Whether you’re looking for a place to wed or somewhere to minimoon, you’re in for a treat at Tewkesbury Park. As I wound my way up the long driveway to the hotel I already felt a sense of getting away from it all, and from its hilltop position among 165 acres of grounds the views are quite something to behold. COMFY AND COZY Impressed by the combination of stylish modern interior design and ample nods to the town’s heritage, I was welcomed to the Duke of Somerset suite where I’d spend the night. Settling down to enjoy a complimentary fruit plate I instantly made myself at home. Ninety-three comfortable rooms and suites are available to you and your guests once wedding celebrations draw to a close and are sure to see you all get a good night’s sleep. I’d highly recommend securing one of the Historic Suites for your wedding night or honeymoon. Complete with waterfall shower, roll-top bath and Hynos bed, they’ll ensure your stay is luxurious. What’s more they’re ideal spaces for your wedding morning preparations, offering plenty of space for you and your bride tribe to get ready in style, as well as a stylish backdrop for photographs. It’s also well worth checking out the incredible spa, which is partnered with the Natural Spa Factory of Bath and offers a range of treatments and packages. As well as indoor pool and steam room, there’s also an outdoor hot tub and barrel sauna, just perfect for some much needed relaxation at the end of a long day. DINING DELIGHTS The hotel’s main restaurant Mint offers an informal dining experience and a menu bursting with fresh, seasonal flavours produced using the finest local produce. I dined on a starter of chicken and spinach roulade with chorizo crumb, pea shoot salad and sweetcorn puree. This was followed by a main course of venison with a smoked pancetta cassoulet, butterroasted squash, picked fennel, rainbow chard and a dark chocolate jus, which was every bit as opulent as it sounds. I finished my meal with a chocolate fondant, coffee ice cream, cocoa nut tuille, caramelised banana and cocoa bean foam. So, you can get a feel for the sort of quality fare you’ll be served on your wedding day, whether you’re looking for a traditional wedding breakfast or prefer the idea of a tasting menu. But you don’t need to take my word for it as the venue will invite you to a tasting experience with the head chef and his team, allowing you to create a menu to suit. I finished off the evening with cocktails in the modern and super-stylish lounge bar in front of the open fire. The Espresso Martini and After Eight were quite a treat! WHERE TO WED You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to ceremony spot, not least because the historical Tewkesbury Abbey is just a hop, skip and a jump down the road. Alternatively, you can choose to celebrate your entire day on site at the hotel. The Duke of Gloucester sits in the heart of the original 18th-century manor house and boasts an impressive bay window and crystal chandeliers. It can host up to 30 loved ones for intimate “I dos.” For a larger guest list of up to 150, the Cotswold Suite is the place to be. It can be divided if your numbers are somewhere in between though. The Cotswold Suite is also available for your reception allowing you to enjoy a drinks reception with canapés on the wraparound terrace and take advantage of the Berkeley Bar too. The space can accommodate 150 of your nearest and dearest, with plenty of room for a dancefloor. With a vast array of dining options for your evening guests you’ll be able to make sure that everyone is adequately spoiled. How about a Cotswolds picnic with homemade scotch eggs, quiches, scones and clotted cream; pizzas all round cooked in an outdoor wood-fire oven; or delicious barbecue fare, plus toffee apples and candyfloss? Get away from it all Kelly Andrews visited Tewkesbury Park, Gloucestershire’s haven of relaxed luxury FIND OUT MORE Tewkesbury Park, Lincoln Green Lane, Tewkesbury, GL20 7DN 01684 272 300 enquiries@tewkesburypark.co.uk www.tewkesburypark.co.uk SOMETHING SPECIAL What we love most are the winning finishing touches the venue goes the extra mile to offer, including... ♥ Plant your own rose in the scented garden, as a reminder of your special day. ♥ Hop on a golf buggy with your photographer to find a secluded spot for your couple shots. ♥ Take some time to chill as newlyweds seated on Mr & Mrs deck chairs, glass of bubbly in hand. REVIEW 19
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