Cheshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMGL0842.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-644" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMGL0842.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMGL0842-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMGL0842-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">The lowdown</h2>



<p>When you hear a restaurant has been recently awarded 3 AA Rosettes, you want to know what all the fuss is about. Cards on the table, the food was exactly the reason I booked into <a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rookeryhall">Rookery Hall</a>. Not the spa, nor the acres of countryside. And definitely not the fact I was escaping my three kids and husband for the night.  Nope, I wanted to get a taste of what the critics have joyfully declared outstanding, inventive and contemporary. But if I did manage to waft around the spa and have a lie-in without a child jumping on my head, well, happy days. </p>



<p>This characterful Georgian mansion has been around since 1816 and a hotel of sorts since the late Seventies, so it&#8217;s something of a 69-room grand dame pitched in a rural pocket just north of Nantwich. And although there have been elements of modernisation over the years, from the spa to an executive wing, it feels a little like an old-school hunting lodge when you mooch away from reception and towards the drawing room, where an open fire crackles and guests hover over chessboards and G&amp;Ts. My advice? Stay right here in the original hall, whether you go for a classic room or a spanking big suite with all the frills. I promise it&#8217;ll be a heartwarming and restorative escape. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="843" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image2-6-843x1024.jpeg" alt="Rookery Hall drawing room" class="wp-image-639" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image2-6-843x1024.jpeg 843w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image2-6-247x300.jpeg 247w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image2-6-768x933.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image2-6.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 843px) 100vw, 843px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">The vibe</h2>



<p>First impressions? Rookery Hall is one of those wholesome and thoroughly British countryside boltholes. There are the couples cosying up in its nooks and huddles of robe-wearing women padding down to the spa for treatments and afternoon tea. It&#8217;s not posh but it&#8217;s also not cool or progressive. And it&#8217;s absolutely not trying to be. It&#8217;s cosy and spoiling and laidback in all the right places, from the vast spa treatment menus to the clawfoot baths in your en suite. Mooch downstairs to the bar and a pristinely dressed member of staff will whisk you to a table, draped in a crisp white tablecloth, and hand you drinks&#8217; menus and nibbles. Come to wallow in the spa, strike out into the local countryside, and hunker down in the panelled dining room with plates prepared with precision and culinary prowess. Kids are welcome, but if you want my advice, leave the beasts at home. Mummy needs two hands to drink her cocktail, devour incredible food and flop onto a spa bed. This is a bolthole to soak up the good life. To come for the uninterrupted peace and quiet in impressive stately surrounds, without a hint of stuffiness or pomp.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="831" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image3-3-831x1024.jpeg" alt="Rookery Hall bedroom" class="wp-image-640" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image3-3-831x1024.jpeg 831w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image3-3-243x300.jpeg 243w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image3-3-768x947.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image3-3.jpeg 1148w" sizes="(max-width: 831px) 100vw, 831px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">Pillow talk</h2>



