Beaverbrook Surrey

Beaverbrook Surrey, a distinguished Two-Michelin Key property nestled in the picturesque Surrey Hills, consistently receives high praise for its blend of timeless opulence and contemporary flair. It offers an exceptional luxury country house experience for couples, families, and friends alike.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Beaverbrook Surrey is overwhelmingly positive, with guests describing it as "first-rate luxury," "amazing, totally unique, and incredibly relaxing." Many highlight its ability to be both incredibly luxurious and informal, heritage-rich yet contemporary, and even family-friendly while maintaining a sophisticated atmosphere.

Key Highlights

Guests particularly love the uniquely designed Coach House Spa, featuring vibrant stained-glass windows by artist Brian Clarke, a thermal spa, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The choice of exquisite restaurants, especially the Japanese Grill, is a significant draw. The magnificent 470-acre grounds, offering extensive woodlands, manicured gardens, a fishing lake, and various outdoor pursuits like cycling and walking, are frequently lauded. The hotel also boasts a private cinema with daily screenings and an inventively programmed children's club (Sharky & George) during weekends and school holidays, making it an appealing destination for families. The seamless fusion of timeless design by Susie Atkinson (of Soho House fame) and a rich history, once home to Lord Beaverbrook, adds to its unique charm.

Room Quality

Rooms and suites at Beaverbrook are described as charming and luxurious, spread across the main house, Coach House, and The Village. They feature indulgent roll-top baths, Bamford products, crisp linens, and thoughtful touches like complimentary minibars and sloe gin. While exuding a decidedly vintage feel, with traditional keys and a lack of modern USB ports in some areas, the comfort is paramount, with wonderfully comfortable king-size or larger beds. Bathrooms are spacious, often featuring deep tubs and large marble showers. Some rooms, like the Turret rooms in the main house, offer private terraces with breathtaking views. The Village accommodations, opened in December 2023, are designed for families, with some featuring bunk beds that can be tucked away, and are often decorated with eccentric checks and stripes, and lined with classic books and vintage toys.

Dining Experience

Beaverbrook offers a diverse and exquisite dining experience across its four restaurants and two cocktail bars.

• The Japanese Grill (The Dining Room): Often referred to as the "Nobu of Surrey," this restaurant promises an exquisite experience with delectable sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and the finest cuts of meat and fish from a Josper grill. Chef Taiji Maruyama, formerly of Nobu, is praised for his subtle flavors and artful presentation. Guests have described it as some of the best Japanese food in the UK, with clean-tasting tempura and "shockingly good" sushi.
• The Garden House Restaurant: Tucked behind a traditional walled kitchen garden, this Anglo-Italian restaurant serves comforting, home-cooked dishes with interiors inspired by the surrounding gardens.
• Mrs. Beeton's (in The Village): This restaurant offers a British-inspired menu with traditional treats like scampi and chips, and knickerbocker glory, in a cozy, unpretentious setting.
• The Coach House Pizzeria and Deli: Provides a relaxed dining experience with traditional stone oven-baked pizzas and nourishing salads. Breakfasts are also highly regarded, with faultless offerings, including delicious and beautifully presented options even for children. Sir Frank's Bar, with its Gatsby-esque or Art Deco style and botanical illustrations, is a popular spot for bespoke cocktails.

Service & Staff

The service at Beaverbrook is consistently described as impeccable, attentive, slick, and efficient. Staff are noted for being warm, welcoming, and ensuring a seamless experience from check-in to room service. Many reviewers highlight the staff's genuine happiness and willingness to help, contributing to a feeling of being at home.

Location & Accessibility

Beaverbrook is ideally situated within 470 acres of the "verdant Surrey Hills," offering a glorious escape while being conveniently located approximately an hour and a half's drive from central London, or a quick 10-minute drive from Leatherhead station. The estate itself provides a rural playground with ample opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring. Nearby attractions include the quaint villages of Mickleham and Headley, Epsom racecourse, and Polesden Lacey. Guests staying in The Village are provided with golf buggies to navigate the estate to the main house and its amenities.

Value & Pricing

Beaverbrook is a high-end luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. While specific figures can vary, rooms in the Coach House have been noted to start from £1,000, and overall, it is considered a significant investment. Guests generally feel it offers good value with quality service, despite the higher cost, emphasizing the "shockingly good" quality of experiences like the sushi.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor observations have been noted by guests:

• Some rooms, despite recent renovations, retain a vintage feel with traditional keys and a lack of modern amenities like USB ports or light dimmers.
• The in-room robes have occasionally been described as "overwashed and scratchy," contrasting with the comfortable slippers.
• Spa facilities are reportedly not usable after checkout, which can be disappointing for guests with later departures.
• While Uber is available in the area, some guests have had difficulty securing a ride, resorting to traditional taxis instead.
• One internal employee review mentioned a "cliquey" and "backstabby" work environment with some unfriendly staff and discrimination, though this doesn't directly reflect guest experience, the external guest reviews overwhelmingly praise the staff.

Sources

1. thehotelguru.com
2. michelin.com
3. theweek.com
4. ahotellife.com
5. mrandmrssmith.com
6. theseptemberchronicles.com
7. harpersbazaar.com
8. countryandtownhouse.com
9. independent.co.uk
10. abouttimemagazine.co.uk
11. luxurylifestylemag.co.uk
12. silverspoonlondon.co.uk
13. theguardian.com
14. youtube.com
15. kayak.com
16. indeed.com