Touchbase Magazine

June 13, 2012 Posted by admin in Food news, fine dining & social events

The Greenway Hotel & Spa review

by Karen Jones

Some hotels exude calm - The Greenway Hotel and Spa in Cheltenham is one, writes Karen Jones.

Recently bought by The Eden Hotel Collection, this charming 16th century manor house hotel is a picture perfect building, with its warm Cotswold stone exterior draped in ivy and wisteria.

Lying in eight acres of stunning grounds with views over the rolling Cotswold Hills, this is a hotel that you don’t want to leave.

We had booked a spa stay and were looking forward to being pampered and relaxing in the fabulous Oak suite.

The facial and massage at the Élan Spa was thoroughly enjoyable - and much needed - and it prepared me for a lovely relaxed meal in the stunning oak-panelled restaurant, which boasts a grand stone feature fireplace and beautiful views over the sunken garden and ornate lily pond.

It is the perfect place to enjoy fine dining, good company and superb wines. Our expectations were high, for the restaurant holds national and international awards for its cuisine and has been awarded two AA Rosettes.

We were not disappointed. Our starters of confit of duck and foie gras rilette with smoked duck and plum purée, and sweet and sour aubergine, served with feta and beetroot were excellent and the exceptionally high standards continued with our main courses: seared Loch Duart salmon served and twice cooked belly and pan fired loin of pork and quince purée.

Although the portions were generous we wanted to try the desserts and were hugely impressed with the rhubarb semi freddo and the lime parfait with marinated cherries, goats curd and passion fruit sorbet.

Everything about the Cotswold House Hotel is exemplary - from the calming spa to the spectacular food, but a special mention must go to the staff, especially David Jenkins, food and beverage manager.

We have vowed to return - but promised ourselves a longer stay.