A few weeks ago, the Cardiff Life team ventured across the border to visit an amazing, four-star venue called Cadbury House. Located just outside the village of Congresbury in North Somerset, it’s about an hour’s drive from Cardiff. Close to both junction 20 and 21 of the M5, having turned off the motorway we wound our way through the North Somerset lanes and after 10 minutes were soon meandering up the sweeping treelined driveway towards the impressive gothic house which was built in 1790.
As we parked up, we wondered how on earth we hadn’t been here before. Planes to the nearby Bristol Airport (just over 10 minutes away) flew overhead and made us realise this would be the perfect place to stop over before heading off on either a business or leisure trip.
Affording stunning views across the North Somerset countryside out towards the Severn Estuary and the Welsh capital, we were warmly welcomed by the reception team as if we were regulars. We were also given a deliciously warm and freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. Ideal after the drive. Cadbury House, with its manicured gardens and beautiful gothic house, instantly makes you feel incredibly welcome.
We were soon in our room which again gave us an amazing view and, being part of the DoubleTree by Hilton group, was very comfortable with everything any business or leisure traveller would need. Having unpacked we then made our way down to the state-of-the-art health club and spa for a bit of R&R.
The multi-award-winning health club and spa, which we were told by the enthusiastic team member has been shortlisted for Health Club of the Year in a national fitness competition, is arguably the most well-equipped and impressive we’ve ever seen. Boasting a recent £1 million refurbishment to just the gym alone, the multiple studios offer members and guests to the hotel a mind-boggling array of classes. There is also a children-free quiet zone where you can just kick back and relax which then leads out onto an outdoor decking area with loungers, sauna and hot tub.
With a 20-metre swimming pool, multiple saunas and steam rooms, it’s a great place to unwind, burn some calories and just make you feel good. The spa also provides a multitude of treatments including ESPA’s skincare range. There is also a fabulous Marco Pierre White-inspired restaurant called Bardolino which serves a variety of Italian-inspired dishes. Having enjoyed a swim and sauna, we then had a walk around the grounds and made our way back up to the main house and hotel.
With a variety of rooms perfect for all kinds of meetings, conferences and events the main Great Room, which is built into the side of the hill, can take up to 350 delegates while the various other rooms are perfect for all kinds of meetings, interviews and team away days.
After getting changed we then made our way down for dinner in Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill (the second of his eateries on site). Oozing sophistication and class, one would normally associate with a restaurant of this quality, we enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails including a Malfy Southside and The Godfather.
One of the very few restaurants in the whole of the Southwest that introduces seasonal menus every quarter, it’s also the only venue in the region that has a menu created by the one regarded by many as being the greatest British chef of all time. Included on the menu are a range of Seasonal Specials as well as the 1961 Prix Fixe which pays homage to Pierre White’s birth year and at £19.61 for two courses offers exceptional value for money.
Delivering perfectly balanced flavour combinations, the new Autumn dishes sit alongside the range of classic à la carte dishes which feature all the hallmarks of a menu that was worked on by Pierre White earlier in the year. The restaurant manager told us that the great man regularly visits, often unannounced, just to make sure the food being served is up to his exacting standards.
And with the walls adorned with pictures of the great man, you wonder what it must be like to cook dinner for arguably the greatest chef ever from the UK – and considering the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal and James Atherton trained under him, it must also be a great honour.
There’s also a poster on the wall with Marco looming, which states ‘The chef who made Gordon Ramsay cry’. So, upon asking the meaning behind the poster, the truth is that Marco didn’t make Ramsay cry. The story goes that Ramsay cried because he couldn’t handle the pressure of working for Marco.
But back to the food. On the Seasonal Specials, starters include a Balmoral Game Pie, Baked Camembert, Butternut Squash Velouté and Moules Marinière. For main guests can choose from Roast Cod with Lentils & Pancetta, Pan Fried Venison and Wheeler’s Fish Pie.
Meanwhile on the 1961 Prix Fixe starters include Beetroot & Goat’s Cheese Salad, Classic Moules Marinière and Butternut Squash Velouté while mains include Butcher’s Steak, Pea & Shallot Mini Ravioli and Roasted Pork Loin Steak. These all sit alongside a mouth-watering range of classic starters, mains and desserts with some signature and classic steaks on offer.
Being early Autumn I went for the Butternut Squash Velouté followed by a signature Fillet Steak Raisin Secs. Both were just divine. My dining partner opted for the Balmoral Game Pie followed by the Pan-Fried Venison, again both were perfectly cooked.
Washed down with moreish, light-bodied Pinot Noir the meal couldn’t have been better. The wine list is also exceptional and extensive but not off-putting in terms of price. We finished the meal with 1879 Cambridge Burnt Cream (the original crème brûlée) and Mr Coulson’s Sticky Toffee Pudding after which we made our way up to bed fully content.
The next morning, having slept amazingly well, we checked out which was very efficient and were soon (sadly) on our way back to South Wales. All-in-all, this is an exceptional venue.
The grounds, the welcome, the health club, the restaurant and the rooms truly make this a genuine jewel in the crown for the southwest and businesses (and leisure seekers) would be hard-pushed to find anything finer.
For further information visit https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/
