The Man Bird had got to stay away with his day job, and I had the opportunity to go with him. Our usual hotel wasn’t available, so we looked around and found one located within a 10-mile radius of his office, which was more than doable. The Congresbury Arms Hotel and Restaurant is in a very attractive village setting, offering quality accommodation in its half-dozen rooms that it matches with seasonally changing food.
What we both liked immediately was the fact that there were reserved car parking spaces for residents, so there was absolutely no faffing about whatsoever. We checked in at the bar and punched in the car reg. number at the kiosk mounted there and, having signed all the appropriate paperwork, followed the lovely lady upstairs to our temporary home. One of the things I love about older buildings (and this one is Grade II listed) is that they are packed full of quirks including sloping floors and small sets of steps up and down to get to rooms.
Inside, there was everything that our hearts could wish for: modern bathroom with double shower, complementary toiletries, fully stocked hostess tray, bottled waters and snacks, floor fan, hair dryer, and solid wood wardrobe. The bed was super-comfy and king-sized, dressed in pristine white linens with heather-toned cushion and throw to add a pop of colour.
From the moment we’d stepped over the threshold, both of us said that The Congresbury Arms had a lovely calm feel to it, matched by the team. Downstairs, there are lots of little ‘snugs’ to relax in with a drink and a book, and we made the decision to dine-in at the hotel’s restaurant as it felt so much like home-from-home. To find out my thoughts on the food, click this link and read the review
Breakfast is included in the room rate, and is served in the main restaurant area so, after a marvellous nights’ kip, that was where we headed. As soon as we sat down, we were asked if we’d like tea or coffee and bidden to help ourselves to fresh juices, cereals, yoghurt and fruits. On the tables were menus for the breakfast dishes and His Nibs immediately chose the Full English (with your choice of eggs) and I had the Eggs Royale.
You certainly get a hearty plateful, so we definitely were breakfasting like kings! I was tucking into the plentiful slices of Smoked Salmon and the rich yolks of the perfectly soft-poached eggs, and then The Man passed me over his fried Mushrooms which made me even happier! My muffin had been gently toasted to provide a bit of textural contrast to an otherwise soft breakfast dish, and I wasted no time in plopping some of the silky Hollandaise sauce onto a piece before piling on some egg and salmon, too.
Meanwhile, His Nibs was busying himself with the thick slices of farmhouse Bacon and Sausage (a seasoned type that I wouldn’t have liked), dunking them into the unctuous yolk of one of the fried eggs. The sizeable Tomato had been herbed and grilled to soften it and, to my surprise, His Nibs wolfed it down. Baked Beans had been contained in a separate pot, so The Man fashioned himself a ‘breakfast within a breakfast’ of Beans on [his choice of brown] Toast. To be honest, I can take-or-leave Hash Browns but, having spotted the golden, superbly crunchy outered one on The Mans’ plate, really wished that I was partaking of one - #foodenvy. Before you all feel sorry for me, let me reassure you that I did get to savour one the following morning as an element within my Breakfast Bap (along with Bacon, Egg and Sausage). Other breakfast dishes included Pancakes with fruits or Bacon, Pastries, and Omelettes with various fillings…maybe we’ll try those next time we stay.
If country charm with all the modern comforts (including complementary wi-fi) is what you’re after, The Congresbury Arms Hotel and Restaurant ticks all the boxes. To book a room call 01934 782283 or visit www.congresburyarms.co.uk and click the ‘book a room’ button. If you fancy dining in the 2AA-Rosetted restaurant (and why wouldn’t you?) then either ring the number mentioned or hit the ‘book a table’ tab on the website.
