In less time than it takes to get from one end of the Piccadilly Line to the other, you could be relaxing in a gorgeous Georgian country house hotel, nestled in 12 acres of countryside. Intrigued? Let me introduce you to Sopwell House. This family-owned luxury hotel is easily reached from Central London – yet it feels worlds away. I took a visit to Sopwell House myself to see if I really could find such a sanctuary in such close proximity of the capital; read on for my review.
The hotel – and how to get there
Sopwell House is located in Hertfordshire – St Albans, to be precise. It’s an easy 20-minute fast train from Kings Cross station to St Albans station, and then a nine-minute taxi to the hotel itself.
The welcoming, natural light-filled reception leads to a labyrinth of corridors and each of these hallways has a distinct personality: despite not being a big sports fan, I loved the hallway filled with signed sports memorabilia – I recognised a signed t-shirt from footballer, Ian Wright. The hotel boasts over 100 rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, a gorgeous full-service spa, private gardens, and even 15 event spaces for conferences and weddings. It’s the full deal.
The room
The hotel boasts 126 rooms and suites, most of which are housed in the 300-year-old Mansion House main building. From cosy Classic Rooms to the larger Corner Suites, with their heated(!!!) balconies, each room is impeccably stylish and kitted out with plush mod cons.
My room was a relaxing haven, with ambient lighting, calming blue hues, and neutral artwork lining the walls. It was thoroughly modern despite the heritage of the building, and had some rather cool touches: what I thought was a wardrobe opened to reveal a whole mini-bar and tea trolley. To further the relaxation, I opted for breakfast in the sink-into-it-super-comfortable bed (I’d had a great night’s sleep). This brekkie had a massive menu, from porridge to pancakes, and the coffee was exceptional.
For those who require more privacy, the Mews Suites are an even more indulgent option away from the main building, set within landscaped gardens created by a former RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Gold award winner. These luxury suites are more like full cottages, with kitchenettes, spa baths, and the rest of the essential amenities.
The food and drink
Sopwell House has two restaurants – Omboo and the Brasserie – and two bars – the Conservatory Bar and Octagon Bar. During my stay, I checked out Octagon and Omboo.
I found Octagon to be a clever space; the team have created three distinct atmospheres in one, open-plan venue. I opted to sit in the middle ‘space’ near the massive fireplace, which felt like a nod to the building’s history, despite being surrounded by modern decor.
Mocktails have been my drink of choice in recent months and Octagon do them SO well. There are only three mocktails on their current menu, but the bespoke Temple Mead was a perfect medley of ginger and lime, while I couldn’t tell the difference between their Ola Ola Ola and a spicy margarita. I wished I could have bottled it and taken it home. Even the Virgin Bloody Mary was perfectly spiced.
With a short hop, skip, and jump across the hallway, you’ll find yourself at restaurant Omboo. Led by Head Chef Benny Lee, Omboo is an Asian sharing plates dining experience. You can opt to go a la carte, choosing dishes that span sushi, seafood, meat, and more, or go for a set menu to get a little taste of everything.
I opted to go a la carte – and was left seriously impressed. I enjoyed every dish I ate, but for brevity in this Sopwell House review, I’ll highlight my favourites. The miso-glazed black cod is an absolute must-order: it literally melted in my mouth. The flavours were light yet delicious – almost buttery – and paired perfectly with the Omboo fried rice. The California sushi roll converted my sushi-hating mum, which is no mean feat, and even the veg served at Omboo (I had broccoli and cauliflower) was steamed and seasoned to perfection with garlic and sweet chilli respectively. The perfect pairing of flavours continued in the desserts: a sweet cherry compote complimented the not-so-sweet panna cotta, while the tart miso caramel cut through the richness of the dark chocolate mousse.
The drinks menu at Omboo has similar cocktails and mocktails to the Octagon Bar, plus a well-sized selection of sake, wines – split into flavour profiles – spirits, and even tea.
The spa
The spa facilities are split into two: Cottonmill Spa and The Club at Cottonmill Spa. Cottonmill Spa offers an indoor pool, fitness facilities, sauna, steam rooms, and world-class spa treatments using the best British brands. The Club at Cottonmill Spa boasts additional award-winning facilities, including an outdoor pool, poolside terraces, a private garden, a Whisper room, and a Deep Relaxation room. Don’t be fooled by the name: the latter isn’t for those in a members club, but rather for Corner Suites and Mews Suites guests, alongside non-guests who have booked access as part of a spa day.
I made use of the Cottonmill Spa on my visit; getting my laps in the pool with its reflective ceiling, flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windowed wall.
To conclude this review of Sopwell House, I would say you most definitely can find a slice of serenity so close to the capital in this hotel. However, while the hotel’s spa facilities were restorative, it was the food and drink offerings I found to be most impressive. I would happily return for dinner and drinks – and a sumptuous sleep in that wonderful room.