Relaxing start to festive frenzy

Debbie Hall visits Washingborough

As welcomes go, I can’t think we have had a warmer one than at this attractive country
house hotel.

From the large and lovely real Christmas tree and fabulous festive trimmings decorating the place, to the log burner throwing out its heat into the reception, our pre-Christmas short stay in Georgian splendour got off to a glowing start.

And it got even better. The bubbly receptionist showed us to our room – a four-poster the centrepiece of this comfy retreat – before returning minutes later with some extras for our hospitality tray.

I was soon ensconced in a chair beside the glass doors, a Christmas novel in one hand, a green tea in the other, glancing into the gathering darkness outside to see the village’s Christmas tree, illuminated in all its glory, in the distance.

Wafts of cinnamon, star anise and orange from the seasonal pot pourri on the
landing reached our noses as we headed for dinner.

With time for an aperitif in the relaxing bar area, we took in more of our cosy
surroundings – it is styled like a shooting lodge, but softer – while scanning the
menu.

Our meal in the softly-lit dining room included a prawn, crayfish and lobster cocktail and twice-baked Dam Buster cheese soufflé, grilled mackerel fillet with pan-fried chorizo and sweet potato, and curried chicken Kiev with butternut squash saag aloo.

You couldn’t wipe the smile off my other half’s face after his Kiev experience, and his grin was possibly a little bigger after a luscious dessert.

We had the opportunity to congratulate the chef the next morning, after a hearty breakfast, but our clean plates at every sitting said it all anyway.

This family-run hotel made us feel so at home, it was a splendid and relaxing start to the festive frenzy to come.