History meets high technology at the newly designed events space in Hanbury Manor, unveiled at a special VIP event on Thursday...

Epping Forest Guardian:

Newly designed space

I saw it less than two months ago in a hard hat, as a large chuck of the historic building was stripped down to a dusty building site.

Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club remains an impressive 17th country retreat set in 200 acres of Hertfordshire parkland with a Jack Nicklaus II designed golf course, spa and restaurant.

However now, following an extensive £1.7 million refurbishment and development of its meetings and event spaces masterminded by internationally renowned designer, Lucid Interior Design, Hanbury Manor has re-opened its doors to reveal the results.

Epping Forest Guardian:

There is the new Assembly Hall with polished wooden floors and subtle references to Hanbury Manor’s serene parkland includes a deconstructed rose design in the carpet in honour of the 19th century rose garden built by James II for Robert Hanbury in 1865.

The pièce de résistance is, in my opinion, the Poles Hall. This beautiful chapel is from the original manor house and retains the original distinctive vaulted ceiling and minstrel’s gallery, now rejuvenated with a softer decor and a unique, atmospheric lighting system. It is the perfect setting for a romantic wedding, holding up to 180 guests.

The Garden Court, Summer House and Conservatory provide an elegantly romantic setting overlooking the original scented Grade II listed Walled Garden and has space for 160 guests.

Hanbury Manor offers a striking setting and welcoming team who will create a memorable event for meeting and event planners searching for a destination of true distinction and for couples seeking a fairy-tale wedding venue.

Launch party

I went along to the highly anticipated, by myself at least, launch party of the newly designed area of Hanbury Manor on April 5.

I arrived to a warm welcome and a lovely gin and tonic, before being directed to their wonderfully decorated gin bar where I later picked up a glass of prosecco.

I had a nosy around, of course, before settling into an opulent velvet armchair, with various hors d'oeuvres to choose from, with meat, fish and vegetarian options – each delicious.

The guests then settled into the spectacularly grand chapel an awaited what would be an incredible three course meal with the spectacular jazz vocals of Martin John to set the atmosphere.

Epping Forest Guardian:

To start was an impressively delicate dish with three types of beetroot accompanied by goat’s cheese and astonishingly wonderful accompaniment of meringue – an unexpected delight.

For the main we had sumptuously soft lamb smothered in what might just be the nicest gravy I have ever had – I was incredulous at the magnificent tastes. This was served with a soft potato stack and seared asparagus with a perfectly balanced texture of supple versus crunch.

The dessert, perhaps not to everyone’s taste, was idyllic for me. A rounded serving of raspberry cheesecake was served, rolled in biscuit crumbs rather than sitting on a hard base. It was supplemented with red berries, champagne ice cream and slithers of meringue – it was heavenly.

Epping Forest Guardian:

As coffee, biscuits or cocktails were served – including the best martini I have ever had the joy of drinking – the three-piece band Piano Factor took to the stage with classic hits from the decades gone by and guests could dance the rest of the night away should they so choose.

Hanbury Manor Hotel and Country Club. Details: +44 (0) 1920 487 722