The Hampshire hotel so lovely we're jealous of ducks who live there

My holidays are normally city breaks staying in the cheapest hotel possible. Basically anywhere to rest my poor aching feet that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. 

So, when Warbrook House Heritage Hotel got in touch and offered an overnight stay, plus a taste of their new restaurant, The Clove, I was very keen to give it go. A grand house set in 121 acres of Grade II listed gardens? Yes please. I can think of worse ways to spend my weekend.

@megan_stanley_ We were invited to stay at Warbrook House for the night - the video speaks for itself 😍 (ft the best meal we will ever eat) #hotel #countryhotel #hampshire #gifted ♬ Coffee and Books - Siesta

Only 25 minutes away from Basingstoke, I felt like Miranda in that episode where she goes on holiday to the hotel around the corner.  

“Well, if we forget anything we can always come back,” my partner commented as we left home. Very true. 

The house and gardens 

The canal gardens at Warbrook House (Image: Newsquest)Tucked away in the Eversley countryside, we were quickly impressed by the weaving drive to the impressive house. It felt like we were staying at a National Trust property for the evening. 

After check-in, we were keen to explore and felt completely at peace as we walked through the landscaped gardens, along the canal and through the woodland. 

It was an idyllic setting, we couldn't help but dream of summer picnics and drinks in the sun as we strolled around. 

The room 

The comfy bed in the Manor Canal View Room (Image: Newsquest)We stayed in the Manor Canal View Room and it was pure luxury. The soft bedding, matched with the velvet headboard, felt elegant and sophisticated.

It was hard not to feel like royalty staring out onto the grounds of the house. Our bay window looked directly onto the canal, if we opened our windows we could hear the ducks quacking to each other.

Despite the history of the house, the bathroom was very modern, and the bath was perfect for a long, relaxing soak.  

Each room comes with a Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle, as a big tea drinker this was much appreciated. There was also a huge TV - perfect if the numerous lounges and bars aren't your kind of thing. 

The food  

The best curry we have ever eaten (Image: Newsquest)It’s safe to say we were excited for dinner - Chef Vijay is described as a ‘master of rich and diverse Indian cuisine’ thanks to his career in Agra.  

The restaurant is pretty small, tucked away in one of the rooms surrounded by the hotel’s various lounges. We were given a menu created by the chef – clearly keen to show off the best options.  

I don’t eat meat, but I can’t say as I missed out.  

We kicked off with a dahi ka kebab, crumb-fried yoghurt with a mint compote. It very flavourful, the coating was crunchy which was a delicious contrast with the creamy middle. We were both left wanting more. 

We were served up two different starters, my partner had murgh malai tikka, chicken marinated with yoghurt and ajwani fish tikka, white fish marinated with carom seed. 

I got two more dahi ka kebabs (I was thrilled) and Paneer Tikka, cottage cheese marinated with chilli and yoghurt served with peppers. Both meals were served with a smoked yoghurt chutney and mint compote. 

They looked incredible and tasted even better - the mint compote was surprisingly spicey. It's safe to say we both wanted more. 

After the starters were complete we were both left speechless. What could arrive that could beat that? 

For the main course, we had butter chicken, mixed vegetable masala and Dal Makhani with a mix of breads.  

My partner devoured the butter chicken, complementing the dish on its creaminess and full flavour.  

We both dipped into the veggie options, the Dal Makhani, which takes more than 24 hours to cook, was delicious. It has a rich, earthy flavour but it was incredibly filling and we had no choice but to leave leftovers (I still regret that choice) 

In comparison, the masala, which featured cauliflower, peas and carrots, was light and aromatic. Delicious.  

Our verdict? 

Warbrook House is the place to go if you want an incredible Indian meal set in a beautiful location.  

Even better - you don’t even need to be staying at the hotel to book a table. Of course, if you do stay the night then we can you’ll get a restful sleep in VERY comfy bed in a beautiful room that is the epitome of luxury. 

If you do fancy staying over, book direct and get 10 per cent off food and drinks, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability and a one-hour later check out, plus a free dessert when dining in The Clove. 

A room in the manor with a canal view, starts at £169 per night, or £139 without. Cheaper accommodation is available in the nearby Grange. 

For more go to warbrookhouse.com or call 0118 973 2174.