Overview

I went to the Manoir for lunch on a weekday for a family event. When we arrived, we were able to park at the door, and unload. Our car was then taken away for valet parking. The food and service was exceptional . As a group of 7, we had a set menu. The dietary requirements of myself and another member of the group (we had informed in advance) were dealt with superbly and without fuss - any substitutes were at least as good as what others in the group had. I sat on a chair at the table (had solid armrests so easy to get out of) and my wheelchair was taken away. When I needed it again it appeared within seconds. The dining rooms, lounge areas and disabled toilets are all very accessible - either on ground level or accessible by short ramps. When advised that my mother-in-law was hard of hearing, the staff explaining each meal stood next her so she could hear what they were saying. And the end of the meal, in the lounge, a staff member was happy to take photos of our group - and to wait until I had been moved into an appropriate position. My only difficulty was that although the disabled toilet had well placed support rails at the side of the toilet, there was no grab rail to hold on to when you were standing. I mentioned this at reception as I was leaving, and it was immediately picked up by the owner, Raymond Blanc, who happened to be standing nearby. He listened to my suggestion, and asked a staff member (within my hearing) to arrange for a grab rail to be installed tomorrow!!! He said he was very keen to get feedback from disabled patrons, and then asked me if I would be willing to look at their disabled friendly bedroom suite and offer any suggestions on improvements that could be made there. His plan is to have the accessible room appear similar to the standard rooms, but to contain all the things needed to make the stay of a disabled person and any carer, comfortable and luxurious. The room was on the ground floor. It was a distance from reception which may cause problems to walking disabled, but they have a wheelchair on the premises if needed. There is only one door to open to gain access to the building and then another to the room. The bathroom has both wet room shower and a large bath with solid, wide rim (that can be sat on) and grab rail. The shower did not have a seat that I saw, but I was assured that they had a clip-on seat that could be installed if required. The bed is raised, and there are steps and frames available if needed. I had a few suggestions to make and felt that they would be taken seriously. I was very impressed by what I saw and experienced, and even more by the willingness of the owner and staff to listen to what disabled people really need, rather that employing the more usual "tick-box" mentality. If you want amazing and hassle free experience of luxury, I doubt you can do better than this.

Transport & Parking

To arrive and unload passengers, we were able to drive up to the front door. The car was then valet parked. It was raining, and a staff member held an umbrella over my husband as he assembled the wheelchair, and then umbrellas over each of us as we moved inside. At the end of our stay, the car was brought back - no wait.

Access

please see my review

Toilets

please see my review, this will soon be a five star toilet. The owner will be installing a new grabrail

Staff

All the staff are extremely helpful, as is the owner. They take disabled access very seriously and are very willing to listen to suggestions

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I have been here now 4 times over the last 20 or so years - first as able bodied, and then as increasingly disabled. This was my first visit in a wheelchair (last time a rollator, and stayed over night) It has always been an incredible experience, and I fully intend to go again to eat and stay overnight. It is expensive - but really, really worth it.