Your Surrey Wedding- June/July 2020 (Issue 83)

Relax unwind indulge B rooklands Hotel had always been a standout venue for me when working on Your Surrey Wedding for 10 years. The modern fluidity of the design, the blacked- out windows and its imposing position overlooking the Mercedes-Benz Racetrack, all combine to create something special. At the beginning of March, pre- lockdown-madness, I was lucky enough to stay at the hotel – which certainly was a tick off of my bucket list of Surrey venues. Knowing what was in store; a luxury suite, treatments and bed and breakfast I couldn’t wait for this much-needed escape, I brought my sister along too for a girlie pampering weekend – bliss! The contemporary design is paramount throughout the hotel, yet it still has a welcoming atmosphere, so you don’t feel out of place in such stylish surroundings. I love opening the door to my room when staying at a hotel, so with excited eagerness we entered our suite. Struck instantly by the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of the adjacent Mercedes- Benz World racetrack – even for non-car enthusiasts, it’s a magnificent vista. The rest of the suite provided more than enough space with a dining table and chairs, desk, sofa, queen-sized bed and double-sized shower room (complete with toiletries of course). Jumping quickly into our robes and grabbing a few magazines we were keen to begin indulging in some me-time so we headed to the BSpa – conveniently on the same floor so we could easily walk about in our spa attire. A calming ambience awaited, and while in reception waiting for our massage therapists, we noticed a group of ladies on a hen do enjoying afternoon tea in the cafe area, a mother and daughter there for Mother’s Day and a couple spending quality time together in the hot tub on the balcony. There are so many options available, and I loved that everything you need is in one place. Our Cranial Massage, a first for me, was executed perfectly and the trained therapist tailored the pressure to meet my preference and needs. Not just working on the cranium, but also shoulders, neck and upper back it was the perfect treatment to rid my body and mind of daily stresses and worries. To liven ourselves up, we headed to the Sunlight Therapy Room. Again, this was a first for me having never heard of such wonders; sunglasses in hand (provided) we ordered a cocktail – a must normally for the beach no? – and took our places on a sunlounger, yes a sunlounger! Surrounded by faux sand and a beach view, on came the reduced-level UVA and UVB ray heat lamps and music, you felt like you were in the sun and could have been relaxing anywhere! Revitalised, we got ready and chucked on our glad rags – well, smarter than our day wear – and head to the 1907 Bar. Epitomising luxury, and the feel of a bygone era, there are seating areas to suit all occasions; cosy intimate areas for couples, bar stools for business visitors and sofas for groups enjoying an evening out. Our pre-dinner drink was the hotel’s twist on a classic favourite the 1907 Piña Colada. When it arrived at our table, and the drink was black in colour (I know my Piña Coladas!) I was a little dubious, but alas, it tasted divine and is a must for anyone visiting the hotel! The 1907 Restaurant encapsulated the rest of the hotel’s design-led aesthetic, rich in colour and furnishings; it has a seductive atmosphere with red draping and dark, candle-lit tables. My sister and I are real foodies, regularly drooling over pictures of food on Insta and pretty much talk about it all the time. So when we both found it hard to choose from the 1907 Á la Carte menu, it was clear that this award-winning fare was going to delight. I’m not a veggie, however, I’m often drawn to the vegetarian options on a menu as they sound delicious. On this occasion, my Wholemeal Gnocchi starter, and Mushroom Burger certainly didn’t disappoint. The latter also comprised of a hashbrown, duck egg and Black Daniels sauce, but eating something that sounds like breakfast in the evening when it’s that tasty really doesn’t matter. Both of our meals (my sister went for Wild Mushroom Arancini and the Lamb Burger) were so fulfilling that there simply wasn’t room for dessert – which is another first for me – but I certainly had my eyes on the Snickers Fondant which I will have to return another day for! There’s nothing worse than having high expectations and being let down, so I was pleased that my stay was so wonderful, and has left me wanting to return! Visit www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com fo r more information. Psst! Check out the race days and spa day packages on offer as well as the wedding options available. Brooklands Hotel was the perfect escape for editor Danielle Harvey REVIEW 25