<p>I  was bedding down in February, a reliably traditional room in the original hall, reached by a formidable wooden staircase that curves upwards from the drawing room. Inside, large sash windows opened to killer views of the surrounding countryside and a plate of fudge was laid out on the dresser. The bed was huge and dreamy and immaculately white, and as soon as we dropped our bags to the floor, my bestie and I cracked open a bottle of fizz, clinking glasses as we giddily cosied up in the pillows and switched on A Place In the Sun. Actual heaven! The bathroom was huge with a lovely free-standing bath, two sinks and gushing hot shower that I stood in for far too long. But that&#8217;s the thing about Rookery Hall. It&#8217;s not super unique or hip, but a stay here is a deeply reassuring reminder that, sometimes, it&#8217;s the classics that you need in your life. Long, hot showers, snug robes, cups of tea (or bubbles) and biscuits in its pillowy beds. A storm picked up outside as we lay on the bed like two teenagers chatting, and I couldn&#8217;t have been happier to hide away from the world.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="681" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Spa-Treatment-Room-1-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-646" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Spa-Treatment-Room-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Spa-Treatment-Room-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Spa-Treatment-Room-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Spa-Treatment-Room-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Spa-Treatment-Room-1.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">Scoff &amp; quaff</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s fair to say I was blown away on every level when it came to Rookery Hall&#8217;s culinary credentials. After a couple of hours floating around the spa and a quick blowdry, we headed down to the bar pre-dinner, where guests huddled around tables with balloon glasses of gin and cocktails whipped up by the smiley bar staff. The whole operation is so slick and unpretentious and all the staff genuinely appear to want to give you a bloomin&#8217; good time, from talking you through the menus to serving <em>hors d&#8217;oeuvres</em> as you mull over which gin you&#8217;re going to try next.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5493-768x1024.jpg" alt="Rookery hall canape" class="wp-image-647" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5493-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5493-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5493-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5493-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5493-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<p>Helmed by executive chef Dion Wyn-Jones, the menu is unashamedly British in spirit with an ethos for local provender. Glance at the menu and you just know it&#8217;s going to be good with dishes such as roasted squab pigeon, beef tartare and Herdwick lamb loin, served lovely and pink with splodges of carrot jam and ewe&#8217;s curd. The Scottish langoustine tart starter had me at the &#8216;sauce made from shells&#8217; blurb. And I&#8217;m telling you, this delicate tart, dotted with hunks of langoustine and sea herbs, was knockout in every sense. I could&#8217;ve bathed in the lickable, creamy sauce. Same can be said for my main of Scottish turbot which arrived to the table with autumn squash from market garden Growing Field 28, Shetland mussels and caviar sauce that was poured by the white-gloved waiter. Oh and you have to order the broccoli. Honestly, it’s served with a black garlic emulsion &#8211; I&#8217;ve never wolfed down a vegetable with such gusto. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5498-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-641" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5498-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5498-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5498-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5498-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/IMG_5498-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>As for dessert, nothing gets between me and a chocolate pud. Namelakas are new to me, but turns out this stunning creamy chocolatey concoction, served with miso ice cream, yuzu curd and crispy chocolate bits was something to get very very excited about (namelaka is a Japanese term for &#8216;extra creamy&#8217;). </p>



<p>From outstanding ingredients to overwhelming taste and staff with a tangible passion for the place, this is a truly memorable dining experience that deserves all  the hype. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="988" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image0-13-1024x988.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-643" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image0-13-1024x988.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image0-13-300x289.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image0-13-768x741.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/image0-13.jpeg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">Out &amp; about</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s plenty of bucolic loveliness right on your doorstep, even if you just fancy a quick stroll around the hall&#8217;s grounds. For something longer, drive over towards Nantwich and walk along the paths of the River Weaver, or there&#8217;s a three-mile-trail close to Bunbury. Looking to mooch around Nantwich? The market and all its indie stores and under-the-radar restaurants are just 10 minutes&#8217; away, as is Reaseheath Zoo if the littles one are with you. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> Couples in need of escapism, foodies and spa-seekers.<br><strong>NOT FOR:</strong> Design aficionados might struggle with the pelmets and carpets which could do with updating.<br><strong>THE DAMAGE:</strong> B&amp;B from £215 a night.<br><a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rookeryhall">Rookery Hall Hotel &amp; Spa</a>, Main Rd, Worleston, Nantwich CW5 6DQ, T: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=rookery+hall+hotel+%26+spa&amp;oq=rookery+hall+hotel&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyEwgBEC4YrwEYxwEYgAQYmAUYmQUyBggCEEUYOTIHCAMQABiABDIHCAQQABiABDIGCAUQRRg8MgYIBhBFGDwyBggHEEUYPNIBCDQyMjVqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">01270 610016</a>,</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Hotel-Exterior-1024x683.jpg" alt="Rookery Hotel and Spa exterior" class="wp-image-546" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Hotel-Exterior-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Hotel-Exterior-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Hotel-Exterior-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/10/Rookery-Hotel-Exterior.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-"><br></h2>


Muddy Stays: Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa

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