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Happening upon a delightful restaurant, well-run hotel or hearty gastro-pub is one of life’s great pleasures. To find them all under the same roof is a rare joy indeed.
But that is exactly what you get at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa. Located midway between Chester city centre and Wrexham, and thus a straightforward 45-minute drive out from Altrincham, this 73-room hotel is a popular wedding venue – and it’s not hard to see why.
Privately owned by the Nelson family, who acquired the 19th century Grosvenor Arms back in 1994 and have seemingly spent a fair few quid on it since, most recently with the £1.5m launch of a new restaurant, bar, and piano lounge. More on that later.
First impressions are excellent, thanks largely to the ornate and faintly opulent reception area that greets you upon entry. The first of a succession of efficient and friendly staff members directed us through Nelson’s Bar to the lift that ascended to our comfortable, boutique-designed room on the second floor.
Such was the welcoming feel of Nelson’s Bar – all wood panels, bookshelves, comfy sofas, and proper ale – that the first thing we did was to make the return journey down and order a couple of Friday evening sharpeners. Definitely one of the better hotel bars.
For those looking for a genuine break, the Grosvenor Pulford has much to offer. Outside, there’s an attractive courtyard, a waterlily-topped pond, and even an Asian sensory garden. The spa boasts six treatment suites, a Roman-style swimming pool, Jacuzzi, a steam room, a sauna, a gymnasium, a tennis court, and more.
But the Palm Court Restaurant, Bar & Piano Lounge, the new 180-cover restaurant which opened in July, is probably the highlight here. With an impressive glass ceiling, the space takes its cue from a Victorian Palm House: check the Kentia Palm Trees, mirrored walls, water features, and crystal seed chandelier. The undeniably chic ambience is further amplified by the baby grand piano… although, mesmerisingly, it’s a self-playing one, with thousands of tunes ready to roll and nobody to pay at the end of the night.
The food’s good, too, focusing on modern British and European cuisine such as confit Anglesey rainbow trout, crusted loin of Welsh mountain lamb, monkfish and tiger prawn jungle curry, and classic beef bourguignon.
With Chester city centre just five miles up the road, this is a superb option for a short-haul UK city break.
The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Chester. More info:
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