I don’t like arriving at a country hotel in the dead of night. Even with Google Maps, there is no guarantee you got the right entrance, or even the right hotel! Our stay at Hawkstone Hall Hotel in Shrewsbury had both these elements. We’d booked a night to break our journey up to Liverpool but couldn’t get there until after dark, back in April this year.
It is worth noting at this point that there are two hotels with similar names, both in Shrewsbury and both next to each other! We were staying at Hawkstone Hall Hotel, not Hawkstone Park which is almost next door. As the sun went down, our navigation took us down smaller and smaller roads until we got to the park hotel (and golf course) not the hall hotel. It’s at this point your heard drops as you wonder just how far you have gone wrong and how long it will take to get there. Back tracking the way we came, it was only by chance that we spotted the sign for Hawkstone Hall Hotel. In the dark of night it looked a small entrance that wasn’t helped by lack of lighting on the sign. The map said it was still over a mile away. We pressed the buzzer and expected the worst…
Instead we were greeted by a cheery voice who welcomed us to the hotel and told us to follow the track for over a mile until you reach the hotel. As the gates opened we still couldn’t see anything for about the first half mile – again this would have been fine during the day – until we turned a bend and were greeted by this gorgeous building.
When we got to the car park, there was another question. “Where is everybody?” We parked up and wandered into an empty reception, a roaring fire and a glass of champagne – things were looking up. It turns out we were the only guests for the night as the hotel was preparing for a weekend wedding takeover the following day. That meant, for one night only, the whole hotel was our playground. We could eat in either of the restaurants, from either menu and we could have a drink in the bar or the library. Before we got stuck into dinner we were taken up to our room.
A Luxury Suite for the night
There are 37 rooms at Hawkstone Hall. We’d booked a luxury suite and were not disappointed. All of the suites are named after authors including Beatrix, Woolf, Tennyson, Milne, Rowling, Austen, Wordsworth, Byron, Keats, Shelley, Du Maurier & Christie. I have to admit that I forgot which room we had, but it was the one with a bath in the room!
The luxury suite was vast. The bed was large, firm and comfortable. There was a seating area and a bath in the main bedroom. The usual teas and coffees plus a digital radio/bluetooth speaker. The large black and white bathroom including a large powerful shower with Elemis toiletries, fluffy robes and slippers. A quick change and we were off for dinner and drinks.
Dining at Hawkstone Hall Hotel
Dining options at Hawkstone Hall include the grand Saloon restaurant, and the more modern brasserie style Hill’s Kitchen. As breakfast was to be served in the kitchen, we opted for the grand saloon – any table we wanted. But first a drink in the library.
Keeping with the literary theme, this large masculine library included floor to ceiling bookcases, with a writing desk and quotes.
Over a fine G&T, and a glass of champagne we considered the options from both menus.
The dining room is an incredible, grand affair. High ceilings with huge portraits made it feel like were in a stately home, which is kinda true. The staff were very supportive as we snapped away!
We chose from both menus giving us a mixture of beautiful, delicate dishes like the Mozarella salad, with a heart burger and chips was complemented with a wonderful bottle of red wine. A beautiful soufflé and fresh vanilla ice cream rounded off a great dinner. Even though it was just us in the dining room it felt warm and cosy and I am sure would be even better with an excited buzz of diners. The waiting team remained attentive at all times which is a great credit to them.
A nightcap in the other loungey bit and it was bedtime.
Breakfast at Hill’s Canteen
After a peaceful sleep (was it the room or was it the wine?) and it was time for more food, this time breakfast in the canteen. The jazz themed room was light and airy with views to the back of the hotel.
Breakfast was fresh and prompt with a solid english breakfast and plenty of vegetarian options. By night this place turns into an informal brasserie that looks fun.
Stepping outside we could see more of the hotel as a cold spring started to warm up.
The Grounds of Hawkstone Hall Hotel
In the daylight we could get a better understanding of the hotel situation. Located in the county of Shrewsbury (that’s South of Liverpool, Northwest of Birmingham near Telford) An 18th century mansion turned luxury hotel, Hawkstone Hall is located in beautiful grounds neighbouring the famous Hawkstone Follies, a range of natural sandstone hills developed to include caves, towers and bridges.
The hotel sits over a mile from the road enclosed by fields and formal gardens. A smallholding of llamas (maybe Alpacas)
The hotel itself is huge, with grand reception rooms and plenty of space to stretch out, or hide away for some quiet time.
Exemplary Service
I have to say the service here was fantastic, from start to finish. Every team member was attentive and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble and they ensured we had the full luxury hotel experience for the night.
We loved our brief time here and plan to return with friends and family. The good news is that you can hire the whole luxury hotel for your wedding or party. They told us about Casino nights and themed parties that covered the entire hotel which sounds like a lot of fun.
Practical Information
Hotel Name: Hawkstone Hotel & Gardens
Address: Hawkstone Hall, Weston, Shrewsbury SY4 5UZ