Tammy Facey enjoyed a posh night out – and, without leaving much out, here’s her report.

Hogarths. It sounds like it’s steeped in tradition, or the name of an aristocrat or something. Keep thinking along those affluent lines – Hogarth’s is one of the most luxurious places to stay in the Midlands. Set in the picturesque countryside of Dorridge, Solihull, Hogarth’s know how to get your attention.

Your car tyres crunch along the gravel drive leading up to clean paving where the hotel looks more like a stately home than anything else. If the vast gardens don’t impress, inside certainly will. It is a truly stunning venue where detail and attention have been paid. Highly polished wooden flooring and floor to ceiling windows overlook the large lawn and forest where you might see the odd bunny rabbit or ducks waddling across while you dine in the morning.

I can assure you, you’ll be greeted by a smiling and most professional member of staff who is well aware of the exceptional level of service provided by this darling hotel.

On to the most important part: the rooms.

With sumptuous bedding and what felt like silk pillowcases, you cannot fault Hogarths. The rooms are one thing – breath taking. They are beautifully decorated in a palette of mink, grey, muted purple and understated tones. The rooms are spacious with modern fittings such as the open plan marble bathroom with a large silver shower head, heated wooden floors, very fluffy white towels and L’Occitance toiletries. Pure indulgence.

You might be interested to know the cool lampshade isn’t a designer one off.  No; Hogarths have their own photographer who took pictures of the grounds and transferred the images onto a lamp shade canvas. Ooh they’re cool.

If you’re too comfortable to move once you’ve settled into your room, that lovely little phrase ‘room service please’ is available at the touch of a button. Order what you like because within five minutes there will be a knock at the door, and your food/drinks arrive presented on a sleek black tray. You can consume whatever’s on the menu in more comfortable surroundings – eat naked if you like.

As lovely as the rooms are at Hogarths the food is equally as impressive. The quality matches the polished nature of the hotel, and truly met our standards.

Here’s what we dined on.

Starters:

Salmon and crab balls with a seaweed crust.

The salmon and crab balls were delicious. Little breadcrumb balls of fresh fishy heaven. Incredibly light yet the perfect size.

Fresh scallops. These little beauties were bite sized chunks of fish heaven. One word: delicious.

Mains:

Gressingham duck served on mashed potato with crushed cranberry, rich gravy, and toasted walnuts.

All the mains sounded delicious but I am a sucker for duck and Hogarths didn’t disappoint. Our waiter told me they serve the duck pink, but I opted for it a little more well-done. Thankfully it was served exactly how I like it, and surprisingly the walnuts added a really nice element to the dish.

Dessert:

We both plumped for the sticky toffee pudding. This was no standard sticky toffee pudding, however. Hogarths have made this their own. The sponge of the pudding was so light, and topped with the caramelised apple slices

Hogarths is not cheap, but as owner Helena Hogarth puts it: “It’s like John Lewis, accessible”.  I have to agree, it’s not blow-the-budget, we-can’t-eat-for-a-week, but more an indulgent get away; definitely one for special occasions. You can really spoil your loved one and opt for the room that comes with a hot-tub on the private balcony. If you do decide to do so and you order dinner, they will come to your room and serve you while you’re in the tub. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Prices start from £95 per couple per night. They have weekly offers like Secret Sunday’s where a couple can stay the night, enjoy dinner, and breakfast for £150 for two. So forget waiting for Valentine’s Day to express how you feel for your loved one.

It’s also worth a mention of the incredible offers Hogarth’s have at the moment: with wedding season upon us, you might be thinking of making your special day that bit more special; Christmas Day is free for Winter wedding lovers! Book your place now!

Four Ashes Road
Dorridge, Solihull
West Midlands
B93 8QE
Sat nav users: B93 8NB
T: +44 (0) 1564 77 99 88
E: [email protected]
Website:  http://www.hogarths.co.uk/