Grim's Dyke Hotel, London

I rarely leave central London and I mean stepping outside of zone 1. One Saturday, we took the metropolitan line to North London, Harrow-on-the-hill and then a taxi whizzed us to the historic grade II* listed country house on the London/Hertfordshire border. The urban side of London can really easily suck you in and forgetting there is still a greener side not so far away from you.

A glass of bubbly, a book to read, a sun beaming on you and maybe a few lips to chat to, wish that was life everyday that I can relax to. Minus the bubbly and the book, I was definitely here to relax for the afternoon.

Former home of W.S. Gilbert

Front

Back

We were given a tour to this remarkable grand building, Grim's Dyke Hotel. The building itself is best known as the home of W.S. Gilbert of Gilbert & Sullivan, who died on the grounds attempting to help a local girl who had got into difficulties swimming. Lady Gilbert continued to live at the house until she passed away. Since then, Grym's Dyke was used as a rehabilitation centre for tuberculosis sufferers and it was transferred as a hotel in 1970 and still is a hotel now. The hotel itself is a popular wedding and private function venue. It also played host for numerous well know films and TV shows. I am not surprised, it's not easy to find such beautiful surroundings in London.

The Kitchen Garden

Lady Gilbert's Room

The hotel is surrounded by stunning gardens and woods with hiking trails. If I did not remind myself, I would of have forgotten that I was still in London. It feels wonderful for once and awhile, to feel the fresh air of the countryside, hear the bird singing and enjoying the sun. The hotel's kitchen has it own little garden growing herbs, fruits and vegetables. Using seasonal ingredients to create the restaurant's menu.

We also had a peek of Mr and Lady Gilbert's rooms, now used as hotel suites but most features had remain from the original design.

Closing the tour was a sumptuous spread of afternoon tea delights in the formal dining room, thank you to the hotel's generosity. The portion size was something different to central London hotels, everything was so much bigger or just me used to seeing the fine dainty elegance. Nevertheless, it was hard to keep our mouth drooling and our hands away from the plate.

Sandwiches

A selection of favourite sandwiches, home-smoked scotch salmon on walnut & raisin bread with cream cheese, free range egg mayonnaise with mustard cress on homemade bread and cream cheese & cucumber on a finger sandwich. I particularly liked the walnut and raisin bread, with a hint of sweetness.

Tomato and Pesto Tart

The tomato and pesto tart may not have the best look, but it was fantastic and the tart case was like paper thin.

Scones

What is afternoon tea without scones? Freshly baked fruit and plain scone with strawberry preserve and Cornish clotted cream. It is just how I like my scones, light and fluffy.

Fanciers

Swan Choux Buns

As tempting as getting a sugar rush from the fanciers (rich chocolate macaroon, strawberry tarts, raspberry shortbreads and swan choux buns), I only managed to disintegrate the swan choux bun, and the choux bun was light and thin. So good I ate a whole one. What I heard from the others was the macaroon was excellent too. I was already too full to finish the three tiers

Guess what, this is a fraction of the cost compared to central London prices and who does not like a bargain. It's perfect for a quiet weekend away, only 30 minutes from London immersing in the stunning serenity presence and rich history of Grim's Dyke.

Price: £15.95/head

I was invited to review the afternoon tea at Grim's Dyke Hotel.