Located in Bradford on Avon, just about two hours’ drive from London and about one hour from Bristol, I discovered this gem – The Old Manor Hotel. In June 2013, when the hotel was acquired by a hotel veteran Tudor Hopkins, it also opened its doors to host events, and among others, corporate away days.
Accommodation and facilities
Nothing encourages creativity and increases team building effectiveness as taking the employees somewhere away from the usual environment and the big city hassle. Located on the countryside just outside Bath, the 500 year old house was transformed into a hotel and is a perfect location for such getaways for small to medium size groups.
It has 21 rooms and event space that can accommodate up to 85 delegates in the three different event spaces:
1. Drawing Room: Theatre 15/ Boardroom 14
2. The Milking Parlour: Theatre 65/ Boardroom 25
3. Greenhouse Marquee: Theatre 85/ Boardroom 45
Of course, you can also have an exclusive hire of all the hotel facilities and event space.
Outdoor and indoor activities
There is also a two acre paddock belonging to the hotel which is perfect for outdoor team building activities. You have the convenience of combining outdoor and indoor activities without major logistical challenges (e.g. – lunch break, splitting the groups etc.). The range of outdoors programs include: Archery, Speed Shooting, Air Rifles Target Shooting, Laser Clays, Falconry and Axe Throwing. The hotel cooperates with a local incentive company Teampursuits and can assist you with designing the right corporate teambuilding or leisure events and support you on site.
You can use one of the three event spaces mentioned above for an indoor seminar, wine tasting, training or other team exercises. After a long day when you just want to chill and have a pint of local ale The Old Manor has an on-site bar with a large selection of drinks.
Gastronomy
The menu is designed by Matthew Briddon, one of the UK’s top Chefs. After working in renowned restaurants, Matthew Briddon took over The Old Manor’s kitchen and designed the menu based on local and seasonal ingredients from hotel’s own garden. In addition there is an on-site smokery and you will definitely find smoked salmon on the menu. I had the pleasure of tasting the fine dining 5- course degustation menu:
Amuse Bouche
Pickled beetroots, whipped goat’s cheese, roast nuts, brown bread and a garden herb crumb
Chefs Home cured hay smoked salmon, pea salad, herb crème
Butchers Block
Treacle Tarte
My power breakfast
If you choose to stay longer, there are also other activities to consider, such as visiting the near city of Bath Spa and Stonehenge. I would definitely recommend to hire a coach rather than using a public transport.
At the moment, the hotel develops additional food and beverage related projects, such as its own herb garden and flavored gin. Good reason to visit again!
Getting back to London and the London traffic reminded me how much I needed this getaway! With all the technology and social media, it’s good to take a break from it all and get closer to nature.
Note: The hotel offers its facilities also for other events, such as weddings (19 weddings are already booked for 2014!), birthdays and other celebrations. You can stay up to date by following The Old Manor on Facebook and Twitter.
A big thank you to The Old Manor Hotel who hosted me and showed me around. All opinions expressed above are mine. For prices, packages and availability please contact the hotel directly.
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