The Witchery by the Castle

First of all what an incredibly beautiful setting. We dined in the Secret Garden. We started with a delicious champagne cocktail prior to having afternoon tea. I have a dairy intolerance which I let them know ahead of time and they were most accommodating, able to prepare a variety of sandwiches and tasty desserts for me while serving my husband the regular afternoon tea menu. The staff could not have been more attentive. All A+ for sure. With all that said the sandwiches, although good, were nothing outstanding and sadly, although my husband's scones were fantastic mine were incredibly dry. Would I go back? Absolutely. Hands down, no hesitation.

We are just back from stay at The Witchery, we stayed in the Turret Suite, we only stayed one night and sure made the best of every minute, the suite itself takes you back in History I genuinely felt like a princess. We arrived 2 hours early and luckily the suite was ready, and we got to check in early. The two ladies at the front desk were lovely, wishing me a happy 50th birthday this was the reason we booked. Our cases were taken the room while they checked everything was ok. The 46 spiralling steps up to the turret suite just added to this magical experience. We were shown around the suite and then left to get used to our surroundings and take it all in. It was jaw dropping. We are just a normal couple who have never ever spent anywhere near what we did for a night away but it was a special occasion and a bucket list tick ✅ we never felt out our comfort zone or looked down on the staff were amazing. My first stop was to get in that amazing bath! Yes there is plenty room for 2. We only nipped out once and while we were out the turndown service had restocked and turned down our bed and set the mood for nighttime. We actually ordered in a pizza from pizza express later on at night when we both feeling slightly peckish. The whole stay was out of this world. It’s only fair that I add things that was less than perfect but I’ve not taken down my rating because for us it was a truly unforgettable stay. So the toilet I felt just looked out of place just a box standard toilet with black seat than I felt didn’t fit in with any of the decor, even a nicer toilet seat would change that. The double shower if your using the two then the water pressure is basically a drip and the Side Jets were useless they were less than a drip, and if you turned it to jets only the right side one just went thru the hole in the glass door and soaked the floor, but again it hasn’t made me take the ratings down because of the whole experience. We didn’t hear much noise from outside and it was quite busy with it being Easter weekend. We could hear the bagpipes if we left the shower door open which was lovely if it’s not your thing just keep the door closed. We were warm the whole time, you can control the heating in the rooms which is a nice touch. Two smart tvs and an Alexa which had lovely music playing when we arrived and then I changed to the brigerton soundtrack and I truly felt I was in that time! We chose to have our breakfast in the dining room, which was first class, the man (sorry I didn’t get your name) was lovely and nothing was a bother, we didn’t ask for anything extra but I overheard others and he was very attentive. One tip do not book thru a third party, I believe if you book direct you get champagne in the room, which we didn’t get despite paying just under £1000 for the room, hubby had panicked after book it or else I would love to go back maybe for my 60th and if we don’t get back then I have this wonderful memory that will last forever!

This review is for the restaurant. Ambience & service were great. Food was ok and certainly NOT worth the price. Beware of charges for bread & water and optional (yet included) Princes Trust charge!!! They should be ashamed! My daughter and I had the price "Light Lunch" with total of 3 cocktails and the bill was almost $300 US Dollars!

Mediocre food at best. Way over priced. Snooty wait staff with no memory. Never brought bread he asked if we wanted nor our drinks. Don't waste your time or money. Wish it could have lived up to expectations but far from anywhere I'd ever go again.

Immersive historic luxury restaurant. Excellent food, candlelight dining, and superb service. Make sure to book your table in the "old section" if possible for the ultimate unique experience. The garden area is also very interesting and inviting, as well.

My (adult) daughter and stayed in The Old Rectory for 3 nights, and it was magical! The room furnishings and decor transported us back in time. The staff was top notch! We had Afternoon Tea and Breakfasts in the Dining Room. The food was delicious and the staff provided us the very best service. The location is ideal...within walking distance of everything! If you are thinking about staying here, do it! You will not regret it!