Overview

“The Lounges” offers a delightful, relaxing bar and restaurant with an easy atmosphere, recently refurbished to offer a sense of class which is ideal as you sit in very comfortable table and chairs overlooking the terrace and formal gardens. It is here you may enjoy coffee, teas, with very nice light dishes of sandwiches, soups, and salads, with an amazing selection of deserts that will satisfy you beyond dreams. (See our photos 13/16 below) These are served 10.00am until 8.30pm. During mid day you may wish to join them for afternoon tea, served 1.00pm until 4.00. (Read our interesting “Afternoon Tea Etiquette” advice on photo 18) Later on in the afternoon, enjoy a classic Cocktail, or your favourite tipple, or join us as we sipped a delightful Lemoncillo. ================================ Queen Elizabeth 1st founded the mansion in the 16th century, but by the 18th century it was in the hands of the Earls of Clarendon, and remained with the family line until 1996. (DO READ OUR OTHER REVIEW FOR HISTORICAL NOTES ABOUT THE GROVE) During the time of the 1st Earl, the famous artist George Stubbs came here, who was famous for his horse portraits. Then Captain Cook visited, and presented a future Earl with a small sapling of a newly discovered Black walnut tree, which in 2024 still stands proudly near the rear terrace for the house. Although still in the care of the Earls of Clarendon by 1996 The estate was in a poor state, until it was bought by Ralph Trustees ltd, and the architect Jeremy Blake was appointed to convert and expand The Grove into a luxury hotel which opened in 2003. The main house is a red brick Palladian style house, flanked by a neoclassical Doric pilaster. (Photo 1) You approach The Grove after a delightful drive across the estate and then passing by a golf course over to the south-east of the house, which is a 18-hole course. This was used in 2016 which gave the then president of USA Barack Obama and the British Pm. David Cameron the chance to play a game here, in which Obama won. Three years later in 2019, the British Masters golf competition was played here, and famously won by Tigar Woods, now in his later years when winning. It was also in 2019 that Donald Trump attended a conference here. Footballers have also stayed here, as in 2020, when the England team stayed overnight having then completed their training at St George’s Park’ ( SEE OUR REVIEW OF ST GEORGES on Euan’s guide) before their semi final match against Denmark, which England won, before playing Italy in the final at Wembley stadium. Opposite the main entrance, a long single line of parking spaces await which has two disabled bays available, but of course you can park in any empty space as well. This is ideal, as it is then just a short push to reach the front entrance. (Photo 2) If all these spaces are taken, then it’s only a short drive to the attractively laid out main car park. (Photo 3) If you need the help of the valet to drive your car to the parking area, then please pull into the circular driveway leading to the hotels entrance, (and of course a small thank you would be appreciated) (Photo 4) The main entry has revolving doors, or if needed the valet will open the side door for easy entry for wheelchair users. (Photo 5) You enter into a beautiful foyer and reception desk, where you will be warmly welcomed and guided to wherever you are visiting today. The hotel has undergone a three year refurbishment, which has really brought the hotel into the 21st century, with the rooms and suites now looking modern and in good taste. (Photo 6) We are visiting today as part of our long weekend 62nd anniversary. (Photo 7) The bar and restaurant at The Grove is known as “The Lounges” Its here you may enjoy your early coffee break, and a little later, you may select from their light lunches, with soups, sandwiches and salads on offer, followed by a delightful selection of various deserts (TAKE A LOOK AT OUR PHOTOS 13 to 17) (Photo 8) The bar offers a wide selection of your favourite tipples, and classic cocktails, as you sit in comfort while overlooking the terrace gardens. (Photo 9) Today, we have our first ever taste of the Italian liqueur, Lemoncello. Verdict ? Very nice, a light before dinner drink with a wonderful taste of lemons. Then of course you could have another after dinner as well. (Photo 10) During the spring and summer months, the grounds look at their best, but you must admit, they dont look bad even in November. There are lots of evergreen shrubs and trees all around you, and include the famous Black Walnut tree that was presented to the Earls by Captain Cook. (Photo 11) While you relax over your drink, may we tell you a little about this Black Walnut tree ? The tree is native to eastern-north America, introduced into Europe in 1629. In Britain, it does best on the warmer regions of the south, so The Grove at Watford is an ideal position for the tree, and of course, the house offers protection from the cold and winds. It likes to be grown on fertile lowland soils where there is plenty of light. It is a lovely ornamental tree, growing up to about 120 feet, (40m) and looking at the leaves they are individual leaflets of oval pointed tooth edged like, (just a little bit like wide fern leaves.) During May into June the pale catkin like flowers droop from the branches, then later on the round green fruit turn brownish-green, slightly lighter than your normal walnut. The leaves will then turn a buttery yellow colour before the leaves drop off this deciduous tree, but even in winter its dark brown trunk offers colour. (Photo 12) Now it’s time for a light lunch, (but bear in mind we cannot join you as we have just enjoyed a fantastic buffet lunch in The Glasshouse ( SO DO READ OUR REVIEW FOR THE GLASSHOUSE) The restaurant takes in two levels, it is modern throughout and delightfully decorated with mute pleasant colours. Lots of glass, airy and plenty of seating. There are points you may sit in your own wheelchair if you prefer. Unfortunately you cannot get up to the higher level but that does not matter at all. (Photo 13) The level area offers a relaxing and a lovely setting for your lunch today. (Photo 14/16 Take a look at deserts and tell me it doesn’t bothers you. I am diabetic, but cannot resist just a little of these goodies, and a little now again I can cope with, so go for it, enjoy. ========================= Perhaps you may enjoy an Afternoon tea instead, which is served between 1.00pm until 4.00pm. BUT YOU MUST BOOK THIS AT LEAST 2 days in advance. Your delights are served on silver tiers with dainty finger sandwiches, fresh scones with jam and cream. ( Don’t forget it’s jam first, then lashings of cream on top ) (Photo 17) You are served in a quiet area of the restaurant, with pleasant surroundings, and beautifully presented. Having partnered up with KEW GARDENS, the ingredients are hand picked from Jemma’s kitchen garden, or selected uk suppliers. 10% of your tea experience is now donated to the Kew Garden project to help them protect the plants and fungi. (Photo 18) May we offer you a few pointers as to how to enjoy your afternoon tea, with these selected etiquette tips, and you can read these directly off our photo 18. ======================= We promise you a delightful visit to The Grove, and long may it live in your memory as it will in ours after celebrating 62 years together.

Transport & Parking

The long and lovely drive across the estate and its beautiful views, leads up to the mansion ahead. (Photo 1) As you reach the main hotel, over to the right stand two disabled bays with just a short push for wheelchair or scooter users to the entrance. If no spaces can be found, then simply drive ahead another few yards to the main carpark, with lots of bays where you park as you find spaces. (Photo 2) If you would like to use the valet, pull into the circular driveway outside the hotel, (photo 3). and let them drive your car for you to park it up. (A small thank you would be appreciated)

Access

It’s all level to enter from car parks, nice and easy to pass reception and along to “ The Lounges” for the bar and restaurant.

Toilets

Staff

We found them pleasant and very willing to support us. Reception staff were kind and helpful, and you will feel welcomed.

Photos