I love it when a plan snowballs into something bigger and more fabulous than the original plan, don’t you? We had been invited to the Champagne Evening at Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa, which was one of the events on its summer programme and, as you can imagine, the excitement levels were going off! When it was mooted whether we’d like to stay overnight too, well, you can imagine how incandescent His Nibs and I were with joy.
Upon our arrival, we popped the jalopy into one of the numerous spaces to the front of the Hotel and wandered into reception. Possibly the most delightful human on the planet, Jenny, greeted us with such warmth that we felt instantly as if we were home somehow. Swiftly checking us in, Jenny then offered to escort us [in the rain, bless her] over to our accommodation, the rather swanky ‘The Grove’, one of Ye Olde Bell’s two-storey Executive Lodges. Now, having experienced the splendour of the main building, we knew that the lodges to the rear of the site (adjacent to the Spa) would be pretty marvellous but, oh my word, The Grove just smacks of class and refinement!
From the moment you open the solid wood door, you step into a world of country elegance. Banish any thoughts of having to heft pails of water, logs for the fire, or cooking over smoke-prone fires; there is every modern comfort at your disposal in The Grove. Microwave? Check. Fully stocked Hostess Tray and Kettle? Check. Smart TV? Check. Stealth and Luxury are the buzz-words at Ye Olde Bell, that’s for sure. The downstairs space is open and flowing, seamlessly linking the kitchenette and dining area with the lounge. Having made The Man and I a brew, we then had to choose which of the sumptuously squishy sofas to recline on and relax in the glow of the decorative lamps - what a problem to have, eh? There *may* have been a little nibbling of sugar-dusted, bell-shaped Shortbread biscuits, too. I loved the heavy wool, checked curtains in muted tones of sage and heather, the antique, spiral-spindled table and chairs, and the impressive set of Deer antlers that were mounted between the windows.
Feeling suitably refreshed, it was time to head upstairs with our overnight bags and evening garments for the Champagne Dinner with Telmont Maison de Champagne. Ascending the heavy wooden, winding staircase, I gasped as I spotted the impressive chandelier light – you all know I’m a tad obsessed with lighting! As with the lower floor, upstairs had a muted country décor palate and the checked blinds gave a camouflage effect with their matching wallpaper when they were pulled down over the windows. The same warm glow cast from the lamps downstairs came via a shaded pair of bedside lamps – useful for creating that cosy, intimate post-dinner atmosphere…
The huge bed was dressed with pristine white linens and topped with cushions and throws in the same natural hues as the curtains and blinds throughout The Grove Executive Lodge. There was plenty of hanging space in the wardrobe for our clothes, and a pair of Spa robes were soon being donned. A large mirror (mounted on the connecting door to the lodge next door) would prove invaluable for those last minute ‘fit checks, and the antique dressing table with mirror was more than adequate for doing my maquillage. Best of all (in my self-confessed bath hippo opinion) was the free-standing, claw-foot bath…I had already fast-forwarded to a time for a lengthy wallow. The Man Bird had spied the power shower, his preferred choice of bathing style. Geneve Guild toiletries are provided but, as a curly girl, I had brought my own ‘mane essentials’.
Returning from the magnificent, Champagne-accompanied feast in the iconic, AA-Rosetted, 1650 Restaurant (read our dining review), it was time to wind down back at The Grove. The wall-mounted heaters soon banished any autumnal chill that was trying to creep in, and we snuggled up on the sofa, sighing with contentment and repleteness. A wonderful nights’ slumber came easily in the soft bed, and we awoke raring to go and tuck into a hearty meal in the breakfast room.
Having never seen the breakfast room before, I was surprised by just how large it is, and yet it retains that same hospitable charm that runs through the whole site at Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa. A member of the team confirmed our breakfast reservation and showed us to our table, taking our order for Tea and Coffee as he did so.
Breakfast at Ye Olde Bell is no meagre affair, oh no! The buffet table was laden with all manner of chilled fruit juices, bowls of Berries and fresh fruits, natural Yoghurt, Pastries and Croissants, and sweet condiments. Both His Nibs and I helped ourselves to Yoghurt and fresh berries, topped with honey from individual jars. On each table, there is a menu for the hot breakfast items, ranging from traditional Porridge and Kippers, to Pancakes with Syrup, Full English Breakfasts (both vegetarian and carnivorous versions), and every type of Eggs you could want. I chuckled at the Omelette section: it read “if we have it, so can you” in reference to the BYO Omelette option - eggs most certainly aren’t boring at Ye Olde Bell.
His Nibs’ plate was groaning under the weight of his traditional breakfast: locally sourced Sausages, Grilled Back Bacon, Grilled Whole Tomato (you could also have Peeled Plum Tomatoes if you prefer), [housed] Baked Beans, Mushroom, Hash Browns, local Black Pudding, and your choice of Egg (he went for Fried) - I don’t think anything else could’ve fitted on the plate! Without exception, everything was cooked perfectly and was piping hot; no hanging around on the pass under hot lamps here, thank you. The serving team were scurrying around constantly with racks of freshly done toast, pots of tea and coffee, and plates of freshly cooked morsels. Had I not ordered Grilled Kippers AND Eggs Florentine (don’t judge me, ‘k?!), I may have been tempted to pilfer the whole field Mushroom off The Mans’ plate.
As you know, I feel absolutely no shame when it comes to my gluttony, but I will admit to a twinge when a pair of plates were placed in front of me. With everyone’s eyes on me that were seated adjacent to our table, there was only one thing for it: brazen it out and get stuck in! The Grilled Kippers were delicious in their fishiness and softness and, I’m sorry, but it’s been an age since I last had them so I savoured each bite – much to the disgust of my husband! The Eggs Florentine were tamer in taste than the robust Kippers, but were no less superb. Lots of wilted Spinach had been piled on to the toasted Muffin halves, and topped with a perfectly soft-poached egg on each one. Plenty of silky Hollandaise sauce crowned the whole dish, and the result was a sublimely satisfying breakfast dish that hit the spot.
Placing down our cutlery, The Man and I did what we often do on our way back from a venue: we ruminated about just how fortunate we are to be doing something we love so much. Grateful and Blessed don’t even come close to describing how we feel, and we are acutely aware of the huge amount of effort that goes into hosting us on visits. So, with that in mind, I just want to say on behalf of us both “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for pulling together our dining experience and overnight stay”.
Hot Wings enthusiastically awarded to Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa at Barnby Moor, Retford for your bed-and-breakfast; both elements were superb. To book a table, stay or Spa visit call the team on 01777 705121 or visit www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk and hit the ‘book now’ tab in the right-hand corner. You can choose ‘stay’, ‘spa’, or ‘table’, or even purchase a gift voucher for a surprise.
