Stay With Alice In Wonderland At The Glazebrook House Hotel

Wind along the picturesque South Devon lanes, up a pretty driveway and into the grounds of the newly revamped and entirely out of this world Glazebrook House Hotel.

Set to be the destination on everyone's wish list and the talk of all in the know, this family run hotel, owned by Pieter and Fran Hamman, showcases the very best in British revival décor.  The moment you walk through the door you'll be struck by its originality and visual beauty.  Whether it's the flamingo and oversized fountain pen in the lobby, the spitfire wing reception desk, the bowler hats lined up on the wall in the hallway, the peacock proudly sitting in the bar area or the oversized King and Queen of Hearts perfectly placed above a white fluffy bed in one of the eight luxurious Alice in Wonderland inspired rooms, there is an element of surprise and wow factor everywhere you look.  There is even a collection of entomology, the scientific study of insects, in the library!

To create the fabulous interior of the hotel, Pieter and Fran Hamman teamed up with the creative design team led by Timothy Oulton and only used the most extravagant handmade furnishings and beguiling vintage and retro curios to create this original look.  No two bedrooms are the same, each have their own distinct personality.  The rooms are named after characters from Alice in Wonderland, including the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar, White Rabbit, Jabberwocky, Tweedle Deez, Gryphon, Cheshire Cat and Bread and Butterflies.  With deluxe en-suite bathrooms, picturesque views of the spectacular surrounding scenery and lavish furnishings including unusual chandeliers, handmade velvet or Belgian linen curtains and antique teak flooring, all the bedrooms at Glazebrook House Hotel will impress beyond measure.

It's not only the décor which has the magic touch.  Be prepared to be seriously impressed by the food served in the hotel's opulent, yet relaxing restaurant.

Whilst gazing at the wall entirely covered in antique silver plates you'll be served an amuse-bouche before dinner which will really get the taste buds going.  This may appear smoking in a jam jar or presented in another quirky way, whatever the dish of the day it will no doubt set the standard for the rest of the meal to follow.  Scallops served with black pudding, local crab served with avocado, pink grapefruit and hazelnuts, authentically Thai style mussels and truffled wild mushrooms are just a few of the delights which may be on offer that evening.

Mains range from freshly caught fish dishes to local meats served up with inspired combinations of flavours presented in a highly appetising and appealing way.  The West Country Pork Plate is a particular favourite.  Various cuts of pork are cooked using different methods, such as loin cooked sous vide, belly slow roasted in the Aga and the head is braised, prepared and presented in a mouth-watering way.  Puddings are in a league of their own and there are few who won't be tempted by the soufflé oozing with melted chocolate, or the vanilla pannacotta served with spiced banana, rum caramel syrup and mango sorbet.  The menu is changed daily and is devised by MasterChef The Professionals quarter finalist Ben Palmer, who is the executive head chef at the hotel.  The restaurant is open to non-residents from Wednesday to Saturday, for lunch and evening dinner.

For those looking for a more informal dining experience, perhaps for breakfast after a wedding the day before or for families wishing to feel fully relaxed, Glazebrook House's farmhouse kitchen will appeal.  Sitting on benches at a country kitchen style long table by an Aga that has been in situ for years, conversation will flow easily and the day will start in a delightful way.  This will also be the venue for the cooking classes and demonstration the hotel has planned.

Creative cooking needs to be paired with an exciting wine list.  Pieter Hamman, with this in mind, called on one of the West Country's leading wine consultants, Rebecca Mitchell, to carefully choose a varied selection of interesting wines.  Ranging from examples of the best from nearby vineyards in Devon, including those from the Sharpham Estate, to international styles, using both well-known and lesser recognised grape varieties there is a wine for every food match and budget.  The whisky portfolio follows a similar suit with a selection to match those found in the finest whisky establishments in the country.  A feature which sets Glazebrook House apart is the wine and whisky tasting room, with bottles displayed in grand hand carved salvage wood cabinets, this room is simply spectacular and is sure to be a unique point of interest, especially for true wine and whisky enthusiasts.        

Not only is Glazebrook House Hotel the perfect destination for a romantic escape, a business trip or a holiday location, it is also the ultimate discovery as a venue for special events.  Despite having only very recently re-opened its doors, with its incredible makeover it has already become the place in the West Country to book, as early as possible to avoid disappointment, for your wedding.  Few places can match Glazebrook House Hotel in either style, attention to detail or originality and this, combined with the beautiful grounds and potential for a marquee to be set right beside the hotel opening out from the creatively designed bar, makes it the wedding venue for 2015 and beyond.  The hotel also lends itself as the perfect conference centre with the most unusual and comfortable boardroom to be found.

So, don't hesitate, before it gets increasingly popular and harder to get in, book a single (£159 per night) superior double (£199 per night) or luxury double room (£239 per night, all include breakfast) and have an unforgettable stay at the Glazebrook House Hotel.

For further information on the Glazebrook House Hotel or to book please visit www.glazebrookhouse.com, call 01364 73322 or email enquiries@glazebrookhouse.com.

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