A Relaxing Overnight Stay at Deacon's Retreat, Chapel-en-le-Frith
Sometimes, His Nibs and I really do pinch ourselves at our good fortune. Having already been invited along to review the Chef’s Kitchen Table experience at 2AA-Rosetted and Michelin Guide restaurant, Deacon’s Bank, in Chapel-en-le-Frith, co-owner Harrison then suggested we stay overnight in one of the two ‘Deacon’s Retreat’ apartments they have above the venue. Ooh, go on then, if you insist!
Both apartments are beautiful, but it was the addition of a massive roll-top bath in the bedroom of Apartment 2 that swung it for us; well, for me, specifically. As a self-confessed bath Hippo, I never need any excuse for an extended bathing session. Each apartment has all the facilities you need to relax: cosy seating, fully equipped kitchen and beds that you simply sink into.
Located within the grade II-listed stone building, the apartments are accessed via a narrow passageway that takes you to the rear of Deacon’s Bank, and keys for each are located in key-safes that you are sent the code for on the day of your arrival – this is also where you return them to when you depart. We managed to grab a parking space in the cobblestoned Market Place, which is just opposite Deacon’s Bank, and lugged our overnight bags and clothes up the short flight of steps and into our ‘home for the night’. Revealing quiet pride in their Peak District heritage, Harrison and [co-owner] Leo have displayed prints of iconic locations and views in the communal hallway/landing, bringing a hint of what the area has to offer for those wishing to explore.
Opening the door to our apartment, we came straight into the lounge area/kitchen/dining space, and were instantly hit with a warm, welcoming feel. The pale clay tone of the upper half of the walls in this room accentuates the stonework of the log-burner containing feature fireplace and the deep, angled windowsills with their sash windows and putty-toned blinds. A rich, deep green/grey provides a cocooning feel and stops the space being bland. The kitchen has a fab, modern feel, its dark, matte cupboards contrasting with white, perfectly laid tilework.
Throughout, the mixed height lighting casts a warm glow (watch out for the right-hand side, rogue light pendant; it’s low – even I smacked my bonce on it!) that entices you to sit on the comfy sofa and free-standing chair and watch the large-screen TV. Draped over the back of the sofa was a super-soft, checked throw that was big enough for the both of us to dive under as we chilled out in front of the gogglebox.
Obviously, our dining plans were already taken care of, but if you go self-catering, you’ll find the cooker and hob are more than sufficient for your needs. Just down the road (literally 1 minute in the car, or a 5-minute stroll) is a Morrisons supermarket; handy for grabbing all the bits n bobs you need. There’s plenty of cutlery, crockery, utensils and glassware to hand, and there’s a rather nifty ‘Dolce Gusto’ coffee machine if you’re a fan of the bean; fans of a good old cuppa Joe have a kettle to make their fave brew, too. As well as the thoughtfully provided ‘welcome’ bottle of wine, there is a tea caddy stuffed with milk sticks, tea bags, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, and biscuits.
Going into our bedroom, y’know, the one with the super-swanky bathtub, we clapped eyes on the comfy double bed, complete with squishy pillows and scatter cushions, open hanging space for clothes, iron and board, hairdryer, and fan. All the amenities you could want, I’m sure you’ll agree? After unpacking, the first thing I did was get that water running – there was some serious relaxing to be done! The bathtub takes about 10 minutes to fill, and I would say about 75ml of bubble-bath to get those luscious, editorial spread-worthy bubbles; totally worth the effort, though. His Nibs took one look at its beauty and figured that he’d join me in wallowing, and there was more than enough room for the pair of us in this bath-come-swimming-pool.
Those among you who like a shower (which The Man normally does), you only need to step into the large bathroom; past the toilet and wash basin is a double-sized shower. Fitted with a rainfall shower head for a total drench, there is also shampoo, conditioner and shower-gel in wall-mounted dispensers for you to use; perfect for those (remaining anonymous, but you know who I mean!) who forget their toiletries. Another considered touch is the feminine hygiene products that are in a basket to the side of the toilet; I have myself been ‘caught short’ by Mother Nature whilst away, and there’s nothing worse, is there?
We found the ambient temperature to be spot-on for lounging in t-shirts and loose bottoms, but there is (as mentioned earlier) a lovely throw in the living room, and there is also a heavy blanket on the bed, for if you find it a touch chilly. Normally, I find soft beds uncomfortable for my back, but this one left me ache-free and beautifully refreshed after a solid night’s kip.
Rates for the apartments start from £90 per night, but for the latest deals, and to book online, visit www.deaconsbank.co.uk and hit the ‘stay’ button. You can also book a table in the restaurant or for the Chef’s Kitchen Table online – simply smack the ‘book now’ tab; or, you could pick up the old ‘dog-and-bone’ (telephone 01298 814811) and speak to one of the team IRL. Guests who book a stay in the apartments get a rather nice little sweetener of a VIP-exclusive 10% discount off their food bill and 2-4-£20 on cocktails (of which there is a whopping 33 to choose from!) during their stay.
Deacon’s Bank restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday 5pm–10pm, Thursday and Friday Noon–10pm, Saturday Noon–11pm, and Sunday Noon–8pm.
We’ll be sharing our full Deacon’s Bank dining experience in a separate review very soon.
All Prices Correct At The Time Of Publishing
Some More Of Our Recent Reviews
Have you ever had a year that was simply running away with you? Welcome to 2025 for The Man, Mummy Bird and me! We had been yapping
It could never be said that The Man Bird and I miss an opportunity to indulge in some self-care, and so he was all over it when a Groupon deal caught his eye for us to have a cheeky
Well, here we are; another week, another one away from home with The Man for his actual day job. This time, we found ourselves down in Kent: Maidstone, to be exact. His Nibs does
Even before we'd crossed over the threshold at Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, it felt like the familiar comfort of home; and the reason? Dan and Keith, two of the staff on site
