Grove of Narberth
One Michelin Key
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Expert Review: Grove of Narberth
The Grove of Narberth, a distinguished One-Key Michelin property nestled in the picturesque Pembrokeshire countryside, consistently earns high praise for its luxurious country house escape and exceptional hospitality.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Grove of Narberth is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as wonderful, superb, and exceptional. It is recognized as one of the most exceptional hotels in the UK and Ireland, having retained its Michelin Key distinction in 2024 and being awarded "Independent Hotel of the Year" in 2024, as well as SLH Hotel of the Year in 2023. The hotel consistently receives high scores for cleanliness (9.7) and location (9.5), though value for money has a slightly lower score of 8.7.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently highlight several aspects of the Grove of Narberth that contribute to its charm and luxury. Key highlights include the stunning and peaceful rural location, the attentive and delightful service from the staff, and the overall elegant and cozy atmosphere of the hotel. The beautiful decor, thoughtfully restored buildings, and well-maintained gardens are frequently praised, along with the exceptional quality of the food. The sense of privacy and the attention to detail, from locally made bath amenities to complimentary Welsh cakes for the journey home, also leave a lasting impression on guests.
3. Room Quality
The 25 rooms and suites, spread across the main house, a 15th-century longhouse, and several cottages, are individually designed, blending original features with designer furnishings to create a luxurious and comfortable experience. Rooms are described as comfortable, well-equipped, stylish, and often feature unique touches like traditional fireplaces, four-poster beds, or lofty vaulted ceilings. Guests can expect luxurious robes, quality bath products from The Goodwash Company (a Welsh ethical brand), tea and coffee-making facilities, and a complimentary minibar in some suites. Many appreciate the comfortable beds and the quietness of the rooms. Some suites, like the Bramble Suite, boast a contemporary glass box lounge opening onto a private garden area.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Grove of Narberth is a significant draw, featuring two award-winning restaurants overseen by Executive Chef Douglas Balish: The Fernery and the Artisan Rooms.
- The Fernery: This fine-dining restaurant, holding 4 AA Rosettes, offers a sophisticated five or seven-course tasting menu that celebrates homegrown vegetables and locally sourced Welsh ingredients. Chef Balish is known for surprising diners with clever and elegantly crafted dishes. The service in The Fernery is smooth and knowledgeable, with an engaging sommelier offering excellent wine pairings, including a selection of non-alcoholic options. Under-12s are not permitted in The Fernery.
- Artisan Rooms: This more relaxed brasserie offers modern classics and a three-course à la carte menu, also focusing on local produce. Guests have praised dishes like the falafel with hummus and pomegranate starter.
- Breakfast: Served in the Artisan Rooms, breakfast is à la carte and highly regarded, with options such as smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, charcuterie, and French toast. Poached eggs on a tomato and pepper reduction with goat cheese on homemade sourdough toast have been highlighted as particularly delicious.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Grove of Narberth consistently receives glowing reviews. Staff are described as thoughtful, kind, very well-trained, efficient, delightful, friendly, and unfailingly helpful. Guests appreciate the great attention to detail and how the staff make them feel special from arrival, assisting with luggage and offering a seamless check-in process. The staff even do research before guests arrive to tailor recommendations. Thoughtful touches, such as a bag of water and mini Welsh cakes for the journey home, further enhance the guest experience.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel is set in 26 beautiful, rural acres in Molleston, near Narberth, Pembrokeshire, offering a peaceful and quiet location. The grounds include meadows, lily-filled ponds, woods, and a fascinating walled garden that provides produce for the kitchen. While the setting is idyllic, its rural nature means a car is strongly recommended for exploring the surrounding area. Narberth itself is a vibrant town with independent shops and cafes. Nearby attractions include Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Tenby Golf Course, and Pembroke Castle. The nearest airport is Cardiff, about 80 miles away. Narberth's train station is a 20-minute walk from the town, and a further 45 minutes on foot to the Grove, so pre-booking a taxi is advisable if arriving by rail.
7. Value & Pricing
The Grove of Narberth is generally considered a luxury experience, and its pricing reflects this. While many guests feel the quality of the hotel, service, and food justifies the cost for a special stay, some have expressed concerns about the value for money, particularly regarding room size and the cost of amenities like breakfast (£30 per head) and wine. Room rates can fluctuate, with some guests noting significant price differences for the same room on different dates. The hotel maintains that its pricing is consistent and reflects the quality of local suppliers and premium produce. Rates typically include breakfast.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:
- Value for Price: As mentioned, some guests felt that the pricing, especially for breakfast and wine, was excessive.
- Room Size: A few guests felt that the room size, particularly in relation to the price, could be a drawback.
- Lack of On-site Spa/Pool: The hotel does not have a dedicated gym, swimming pool, or spa facilities, though in-room spa treatments can be arranged.
- Room Lighting: A minor complaint from a few guests was that the lighting in their rooms was not bright enough, especially for reading.
- Telephone Accessibility: One guest reported difficulty reaching the hotel by phone, consistently getting an answerphone.
- Tasting Menu Inconsistency: While the food is generally high quality, one review mentioned that the tasting menu had its share of hits and misses.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:
- •Room Lighting:** A minor complaint from a few guests was that the lighting in their rooms was not bright enough, especially for reading.
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
