A brand new luxury hotel, nestled away on the outskirts of Manchester in the gorgeous grounds of Bruntwood Park. I’ve not travelled much up north over the last 12 months, but I’m promising myself not to leave it so long as I love the feeling up here and escaping London, even just for a few days. Everywhere and everyone is much more personal, there’s very little stuffiness and there is so much clean fresh air and lots of open spaces.
Good food, excellent service and sumptuous bedrooms are just a few of the things you can expect from Oddfellows On The Park. The property, formally known as Bruntwood Hall is a 19th century Victorian mansion which went under meticulous renovation before it came what it is today and they’ve done a mighty fine job. As the newest member of the Oddfellow’s family, design is an important factor and something you’ll notice across all Oddfellows locations.
If the hotel exterior wasn’t already enticing enough, you’ll fall in love with the grounds of Bruntwood Park. Beautiful, lush green vistas of mature parkland which can be seen from every room, with a small cafe close by, a kids play area, streams and a tranquil pond filled with ducks. The hotel is also only 10 miles from the centre of Manchester by car.
Step inside the property and the one thing you’ll immediately fall head over heels with is the incredible, quirky lobby area. Cosy shades of greys, gorgeous floor tiles, designer lighting and a giant moose head.
Better still as you begin to climb this Victorian mansions glossy wooden staircase, it becomes even more magical. An absolutely stunning stained glass window which illuminates the hall from the ceiling, leading off to 22 gorgeous bedrooms. Ours, carefully watched over by a large black horse lamp which stands proudly as you arrive to the top of the staircase.
We were staying in one of the hotels top rooms, the Kendal Suite. Set in what would have been the master bedrooms on the first floor of the original Bruntwood Hall, these studio suites are full of character. Huge, modern four-poster king size beds, lots of seating areas, Nespresso coffee machine, flat screen TV and a Roberts Radios next to the bed. We’ve stayed in a lot of UK hotels this year – but this room has been one of my favourites.
I absolutely loved the bathroom which spilled out into the bedroom. The stunning roll top bath tub which sat under the bay windows was an absolute dream way to spend a relaxing afternoon before dinner. Windows wide open, cold air pouring through and the hot tap constantly trickling. I even managed to switch the TV on from the bath and pour myself a glass of wine. It was utter heaven. If you really want to spend your time relaxing, then head to ‘salon de beaute’ aka The Pigsty which is housed in a separate building adjacent to the hotel. There’s two treatment rooms and a Rasul mud room.
If you’re not a fan of relaxing in a big tub, then the glass encased walk in power shower and double bathroom vanities may well tempt you. Situated just behind our four poster bed, this magnificent bathroom space was packed out with all the mod con’s and with more space than we could have ever needed. The bathrobes were lovely too – big, white and fluffy.
I think we can all agree on just how beautiful the The Stud Room Bar is. This wood panelled room is the perfect place to spend an afternoon sipping on your favourite cocktail or pre-dinner drink before a meal in the hotels restaurant, The Galloping Major.
When I say the cocktails here are delicious, don’t just take my word for it – look at them! The stemware alone I want for my own home, along with the recipes. Pre-dinner, we sipped on a perfectly crafted ‘Whiskey Rose’ cocktail and what was quite simply the best espresso Martini I’ve ever had – laced with pumpkin spice.
Come day or night, the hotel’s restaurant is the beating heart. Serving up delicious breakfasts, romantic dinners and Sunday roasts. The Galloping Major is situated in what was once the original owner’s ballroom and it’s stunning. Huge windows looking out over the park and original features such as the intricate plaster ceiling. Looking after the kitchen is the talented Ross Chatburn who previously worked at Manchester’s Hotel Gotham and The Bells at Peover. Read my full review of the restaurant HERE.
The next morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast back in the hotels restaurant and left feeling rejuvenated and already wishing we had time to spend another night. This small, modern, luxury hotel really has been one of my favourites in and around Manchester and for anyone looking for a countryside stay, with delicious food and just minutes from the centre of Manchester – Oddfellows on The Park couldn’t be more perfect.
That room! It looks stunning, especially that bed and the in-room bath! Also I need a pumpkin spiced espresso Martini in my life!