Saddle up for Stirrups
Above: .
Above: Comfortable rooms
Above: Stirrups Country House Hotel
For an area that has more polo fields than anywhere else in Britain, the world’s most famous racecourse just down the road, and two of the south’s biggest tourist attractions – Legoland and Windsor Castle, each only a stone’s throw away – it seems strange that there aren’t more hotels around.
Granted you have several corporate venues, but when it comes to small, independent hotels that offer personal service and good value for money, there is a distinct dearth. That’s where Stirrups comes into play. Once you’ve found the attractive, brick-built country hotel – and it has to be said that within the labyrinth of rural lanes, it isn’t that easy – you’ll be assured of a warm, friendly welcome, comfortable rooms and good food.
While the hotel, which is also used as a conference venue, is popular with guests from Bracknell’s business community during the week, at the weekend Stirrups becomes a pleasant haven and a very convenient base from which to venture into the countryside.
An equine theme runs throughout, from the stirrup key rings to the horse paintings and photographs on the walls. In the reception hall and lounge, there are lots of exposed bricks and beams and the feel is informal and relaxed.
The hub of the hotel is the newly-refurbished Stirrups Restaurant that has a distinct brasserie ambiance to it. It’s still rustic, but with a contemporary edge, with chunky wooden tables, chocolate leather chairs, an open fireplace, wooden beams, low ceilings and soft lighting. Local photographer Lucy Gale’s stunning polo photographs give the dining area another dimension.
Apparently supermodel Sophie Anderton has been spotted dining here and it’s become the place to eat with the local polo fraternity. In the summer,
the large terrace, surrounded by the colourful award-winning gardens, is
also very popular.
On the menu you’ll find both modern and traditional cuisine, coupled with a carefully chosen and extensive wine list. Tempting main dishes include lemon sole stuffed with crab and spring onion, mussel beurre blanc and pressed pork belly, cauliflower and potato puree and Madeira sauce. Or, for a more relaxed occasion, how about Italian anti pasti, with salamis, olives and sun-blushed tomatoes served with flatbread to share?
If you’re staying the night, you’ll find the bedrooms are comfortably stylish and bright. Each room is individually designed, using natural woods and pastel colours, and each comes with all the little touches you’d expect, such as Molton Brown toiletries and pressure showers.
While there’s so much to do in the surrounding area, you could just spend a pleasant hour or so wondering around the hotel’s 10-acre gardens, or reading on the attractive terrace. In fact, you could say it’s just the ticket after a hard week in the saddle!
At a glance
Location: Stirrups lies on the B3022, 200 metres south of the crossroads in Maidens Green village, between Maidenhead and Windsor.
Bedrooms: There are four luxury junior suites, two with four-poster beds, and 26 bedrooms. All have internet access, writing desks, hair dryers, satellite TV and room service.
Dining: The informal Stirrups Restaurant serves a wide choice, with starters from as little as £4.50 and main courses from as little as £8, including dishes to share, together with homemade desserts and daily specials.
Tariffs: Friday / Saturday night from £95 per room per night – Bed & Breakfast. For up-to-the minute special rates, visit www.stirrupshotel.co.uk
Things to do nearby: Watch a polo match at The Royal Berkshire Polo Ground or The Guards Club. Go racing at Ascot. Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park and Legoland are within a five-mile radius.
Where
Stirrups Country House Hotel, Maidens Green, Bracknell, RG 42 6LD Tel: 01344 88228, www.stirrupshotel.co.uk
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