This handsome Oddfellow is the sister (or should that be brother?) of Oddfellows in Chester (see page opposite), and the second in a burgeoning new hotel collection headed by Jonathan Slater, who for 30 years ran The Chester Grosvenor Hotel. Once again, a distinctive building has been reimagined as a chic and happening hotel, this time within the glorious Gothic mansion, Bruntwood Hall, surrounded by 120 acres of mature woodland of Bruntwood Park. Inside, the Hall's Victorian Gothic roots and history have been allowed to shine, employing a rich palette of petrol greens, brass and gold, but as at Oddfellows in Chester, a light-hearted twist is also in evidence and names such as The Galloping Major (the restaurant, remembering a famous former owner) and The Pigsty (a salon de beauté complete with mud room where guests can slap the detoxifying mud on each other), give an idea of the sense of fun at this fine, historic hotel.
Bruntwood Park, where the hotel sits is 120 acres of gorgeous mature woodland, waterways and parkland. Borrow the hotel's vintage bicycles, ask the team for a picnic and explore!
The Galloping Major which sits in the hall's original ballroom is jaw-droppingly beautiful with vistas out on to the park. Expect British produce, prepared simply. Chef is a big fan of game and his Venison Carpaccio is a popular choice.
The Oddfellows team have created their own signature gin influenced by botanicals found in the parkland that surrounds the hotel. There is a limited collection available to buy.
The frieze above the entrance of the building says Oddfellows Hall and indeed the building was once the home to the Oddfellows society – where the philosophers, dreamers and artists would congregate!