Macdonald Ansty Hall Hotel
Ansty Hall is an 18th century Mansion Style country house, set in eight acres of its own beautiful grounds. The hotel is one of the finest 4-star hotels in the whole of Warwickshire. Conveniently located in the heart of Shakespeare Country, the hotel offers luxury accommodation, AA Rosette fine dining and breath taking scenery. The hotel is a popular choice for family holidays, business and weddings.
The Georgian Entrance
Ansty Hall lies on the North East of Coventry, between the M6 (junction 2) and M69, but is quietly secluded from both. Situated in the small village of Ansty, there is a municipal Golf Centre course within a few minutes drive of the Hotel.
Welcome Mat
It was built in the 17th Century by Richard Taylor, a supporter of Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War, and was passed on to the Adams family in the late 18th Century. Descendants of the Adams family remained in residence until 1965, but today this Grade II Listed building is one of 52 Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, here in the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal.
Checking in was quick and efficient, which is always appreciated. The young lady on reception was very friendly, she greeted us warmly with a smile when we arrived at the hotel and the following day, rearranged our afternoon meal proficiently, after we had arrived back from our golf trip, earlier than expected.
The Hotel floodlit at night
Set in eight acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the Hotel provided some stunning views from the comfort of my spacious and luxurious hotel room. The hall itself is beautiful, and the extensive grounds are very well maintained.
The Hotel has sixty two bedrooms, which are all comfortable and traditionally furnished, boasting a range of modern conveniences. If you’re looking for the best accommodation experience, you could upgrade to an Executive Room, for a little extra workspace, or choose a spacious Suite and enjoy the utmost in luxury, with original features like cast-iron fireplaces and sash windows. The Hotel also offers accessible rooms, available upon request, as there is no lift.
The décor and furnishings of my airy room were very much in keeping with the age of the hotel and the character and ambience of the main hotel is what I would expect from a very good 4 star hotel.
Feature room – King Size bed
The King Size double bed was comfortable and soft, with a wonderful fluffy duvet. The provision of two bottles of spring water, with appropriate glasses and ice bin, was a much appreciated gesture. The hotel room was clean and warm, with tea/coffee facilities, fruit and biscuits which were greatly received, after a long car drive.
The large Sash windows
There were several historical prints on the walls, a desk and two comfortable armchairs, a large writing desk, a walk – in wardrobe with built-in safe, trouser press, iron and ironing board and hairdryer. For my in-room entertainment, there was a large flat-screen television with the usual range of satellite stations. My room let in a lot of natural light during the day, due to two large sash windows. It was a real pleasure to sit inside the window on the wide ledge, reading a magazine or simply looking out across the extensive lawns and its many trees. When we needed more milk, tea and coffee, the sachets arrived at our room, within minutes!
The en-suite bathroom was enormous and very clean. The spacious bathroom consisted of a standalone bath, separate shower, single basin, heated towel rail and WC. The shower was a real delight in the morning!
The hotel is a popular venue for celebrations, events, meetings and conferences, boasting superb hotel accommodation, stylish meeting and function rooms and is located within eight acres of attractive grounds and woodlands.
I took a walk through the gardens of the Hall, to the beautiful Grade II* Listed medieval Church of St James’. St James’ is an extremely popular place in which to be married. Wedding parties can walk from the church, through the gardens to the Hall or The Orangery at the Hotel for the reception in a couple of minutes.
I was impressed, that although two weddings were taking place during my stay, the `celebratory music and noise` to be expected at a wedding, was not heard in the accommodation or restaurant in the main section the hotel. Equally, business meetings and meals all take place in their own areas, principally The Orangery and Conference suites.
In the garden, there were tables and chairs set out alongside the back of the Hall and several benches had been placed amongst the trees. This is a delightful space in which to sit with a drink, a good book, or for some of those precious wedding photographs! There is also a huge old tree, whose branches spread out across the garden.
Crème brûlée
One of the real treasures of Ansty Hall Hotel is the AA Rosette Award-winning Shilton Restaurant. This is simply fine dining at its very best! The Shilton Restaurant is traditionally furnished, boasting a modern, contemporary, yet classic menu with speciality dishes and fine wines, to tempt the taste buds. I ate in the restaurant in the evening and took breakfast there the following morning, the food and drink on both occasions, was some of the best I have ever enjoyed!
Pan Seared Loin of Highland Lamb – Crushed baby potatoes, mint, red berry and rosemary jus.
The Shilton Restaurant serves up some of the finest British cuisine in the country. Many of the vegetables and dairy products are specially sourced from local organic suppliers. Much of the meat and fish cooked in the hotel is also sourced by local suppliers, whenever possible! I enjoyed some of the finest `Stornoway` black pudding, I have ever tasted! It was delicious!
Stunning Desserts
Guests can also choose to eat in the Warwick Bar and Lounge, which also offers delicious meals, in a more informal dining area. After my evening meal I sat and enjoyed hand-made chocolates and coffee in the Warwick Lounge. It is also a very comfortable area in which to enjoy a pre- meal drink or a nightcap!
Breakfast was cooked-to-order, rather than a help yourself buffet, so all food was freshly prepared and is was tasty and plentiful! Having tasted some of the black pudding with a dish the evening before, I was happy to order some more with my `full English`. It was some of the best `Stornoway` black pudding I have ever tasted, there I have said it again!
Warm Black Pudding, Apricot and soused red onion salad. Poached Hens Egg and toasted sunflower seeds.
Nerano Style Penne Pasta with Creamy Courgette Sauce
There was so much to choose from. Full English, poached eggs on toast, kippers, cereals, salmon, pastries. I was spoilt for choice and the tea, coffee and toast just kept coming, when requested! The breakfast waiting staff were warm and friendly. The food at both dinner and breakfast over the two days was excellent. Care had been taken to source only the best ingredients, the food was well cooked and served by knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Warwick Lounge
The staff were efficient and polite and nothing was too much trouble for them, which was really appreciated. All of the staff I met were very professional and delivered very high quality service throughout my stay. They took the time to learn our names and engaged with my wife and I in bouts of genuine conversation. The two waiters at our table were top class; they both took the time to explain the menu and made some excellent recommendations from the wine list. They were patient, knowledgeable and courteous. They also laughed at my attempts at comedy, which was admirable! It made us feel very special. A touch of sincere hotel hospitality and very welcoming.
I think that hotel’s biggest asset is the hotel staff, both at reception, at the bar and in the restaurant. They are a real credit to Ansty Hall Hotel and the Macdonald Hotels and Resorts group.
How about treating a loved one for that unique Christmas present?
Have you thought about visiting a new restaurant, for that special fine dining experience?
Go and visit Ansty Hall Hotel for that special occasion.
You won’t regret it!
Set up ready for a Wedding
Ansty,
Coventry,
Warwickshire
CV7 9HZ
Telephone: 0344 879 9031
International: +44 2476 612222
Road: Near the B4065
Rail: 5.9 miles from Nuneaton
Air: 19.7 miles from Birmingham Airport
Places to Visit:
Coombe Country Park, Ansty Golf Club, NEC & LG Arena, Ricoh Arena, Cadbury World, British Motor Museum, Warwick Castle, Compton Verney, Stratford Butterfly Farm, Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
Disclosure: My stay was courtesy of Macdonald Hotels & Resorts.
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