When the opportunity arose to visit Manor House Hotel in East Cheshire I couldn’t have packed my bags quick enough.
Having heard lots of good things about the Manor House Alsager and its popular restaurant it was time to drive from Yorkshire across the Pennines and check it out for myself. The icing on the cake was that I could visit the brand-new outdoor Garden Spa too.
After a long drive due to roadworks on every motorway it was a pleasant surprise to walk into the calm, relaxed, and welcoming foyer at Manor House. The receptionist was super helpful, happy to chat to use about our room and dinner arrangements, and she showed us the way to our room.
We were staying in a twin room located close to the indoor serenity pool and treatment rooms, and just a moment’s walk from the Garden Spa. Outside our bedroom window was a lovely courtyard garden filled with fresh herbs and pretty flowers. The room was quite basic, but extremely comfortable and had everything we required for a 1-night stay. It included complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits, plus a good-sized TV, nice bathroom toiletries, and very comfy beds.
Restaurant & Bedroom
After unpacking it was quite late and already time for dinner at The Stables Bar & Grill. We ventured through the hotel foyer and into The Stables Bar via the beautifully presented outdoor courtyard. The bar itself is on the ground floor and the restaurant upstairs. The restaurant was packed with character from uneven flooring levels and low wooden beams, to quaint views outside.
Again, the restaurant staff were willing to help with any questions I had about the menu, and they took time in chatting to every guest, not just our table. There was plenty of choice on the menu, we opted for a Caprese Salad, and the Buttermilk Chicken to start. The salad was outstandingly good, ripe heritage tomatoes and soft buffalo mozzarella with crunchy pine nuts and fresh basil. The Buttermilk Chicken could have fed two as a starter, it was ginormous and the garam masala and chipotle mayo worked in harmony together perfectly. Mains included Market Fish & Chips, and Shetland Mussels & King Prawn Linguini. Once again, the fish and chips were huge, and we need to give a big shout out to the chef as the minted mushy peas were a genius addition on the plate. The linguini was fresh and the prawns cooked to perfection.
We mulled over whether to have dessert as we were genuinely really full, realistically we should have said no, or at least shared one. But, in time honoured tradition we choose the Sticky Toffee Pudding (each) and somehow devoured the lot! Served with butterscotch sauce, salted caramel ice cream, and a brandy snap on top, the pudding itself was simply divine.
Time for Bed at The Amazing Spa at Manor House, Alsager
Back in the room we put the fan on as it was a hot night, we then collapsed into bed and slept in the knowledge that breakfast was only moments away!
As you can imagine there was lots to choose from the breakfast menu. We did however manage to reign in our ordering as we’d eaten so much at dinner. So, a bowl of fruit each, pot of tea, and beans on toast, and scrambled eggs on toast were plenty enough.
Manor House Spa & Spa Garden
I had been invited into the new spa area at Manor House, Alsager and was very much looking forward to it. We donned our swimwear and went to investigate. Wow! Firstly we checked in at the spa reception and collected our complimentary Manor House bag with towel, robe, flip flops and mocktail voucher. Guests are invited to take home their reusable rattan-style bag and flip flops after their visit, which is a very nice touch.
We decided to go to have a swim in the Serenity Pool, an indoor oasis of relaxation. The pool has a double bed hanging from the ceiling so that guests can drift off whilst swinging over the pool. Then we moved outside to the Pool House and heated Outdoor Vitality Pool. Both are surrounded by hanging day beds, sofas, fire pits, and flowers and plants. Upon exploring the Spa Garden we found lots of little hideaways including the Summer House Relaxation Room, filled with greenery, wicker chairs and gardening books. Also, outside there’s a Sunken Hydrotherapy Tub, Cold Water Tub and Cold Water Shower Experience. Equally, around another corner there’s the Pavilion Panoramic Laconuim, with marble seating, indoor swings, and views of the gardens. Not forgetting the Potting Shed herbal Sauna, and the outdoor sun terrace with loungers.
Outdoor Luxuries
My guest and I were invited to experience the Salt Steam Chamber, which was something we’d never done before. Firstly, the Chamber was similar to a sauna, with wooden seating and heated to 45-50c. Secondly, although not as hot as a sauna, it was a place to relax and unwind. Thirdly, the salty air known as Halotherapy offers health benefits for the skin and respiratory system. A large quartz centre piece helps to increase the energy whilst bringing more balance and harmony to your life. Furthermore, there was a mindful meditation played for the duration, which put us in a state of total relaxation! To say we were chilled out after the chamber was an understatement, and this feeling stayed for the entire day.
From the chamber I went for a Signature Tribe517 Pure Salt Massage, whilst my guest returned to the Serenity Pool. The massage was an hour in length and combined a full body massage with a pink and marine healing salt scrub. Classed as a two in one spa experience this massage was enough to send me to sleep. It was the nicest experience of a scrub and massage together I have ever had. Moreover, after the massage I was given a Temple Spa Silent Night Relaxation & Slumber Kit gift box which came with the treatment. This was an an unexpected treat that everyone receives after a salt massage.
Afternoon Tea in the Pool House
It was then mid-afternoon and time to enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Pool House. The Afternoon Tea was served with a drink of choice, plus selection of finger sandwiches and sausage rolls. Also served with scones with jam and cream, brownie, carrot cake, mini-fruit tart, and lemon posset.
What a fantastic way to end our visit to Manor House Hotel & Spa! Our overall thoughts are that this is undoubtedly the best outdoor spa in the UK that we have ever had the pleasure of visiting.
The Amazing Spa at Manor House, Alsager Information
For more information and to book, visit Manor House Hotel & Spa. https://www.manorhousealsager.com
Guests can enjoy the Garden Spa when staying on a specific Spa Overnight Package. The package includes 4* hotel room, dinner (£35pp) and breakfast in The Stables Restaurant, along with full use of the Garden Spa. Also included is a 60-minute treatment, a gift post treatment, and a mocktail each. Prices vary but are around £350 – £410 per night (per room).
The Amazing Spa at Manor House, Alsager – Words by Rachel McAlley
