Birch Cheshunt

Important Note: Birch Cheshunt ceased operations in November 2023.

Birch Cheshunt, a Michelin Key Selected property, closed its doors in November 2023 due to financial constraints. The Grade II-listed Georgian house and its 55-acre estate have since been acquired by Surya Hotels, which plans to refurbish the property under its own branding. The following review reflects the guest experience and offerings during its operation as Birch Cheshunt.

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Comprehensive Hotel Review: Birch Cheshunt, Cheshunt, United Kingdom

Birch Cheshunt, during its operational period, was a distinctive "anti-hotel" concept that aimed to offer an escape from daily life, blending elements of a country-house hotel, a members' club, and a creative retreat. It was recognized as the Sunday Times Hotel of the Year in 2020.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for Birch Cheshunt was largely positive, with guests appreciating its unique concept and vibrant atmosphere. Review scores for "Service" and "Experience" were often rated highly, around 5.0, while "Value" typically sat around 4.0. It was seen as a buzzy, creative hotspot and a haven for those looking to switch off and engage in various activities. However, some found the design chaotic and the extensive program of paid activities potentially overwhelming or underwhelming at times.

2. Key Highlights

Guests loved Birch Cheshunt for its extensive on-site facilities and unique philosophy of inclusivity rather than exclusivity.

• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel featured an eccentric, wonderfully haphazard, yet chic-industrial revamp of a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion. It boasted bold blue staircases, bare wood flooring, quirky furniture, and eclectic artwork, often described as having "festival vibes."
• Amenities & Activities: Birch offered a wide array of amenities, including a lido (outdoor pool), an art and pottery studio, a screening room, a music room, a bakery, a wellness hub with a gym and treatment rooms, and numerous co-working spaces. Activities ranged from pottery throwing and sourdough making to gong baths, glassblowing, yoga, and cold-water therapy.
• Dining Options: The property housed two notable restaurants: Valeries and the Zebra Riding Club, both overseen by chef Robin Gill.
• Concept: The ethos was to provide a space for "escape artists" to pause, think, create, and savor, distinguishing itself from a traditional country hotel.

3. Room Quality

Birch Cheshunt had 140 rooms, ranging from small and cozy to large and light, suitable for families or friends. The rooms were intentionally designed to encourage guests to "switch off" from daily life and explore the hotel's varied spaces.

• Design: Bedrooms were described as warm, well-crafted, and carefully considered, with a minimalist and pared-back interior featuring calming neutral palettes. They had high ceilings and old-fashioned windows.
• Comfort: Beds featured Simba mattresses, and rooms offered a pleasant mix of linen and cotton bedlinen, along with blackout blinds for optimal sleep. Bathrooms included fluffy towels and essential products.
• Low-Tech Approach: Notably, rooms deliberately lacked TVs, desks, and kettles to encourage guests to unplug and engage with the communal areas. Some found the large, high-ceilinged rooms could feel sparse and cold, with brown carpets not helping the atmosphere.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Birch Cheshunt was a significant draw, with a strong focus on fresh, locally sourced produce, much of it grown on-site.

• Zebra Riding Club: This fine-dining restaurant, a collaboration with Chef Robin Gill, was located in the house's old stables. It offered delicious tasting menus, with dishes like parsnip risotto and wood-roasted pork belly. The sourdough bread, which guests could even learn to make, was a highlight. Sunday lunch was particularly praised as "fairly priced" and "resplendent."
• Valeries: An all-day dining restaurant in the main house, Valeries also served up dishes from on-site produce and had an eclectic, rotating menu. It offered a beautiful indoor dining space with a terrace. Breakfasts, such as mushroom toast and baked eggs with Shakshuka-style sauce, were well-received.
• Other Options: Poolside snacks were available from the Links Cafe, and guests could also request picnic or barbecue boxes.

5. Service & Staff

Service at Birch Cheshunt was generally exceptional and warm, with staff described as lovely and engaging. The hotel's philosophy prided itself on inclusion and the casual warmth of its service.

6. Location & Accessibility

Birch Cheshunt was situated on a 55-acre estate in Hertfordshire, housed in an 18th-century English mansion.

• Proximity to London: It was conveniently located for a quick getaway from London, approximately a 30-40 minute train journey from Liverpool Street Station to Cheshunt, followed by a 5-10 minute taxi or Uber ride.
• Road Access: The property was just off the M25, with ample parking available, and also provided electric vehicle charging stations.
• Local Area: While the estate offered plenty to do, walking from Cheshunt station was not recommended due to a lack of pedestrian walkways. Nearby attractions included Fun Junction Play and Party Centre (25-minute walk) and Forty Hall (2.3 km away).

7. Value & Pricing

Double rooms at Birch Cheshunt started from around £120 per night, though this typically covered the room only, with most activities and dining incurring additional costs. While considered by some as fairly priced for dining (e.g., £38 for a three-course tasting menu), the cumulative cost of activities, dining, and drinks could add up, leading to some guests feeling it wasn't always excellent value.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-regarded, some recurring criticisms of Birch Cheshunt included:

• Noise in Co-working Area Rooms: Rooms around the co-working section could be noisy, making them less ideal for quiet stays and more suited for corporate bookings or groups.
• Sparse Room Atmosphere: Despite stylish designs, some large rooms, with their high ceilings and brown carpets, could feel a "little sparse and cold" or draughty, making it difficult to create a cozy atmosphere.
• Cost of Activities: The curated cultural program, while extensive, came at an additional cost, with individual classes ranging from £20 to £150. Some guests felt that with so much on offer, individual experiences could feel underwhelming, citing instances like a gong bath interrupted by external noise and payment checks.
• "Chaotic Pinterest Board" Design: While many appreciated the eclectic design, some found the interior to be like a "chaotic Pinterest board made real," a mix of "hasty DIY SOS makeover meets industrial-chic Hackney cafe."

Sources

1. hertfordshiremercury.co.uk
2. thecaterer.com
3. boutiquehotelier.com
4. travel-news.co.uk
5. michelin.com
6. theguardian.com
7. flolondon.co.uk
8. britainsfinest.co.uk
9. marieclaire.co.uk
10. thesaucemag.com
11. wordpress.com
12. styleandminimalism.com
13. hotelshertfordshire.net