Beautiful Barton Hall

This is a one word review from me and then I’m letting my Muddy mates (above) tell you about Barton Hall. My review? GO!

Ok, I can’t leave it at one word, but believe me when I say this place is a hidden gem which needs to be visited (this is from a trip last year but I’m planning to go back VERY soon for an update). I’ve driven past here plenty of times and didn’t even know it was there (sister hotel to Rushton Hall: review here). Now I do know it’s there, I’ll be back to eat the delicious food at Vines restaurant and sip cocktails on the outdoor terrace which I can’t believe I didn’t know about and feel like I’ve wasted a dozen balmy summer evenings where I could have been quaffing (lady of the manor stylee)!

Quick precis from moi before I hand over to my guests…The Grade II listed building has undergone extensive refurbishment inside and out, and makes a pretty spectacular venue for weddings, events, meals out, or simply a drink after work (who can stick to one though, right?).

It has 29 bespoke bedrooms many benefitting from period features (more of which below) and there’s a very boutique style vibe here (just minutes from Kettering town centre!!!). There was a varied cross section of visitors enjoying the spoils on offer when we went. People reading the papers in the lounge to wedding guests frolicking on the lawn (it looked like a bloody good do, we were very tempted to join in).

Vines Bar & Brasserie looks gorgeous with lots of leather and dark wood seating and it also has 2 AA rosettes (more of the food later).

We hit the extensive gin menu as soon as we arrived, which we enjoyed on the patio overlooking the Orangery and lawns (omg, the Orangery, totes amaze)! Anyhoo, I’ll let the ladies – my oldest friends from school – tell you all about it now *none of them are from the area and none of them knew anything about the hotel.

From left to right: Kathryn, Emma, Muddy Me, Sarah

Emma on Barton Hall

It was hard to believe that this hotel was off the main road with its lush grounds and gardens, we’d literally just driven off the motorway and through loads of houses.

On arrival, reception staff were very friendly and this carried on throughout the stay (editor’s note: Emma’s worked at posh hotels before, she knows the score).

The bedroom was large, tastefully decorated and spotlessly clean and after dropping our bags we enjoyed afternoon gins on the terrace and were really impressed by the extensive gin menu. Dinner was scrumptious and as a vegetarian I was pleased to see that there was a range of tasty choices.

The breakfast buffet was also good with plenty of choice, both hot and cold (they offer a menu service when there isn’t a wedding), and while in the restaurant, we took a sneaky peak at the function room and outside conservatory set up for a wedding, it looked beautiful.

Overall, I was very impressed with the standard of accommodation and food, but what especially stood out for me were the staff, who were all super helpful and seemed genuinely happy to work there. Top marks Barton Hall, we’ll be back.

Sarah on Barton Hall

Barton Hall is totally deceptive. It’s a country retreat in an urban location with beautiful lawned gardens and a picturesque orangery offering a great venue for a wedding ceremony or other event.

We stayed for one night whilst there was a wedding taking place, and with only occasional glimpses of the wedding party it did not impact upon our stay in the least. The staff from reception to bar and restaurant were all extremely friendly and helpful.

Cocktails, Barton Hall, Hotel, weddingsThey were all keen to offer recommendations for drinks and food and a particular mention to Charlotte who was very knowledgeable about the menu and really added to our evening of fun. The rooms were a great size, with lovely décor and felt very comfortable.

Whilst the overnight stay is what we went for, the hotel is perfect for a relaxing drink on the terrace and a great dinner. We also managed to have a peek at the wedding being set up for the following day, and I’m sure the wedding party would not have been disappointed.

Kathryn on Barton Hall

Barton Hall was not what I expected at all. I live in Leicestershire but often travel to Northants for work, and to be honest, it’s a hotel in Kettering I had never heard of, so I wasn’t holding my breath! But I’m happy to say I couldn’t have been more wrong. As soon as we drove into the grounds I was totally surprised (pleasantly), and that was my stance throughout the whole stay.

All of the staff were fantastic, couldn’t help enough and everything we needed was provided for. The rooms were beautiful, so clean and had a really luxurious feel to them. There were also plenty of mirrors, which is important when you have a group of girls! The beds were very comfy, and although we were near a road – we didn’t hear the traffic at all – AND we had a bath in our bedroom.

The food was really good, we are a mixture of pescatarian, vegi and carnivore, sowe tried one of each, and all were well above average (seasoned perfectly, creative and super tasty). There was a large wedding party in the hotel that day and evening (you couldn’t tell as they were off in a different room), and the restaurant itself was always full. Even so, the staff were very attentive and knew the menu very well – recommendations were spot on. The cocktails were excellent and I had one of the best Long Island iced teas EVER (editor’s note: to be honest, I think she had two). The grounds were beautiful and after having a very fresh, substantial buffet breakfast we wandered around and observed the set up of another wedding – it was going to be a beautiful day and made me want to get married again (obviously to the same man😜).

So, there you have it, my oldest friends from home love it, so it looks like we’ll definitely be back!

THE MUDDY VERDICT:

Good for: Those who like beautiful surroundings and very friendly service. Perfect for a special night away on your doorstep (while feeling like you could be in the middle of nowhere). Also great for families and there are deals on at the moment if you fancy a night away with the rugrats (offer below). It’s not just for an overnight stay either; lunch or dinner at The Vines really feels like a beautiful treat, and there’s a great Vines Lunch Club card that gives you 25 per cent off. Also perfect for events and weddings (Muddy Stilettos Awards 2018 maybe?).

Not for: I’d be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn’t like it here, but I suppose if you’re looking for a play barn and a 2 for £10 meal deal, then swerve past Barton to the next Beefeater.

£££: Not super cheap, but why would it be for the quality of everything on offer (including the views)? Sharing boards from £14, starters around £6, mains around £15 and superb cocktails around £7.50.

OFFERS

Family Fun Overnight Stay

Enjoy the holidays with a night for the family at Barton Hall where the kids stay free and a fun day at Wicksteed Park

Offer available Monday -Thursday
Rates from £100 per room (based on 2 adults sharing with a maximum of 2 children staying complimentary)
25% off wristband purchases at Wicksteed Park

Have a look at Wicksteed Park

Discounts are only applicable when purchasing the full package full terms and conditions apply.

AMAZING WEEKEND STOPOVER SPECIAL
Stopover for just £30 at Barton Hall Hotel in one of our luxurious bedrooms.

Why not take advantage of our fabulous offer and stay for just £30 when spending £75 at Dinner in Vines Brasserie on food & drink.

Please call the Hotel to book on 01536 515505 quoting WEEKEND STOPOVER