Bishopstrow House - Wiltshire

Well, did we hit lucky? It's a question I ask myself after having read mixed reviews over the past few months... all I can say is that our private family lunch for 17 held in the Library was as good as anything I've experienced in 50 plus years. A big statement from somebody whose career was spent in the World of events, hospitality and hotels. Pre administration of the event was generally good with orders in advance, only slight niggle being that trying to get hold of people was difficult at times. The phone rang out too often and for too long. Bishopstrow House itself is a charming place, oozing character and history and our pre lunch drinks served in one of the main lounges was a very good start. The Library Room ideal for a private lunch or dinner, although seeing one or two large ladies kitted out in white Spa Bath Robes waddling about in the reception area can be a little bit off putting if you get my drift. As for the lunch itself, it was quite simply superb and IMO borders on Michelin 1 star 3+Rosettes. My Chicken Liver Parfait was beautifully served, rich in texture and flavour. Thumbs up also for the Smoked Salmon starter and soup. Good sized portions all. Mains equally as good. The Steak nobody asked how I wanted it was the perfect Medium and cooked to perfection with a delicious sauce and vine tomatoes that added colour and taste. The crispy chips yummy. I ended up with the cheese board which was generous as it was varied. In fact too much if I am truthful which I never normally say. The wines served were good just glad I wasn't paying as a glance at the wine list highlights that there are some large margins being applied. Service from new boy Joe on the day was very good. All in all an excellent experience and one to remember for many years to come. Check out the photos for a flavour of our day.

Organised a family lunch here (Mother's 90th), for 18 people last Saturday, in one of their private rooms, the Library. Wonderful time had by all. From the planning of the event, through to the welcome, the food, the service, we were all delighted. Without exception. The venue is superb, and the Christmas decorations are magnificent. A big thankyou to all the team!

Stayed here for a midweek stay, it was a surprise from my partner so had no idea what to expect. We arrived for firstly afternoon tea before heading to our room, the afternoon tea was nice enough, rather lack lustre sandwiches... egg and cress, salmon, and ham. Just that, not salmon and cucumber or cream cheese, or ham and pickle or ham and even cheese! Just butter and salmon, butter and ham. The scones were very yummy though! As for the sweet cakes, interesting mix... think one was a sort of gingerbread mouse or something in a pastry tart but was pretty awful... the rest of the cakes were nice though and seemed fresh. Then we went to our room, which was pretty disappointing for my partner, he went on the assumption that it would be a junior suit room like on the website pictures, however the junior suite we had was tired, minimal, and not as “special as he had hoped”. He even apologised to me not something a guest should feel they have to do on behalf of the hotel!!! You walk in and it’s a small room with a sofa and tv and a white plastic standing fan in the corner.. kind of like a student living room with regards to decoration and the atmosphere. Then open another door to the bedroom, again, pretty basic, lamp shades had cuts in, walls needed a good new lick of paint... I’ve been in nicer looking premier inns to be honest. The bathroom however was the saving Grace. Lovely big bath, nice big shower. On a whole the hotel needs a lot of TLC, for the prices being charged they need to meet those standards. The whole hotel inside looks pretty dated and confused in its design, it should be a beautiful country Manor House with that design throughout. Not dated wallpaper and carpets with catalogue furniture all the same and lights with cuts in the shades and naff artwork. The dining room was more like a conference space... dead in atmosphere too. On a whole they need to lower their prices until they reflect the quality of the hotel. Everything was looking tired and like a filler until the new items or new design takes place. Take a look at the pig restaurant and hotel small chain thats the look they should be going for.The spa treatment we had however was nice! Although they charged us for a treatment we never had on top of what we did have, luckily we noticed and it got rectified straight away before payment. The food in the restaurant again wasn’t quite fine dining but was nice enough I’d say. The staff however were very good and friendly. Just a shame about their surroundings!!

Booked here to celebrate wedding anniversary.nice situation.very dated decor particularly the bedrooms.shower tap for hand-held unit broken so unusable.overhead shower very slow to fetch hot water.NO hand-rail beside bath/shower(not good for less able residents).no spare toilet roll to replace 1/2 used one.european staff overly attentive but friendly.sorry to say this hotel is over-priced and poor value-for-money.Dinner in Mulberry Restaurant was very good with nicely presented prepared food.but £52.00 for an assemblage Burgundy pinot noir(very ordinary)was a rip-off(retails at £13..00)....x4 multiplier!!!

Spent one night here for my 50thRoom was lovely with huge bed and fab slipper bath with shower over in huge bathroom. A la carte dinner was really good with faultless service and the meal was delicious with nice size portions The only thing that let the experience down was the spa They had kids swimming lessons going on in the pool and the 'quite ' room was anything but didn 't have any treatments and there was no hot spa pool