Review: Sopwell House Hotel

Review Three: Sopwell House Hotel
Cottonmill Lane, Sopwell, St Albans AL1 2HQ
01727 864477

Arriving at this hotel one is confronted with a beautiful set of buildings surrounded by a set of tremendous trees. The entrance to Sopwell House is a vast atrium with huge glass doors leading to a brick lined hall. So far so good.

There is also a Concierge waiting at the door who could not have been more helpful. He even agreed to charge up Watlington's MP3 player by connecting it to the hotel computer.

Expectations pleasantly raised thus far, Watlington entered the bar ready to enjoy the Sopwell House experience.

Having walked through the remarkable entrance hall, in truth the cocktail bar was a little disappointing. The entrance to the bar was a confusing fusion of modern-minimalist-1970s, suddenly becoming more traditional with mock Tudor wood panelling.

Waiting around for ten minutes, there was no sign of a waiter or even barman, although to be fair, the waiters suddenly appeared with regularity later on in the evening and were both friendly and helpful.

Now the food. Not being particularly hungry, Watlington ordered a rare tuna nicoise salad from the bar menu with no dressing. When the tuna arrived it was well done and drenched in a mayonaisy type dressing that was tasteless and unnecessary. By contrast, the double espresso served was delicious - the coffee rich and smooth.

Sadly, despite being a smoking bar, no cigars were available as the suppliers had not delivered - not even a tiny Hamlet was on offer. In a stroke of good fortune, Watlington found an old Romeo and Julieta in a jacket pocket which - combined with the espresso - made for a very nice smoke.

From having been absent, the waiters appeared as if from nowhere and became ever so attentive. When my companion arrived, decent vodkas were served. One vodka with cranberry juice was especially refreshing. All around guests were either going to or coming from dinner in the hotel restaurant. I did not see the restaurant food other than the large square glass plate of petit fours which were clearly being gobbled up and enjoyed in equal measure.

This is a hotel that offers so much but could do so much more with a little more thought. Worth going only if you want to walk through the wonderful entrance and perhaps a chance to try those delectable petit fours.

P.S. The local MP for St Albans is Anne Main. She won the seat from Labour at the last election. Mrs Main will be pleased to know she was a topic of conversation in the Bar. Apparently she has taken the lead on a campaign against HGVs driving through a nearby village, Brickets Wood. Local residents have been impressed by the letters she has written to constituents on the subject as well as her prompt replies. It is good to hear of a Tory MP being praised for being so hardworking and at the heart of her community.

The Bill for one salad nicoise, two double espressos, two vodkas, two diet cokes and two cups of tea came to £35. Nearly 5 star prices for 3.5 star food and drink.

To read more by Watlington, see Watlington.