Montagu Arms – A quaint and idyllic respite
If you’re to head to the New Forest for a break away, there is simply no contest to which Hotel you should stay in. Nestled in the idyllic village of Beaulieu is the Montagu Arms, a beautiful countryside oasis that will not only de-stress and revive you, but leave you wondering just why you ever have stresses in the first place.
The Montagu Arms is the sister hotel of Carey’s Manor which is just a short 10 minute drive away and also home to Senspa which the Montagu Arms gives you free access to (and it’s well worth a visit.)
The Hotel itself is over 200 years old and offers beautiful views from its 25 bedrooms. Being a smaller, boutique hotel you really feel part of something special and are well taken care of from the moment you first step through the door.
When we stayed we were put up in the oak/apple suite on the first floor. Our room was utterly beautiful, with a separate lounge, two bathrooms and a wonderful four poster bed that was the highlight of the room. Whilst the room itself was classic, simple and kitsch, this opulent bed made it feel grand and classy, whilst still retaining a ‘home away from home’ feel. The furniture around the room continued with the classic cottage-style feel with a white period-style dresser and chest of drawers. Wooden style windows gave way to panoramic views of the tumbling new forest countryside and the Montagu Arms’ sublime gardens.
The bathroom leading off from the main bedroom was the main one of the two, with a large bath. The second one, leading off from the lounge area was smaller with a large shower. Fresh fruit was supplied and as I stayed over my birthday, they added a birthday card and a balloon as a lovely added extra.
Dinner took place in the Terrace restaurant, something I was extremely excited about sampling. The Terrace is a Michelin star and much accredited eatery with visitors journeying from all round the country to sample chef Matthew Tomkinson’s delicacies. The 3 course a la carte menu offers a plethora of delicious dishes for £75 however we opted for the 7 course chefs tasting menu. This offers a surprise 7 dishes with each one accompanied by a complimenting glass of wine as selected by the chef.
When we arrived for our dinner reservation we were led into the lounge and sat on the sofa whilst they brought over a complimentary glass of champagne. There was a cosy fire crackling, gentle jazz and candles scattered around the room. Every aspect was thought-out, beautiful and yet not the least bit pretentious.
The waiter gave us our menu and asked us to make our selection here, a nice touch as opposed to ordering at the table.
We were then led through to the Terrace, a room steeped in charm and history, with dark wood paneled walls adorned with drapery and a swish carpet that made you want to remove your socks and shoes and just wiggle your toes. We were sat in the far corner next to a floor to ceiling window overlooking the gardens.
The food was every bit deserving of it’s Michelin Star- and I can safely say I’ve never tasted food quite like it. Each dish which was brought out was accompanied by a matching glass of wine from the sommelier and we were told information about both the food and the drink- a nice added touch. All of the staff were only to happy to help and offered an exemplary and incomparable service. If you do go to the Montagu Arms I would highly recommend the Chef’s tasting menu as a special treat. At £90 a head it can be quite pricy, but if you do it, I suggest you go for the full package and pay £140 for the accompanying wine with each course.
As a one-off or treat experience it is unmissable.
The Hotel manager came round half way through the meal to ask us about our stay, imploring on the quality of the room, food and if there was anything else he could help with. He continued to do this with all the other tables and is just one example of how this Hotel really goes the extra mile to ensure your stay is the best it can possibly be.
Breakfast is also held in the Terrace, and offers the traditional full english as well as a continental breakfast and other alternative options.
For a treat break away such as an anniversary, a birthday or to show that special someone just how much you love them, this is the ideal place. You will walk away feeling refreshed, relaxed and wondering exactly when you will be able to come back.
Guide price: Double room for two persons per night including full English breakfast from £229. Dinner bed and full English breakfast from £349. We were put up in a complimentary double room by Pride of Britain Hotels for one night. You can book the Hotel through Pride of Britain here.
For best available rates call 0800 089 3929
