and Garden House - it also felt wonderfully uncrowded.
Named for its illustrious former owner Lord Beaverbrook, the history and grandeur of the estate is sure to be one of the main draw-cards for visitors. Beaverbrook was a very well connected fella. He was a newspaper publisher and a back stage politician, having sat on the war cabinet with his good friend Winston Churchill (a frequent guest to the house). Throughout its golden era of 1920’s-1960’s the grand old house hosted a veritable who’s who of the day. Including James Bond author Ian Fleming, artist Jean Cocteau, Rudyard Kipling and Charlie Chaplin, all of which now lend their names to guest rooms.
SIR FRANKS BAR
Our favourite nook of the hotel was the art deco style bar on the ground floor which had doors leading out to the terrace and view beyond. Decorated with original Victorian features and hundreds of botanical illustrations from artist and explorer Marianne North (whose work we have also seen at KEW Gardens) it’s easy to see why Instagram is awash with photos of this room. Franks also has plenty of plush sofas to sink into and a sinfully delicious line up of artisan cocktails. We just wish this spot was in London so that we could revisit more often!
Our favourite room at Beaverbrook; Sir Frank’s bar
The Library where the UK’s first coalition government was signed
The original Victorian Staircase with glass domed atrium
Some of the coolest hotel uniforms we’ve come across, very Gatsby
OUR ROOM
There are just 18 rooms in the main house, all named after the dazzling list of past residents, and we were treated to a sleepover in the Elizabeth Taylor Suite. Set at the top of a grand Victorian staircase, beneath an original domed atrium, our huge room commanded views of the side gardens and featured pastel pink and pale green tones, with matching floral patterns.
While pretty pink interiors aren’t normally our thing we did fall for the overall feeling of grandeur in the suite and thankfully things felt more old Hollywood than sickly sweet. The bed was wonderfully comfortable and the sun trap terrace was a welcome addition. Inside the sizeable bathroom was a tub deep enough to swim in and a double-headed marble shower that was almost the size of a small room in itself. A special mention goes to the in-room slippers, which were so comfortable that they made their way into our suitcase, but made a sad juxtaposition to the robes which were disappointingly over washed and scratchy.
Despite the hotel only being renovated 5 years ago there was a decidedly vintage feel to the space. No modern USB ports or light dimmers, even the key was an actual key; complete with fancy red tassel. We did however find one welcome modern amenity hidden inside a Narnia-esque wardrobe; a complimentary minibar with a small selection of snacks and drinks plus a kettle for coffee and tea.
GREAT BRITISH BALLOON DINING EXPERIENCE
The main reason behind our stay was to experience Beaverbrook’s new alfresco Japanese dining with a twist.
This year, in hour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the hotel is celebrating the best of British Summertime with the whimsical “Great British Balloon Dining” experience. 6 Union Jack balloons, which seat up to 4 people, are parked in the Italian Gardens to the side of the hotel and are available for both lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday throughout the summer (open to both residents and non-residents). Guests are seated within cleverly designed hot air balloon baskets (complete with periodic blasts of air) and served a Ishiyaki "hot stone" culinary journey.
DINING AT BEAVERBROOK
If indoor dining is more you pace the hotel also has 3 on site restaurants to choose from
The Dining Room / Japanese Grill - “Located in the Main House, The Dining Room offers an elegant menu of delicately flavoured selections of sushi, sashimi, and nigiri plus the finest cuts of meat and fish from our Josper grill”
The Garden House Restaurant- “Tucked away behind our traditional walled kitchen garden, you’ll find The Garden House Restaurant – a place where comforting, home-cooked dishes and interiors inspired by the surrounding gardens conspire to create a delightful dining experience”
The Coach House Pizzeria and Deli - “Offering a relaxed and comforting dining experience, The Pizzeria is the perfect spot to dine with family and friends. Made with fresh, seasonal produce, our traditional pizzas are stone oven-baked to create a truly authentic taste”
WHAT TO DO
If you aren’t content to just lull around eating cake and soaking in the views (although we’d highly recommend this approach), then there is also plenty on offer at Beaverbrook.
Pre book some treatments in the beautiful new Spa or hit the gym and pool for some exercise.
Grab a box of popcorn and watch a movie or two in Britian’s first ever home cinema.
Lace up your walking boots or take a bicycle out and explore the hundreds of acres of Surrey countryside that surround the hotel
Play some tennis, Badminton or croquet
The hotel can also organise fishing, Clay pigeon shooting and a range of interesting masterclasses
GETTING THERE
Trains run frequently from London Waterloo to Leatherhead Station and the hotel is a quick 10minute drive from there. Alternatively London to Beaverbrook by car will take about 90mins. With Gatwick and Heathrow airports less than 40minutes away.
WHAT TO PACK
Visiting Beaverbrook is a wonderful excuse to dress up for dinner but you’d feel equally comfortable wandering around in laid back country ensembles. Don’t forget to pack your swimmers for the spa and pools, along with some comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds.
GOOD TO KNOW
Although Uber is available in the area we actually couldn’t get a car to accept us and ended up hailing a taxi instead (either will only be around £10).
Disappointingly the spa facilities aren’t able to be used once you check-out, so for overnight stays make sure to book any appointments or make plans for the pool during the 3pm-11am window
The cinema has 3 showings a day and if no one else books in you can choose the movie yourself!
Complimentary coffee and cake is served in the lounge every afternoon for guests
As another perk, during Summer guests can also wander over to the area outside the spa for some ice-cream (it was old school delicious)
Although dogs aren’t able to stay in the main house, parts of The Coach house and The Garden House are pet friendly
Beaverbrook is also kid friendly and offers activities specifically suited to under 12s
Wellington boots are on hand for guests
We were invited guests of the hotel but as always our thoughts and opinions are our own
