What People are saying

A Travelzoo offer and thoroughly excellent dinner

Jayesandveeteeon 19/08/2017 14:31

Small factors (a rather tired room/shortage of hot water etc.) should prevent our five star award but the overall experience was one of complete satisfaction. The overwhelming joy was that of the dinner taster menu the components of which all worked together and were perfectly executed. We have experienced many that have not despite far greater expectation. We confess that the Travelzoo offer contributes to our concluding views but despite this, the businesslike unpretentiousness of this place is refreshing when it actually delivers what is promised and served in a cool but pleasant and professional manner. Breakfast was straightforward and equally well executed with adequate good quality choice to suit most. A visit that coincides with a party that includes children could mar a stay.

Worth a stay for the 7 course tasting menu !

Chocolatehobbiton 13/08/2017 20:36

Myself and husband stayed here for one night on a Secret escapes deal that included tea and scones on arrival , 7 course tasting menu and breakfast .
We had a very pleasant break and the evening meal was the highlight .
It is true that the decor is looking a little tired but that did not spoil our stay as the quality of food is more important to us and that was faultless . Also the room was a good size even though it wasn't newly decorated and the bed was a bit squeaky .
The location of the hotel is excellent with lots of interesting / picturesque places to visit nearby .
The grounds are attractive and we had good weather and enjoyed sitting on the patio for our tea and scones on arrival and next morning reading the complimentary Sunday paper after breakfast .
We had drinks in the bar before dinner which came with delicious complimentary canapés - I can't understand why the bar was criticised in a review. There was a good choice of drinks and a good wine list , reasonably priced .
The 7 course tasting menu was delicious , I had the vegetarian selection and my husband had the standard menu and we were both happy . We thought the portion sizes were good and we were very full by the end ! Coffee came with petits fours too .
Breakfast in the morning was equally delicious with a good selection of buffet items and a wide choice of cooked items to order . My husband had the full English and said the ingredients were top quality . I had smoked salmon and scrambled eggs which were very tasty and nicely presented .
I felt the hotel had a very relaxed atmosphere due to the attitude of the staff and this made for a very enjoyable stay .
I don't think the need for a bit of redecoration should put people off and we hope to return to experience the 7 course tasting menu again !

Timewarp with excellent food!

Sallysidon 11/08/2017 17:08

Lovely drive with spacious grounds, but very small reception area. Whole social area felt as if you are stepping into grannies pàrlour. This may of course appeal to some people. Our bedroom was across a courtyard so cannot comment on bedrooms in actual main building, which incidentally was an old Victorian Manor House. Our bedroom needed a bit of TLC but was ok for a couple of nights, apart from the very squeaky bed!
BUT The food was excellent. We had the 7 course taster menu and it was delicious, compliments to the chef, but if it had not been included in our deal would not have paid £55 for it. Someone had previously complained about the breakfast, but ours was fine. Second night had the grill menu, ordered whitebait. Normally you get a whacking big plate full of little fishes, but think there were about 10/12 fishes. So had its pros and cons, wouldn't go there again.

Excellent value - a great 'find'

greygapson 10/08/2017 17:18

The Esseborne Manor fully deserves it's TA rating and our booking through Travelzoo made it great value. Our room was clean and spacious, the 4 poster bed large and comfortable, the bathroom/ shower modern and spotlessly clean with a good supply of toiletries for the unprepared traveller.
The staff, without exception, were friendly and helpful without being 'over attentive' Nothing was too much trouble and they really look after their guests.
We like to experiment with food and the 7 course taster menu proved a big success with us. The dishes served were local produce, fresh, well presented and imaginative - we enjoyed every dish. This chef knows how to cook !!
The breakfast was equally as good with plenty of choice (best yogurt and honey I've tasted). smoked salmon and scrambled eggs were great.
It is a small country hotel (I believe family run) and they work hard here to ensure their guest's comfort. No. it's not 'all singing/dancing and there are areas that need a bit of TLC but it has a relaxing charm all of it's own.
All in all excellent value and we hope to return - well done to the owners and staff

Fabulous Gem!!

BandGJon 09/08/2017 09:33

We would like to congratulate Ian & all the wonderful staff at Esseborne Manor for a fabulous stay to celebrate our 5th Wedding Anniversary!!

From the start, this hotel was charming - the gravel drive way leading up to the hidden hotel & the turning circle in front of the entrance set the scene for a romantic stay!!

The staff in this family-run hotel were discreet, polite, happy & friendly - qualities you wish for but don't always find.

The tea/coffee with scones on arrival was great. Scones were warm (with quality jam & clotted cream) & we sat in a quaint drawing room overlooking the rear lawns with patio & outside garden chess board!!

The full English breakfast with fruit, toast, croissants & cereals was a great start to each day.

We had the 7-course taster menu in our second evening & it was nothing like we expected - it far exceeded our expectations!! The kitchen/menu is devised by a head chef & executive chef & in our opinion should be Michelin starred!! The wines suggested to accompany each course were excellent & well worth paying for!!

We stayed in the St Albans Suite & could not fault it!! Modernly decorated but with traditional feature - the main ones being nice chaise-lounge & splendid King-size 4-poster bed!!

Thank you for all owner Ian & his staff did during our stay to make it a memorable visit & make our celebrations extra special!!

We will certainly recommend anyone to stay - we wish you all every continued success at Esseborne Manor!!