Sopwell House in Hertfordshire offers countryside charm and respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, all while being just an hour away from the heart of London.
This recently-renovated country house hotel’s elegant Georgian lines and 12-acres of lush grounds make it a solid choice for smart, tranquil off-siters. Its delegate packages reveal a focus on stressless events, with spa visits, fine-dining experiences and teambuilding activities (from lawn games to laser shooting) available to add on. The ground-floor event suites have a dedicated entrance, a pair of bars and a picturesque terrace – just the spot for summer breakouts.
Being family-run, this is the kind of hotel that prides itself in its warm welcome and high standards, an ethos which runs through every function the team hosts. From birthday parties and Bat Mitzvahs through to corporate gatherings and anniversary celebrations, the experienced events leads are on hand to ensure every detail of your day goes perfectly.
There are 15 purpose-designed function suites to choose from that can accommodate between 10-700 guests at any one time. Flexible menus cater for all dietary requirements and are delivered by the talented kitchen brigade. Choose from breakfasts, buffets, canapes, bowl food, barbecues, and full fine-dining sit-down menus. To accompany your choice of food you’ll be given the choice of matching it with a professionally paired drinks flight. If you prefer, there’s also the option to choose a few bottles to enjoy over dinner, or to put money behind the bar to allow for greater flexibility for guests.
If you’re looking to make the most of a theme or add some finishing touches, don’t miss out on asking for Sopwell House’s little black book. From photographers and bands through to linen suppliers and florists, they have recommendations for some of the area’s top suppliers.
For the ultimate in luxury, there’s also enough room to host all your guests overnight should you wish to extend the fun. The hotel has 126 beautifully furnished bedrooms, each impeccably designed with high-end touches throughout. The Mews Suites are our favourite, found in what used to be the stable block. The rooms here make up the surrounds to the stunning botanical garden designed by Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist, Ann-Marie Powell.