Cannot believe it was 10 years since I last visited Four Seasons, Hampshire. Maxine from there introduced me to Karen at Ritz-Carlton, which made my 18 months in Cayman Islands so much better. A Mercedes Arrival & A Drink With GM Andrew I took a Mercedes from Farnham station and GM Andrew was waiting outside to greet me. The Instagram photos of this Georgian building do not do justice to its beauty, set in 500 acres. We went downstairs for a drink in 'Wild Carrot'. An hour flew by swapping stories & tips. I have since had breakfast at The Beaumont in Mayfair and Andrew was right about that hotel. My Godson, Sorel the Owl & The Halk Walk I was late meeting my godson and his mother. Simon, who runs The Halk Walk, told us the rescue stories for a number of the birds. I could not believe how soft Sorel the owl's breast feathers were. We spent a bit too long out in the cold for my godson but we all loved the whole experience. Afternoon Tea; Egg With Truffles and Meeting Chef Talha Barkin & Clement We were glad to get back to warmth and service over afternoon tea was perfect. Loved the explanation that was given of the children's menu as "the non-complex" sandwiches, to avoid a teenager's blushes. Chef Talha Barkin and Clement came to say hello. Chef Barkin and I exchanged stories about Four Seasons, Baku. The Oliver King Parlour Suite We then went back to my suite to cut my first birthday cake of 2024. The Oliver King Parlour Suite has three windows with unrivalled views from the hotel, the suite is above the front door of the manor house. There were Floris toiletries in the bathroom, which made me think about when Four Seasons at Park Lane offered Floris. 'Wild Carrot' & Food From Heaven I spent that evening in the bar area of 'Wild Carrot' with Chef Barkin bringing me some of his mouthwateringly delicious signature dishes, while I read Mr Sharp's piece in the latest Four Seasons Magazine. I am not usually keen on avocado but Chef Barkin made me love it with salmon eggs and his lamb with creamed potatoes and fresh black truffles blew my mind. At the bar I met Four Seasons audit staff from Toronto, who I will meet again on my Good Friday birthday at Four Seasons at Park Lane. St Patrick's Day & An Irish Breakfast Reimagined By Four Seasons After a very restful night's sleep, it was an Irish breakfast to celebrate St Patrick's Day. The soft creamy eggs were on a par with Raffles London at The OWO's & I love Clonakilty white pudding. Faye & The Tranquil Pool I then spent a few hours at the hotel's stunning pool. A perfect way to while away a Sunday morning, made even better by Faye's brilliant help. Becky & Douglas The Shetland Pony Next it was a walk through the stunning grounds, to the Equestrian Centre, to meet naughty Social Media star Douglas. He seems to love the attention. Sunday Lunch; Melt In The Mouth Beef Clement persuaded me to enjoy their Sunday lunch buffet and I was so glad I did. The roast beef, with a perfect crispy Yorkshire pudding, was sensational, even if it was all made a bit rushes by my imminent departure time. Clement was so thoughtful and brought me some cold cans of Diet Pepsi for my journey back to The Barbican.. My stay at refurbished Four Seasons, Hampshire was definitely a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) experience. Hope you enjoy the photos below. GM Andrew, Chef Barkin, Clement and Faye could not have done any more for me, Tip; stay to enjoy a leisurely Sunday lunch. |
32 Comments
Kathy
25/3/2024 02:07:19 pm
We were so lucky to spend the day with you Simon and to enjoy the Four Seasons experience. Miles really enjoyed the hawk walk and loved afternoon tea, as did I ! Your review is spot on. I’m hoping Miles doesn’t get a taste for the high life! Enjoy your actual birthday on Friday X
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Alejandro
25/3/2024 02:34:34 pm
An amazing pre birthday celebration in a beautiful hotel
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Maryann Benedetti
25/3/2024 03:29:13 pm
Well Mr. Frew.. Double Nickels will look very good on you!! A Mercedes arrival at the Four Seasons Hampshire seems perfect! Love the name Wild Carrot and I be the drinks and dishes you had there were scrumptious. It looks like your handsome Godson had a great time with you also and enjoyed The Halk Walk. It sounds so unique.. Nice to have it there to admire Sorel etc. I love an afternoon tea and yours sounds and looks delicious.. I am sure the stories you exchanged with the Chefs were very interesting. The Oliver King Suite sounds so beautiful.. A wonderful place to cut that stunning first Birthday Cake of 2024..
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Elliot & Frase - Cayman Islands
25/3/2024 04:41:54 pm
The sliced layered birthday cake looks delicious! Have an awesome birthday.
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Tala Stevenson
25/3/2024 05:32:22 pm
Looks lovely! Happy birthday! 🥳💝💕
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Chuck - Houston
25/3/2024 10:13:43 pm
Great pictures!
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GW
26/3/2024 11:15:48 am
Superb!!
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Bilal
26/3/2024 11:22:42 am
Have a wonderful year ahead. 🥂
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Gus
26/3/2024 12:52:31 pm
A truly idyllic place, What an amazing bucolic setting, Wild Carrot and all! The countdown to the birthday continues.....
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Nick and Rick
26/3/2024 08:49:00 pm
Simon,
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Susan Stirling
27/3/2024 01:35:55 pm
Fabulous Simon!! I am saddened that I am too old to be your god-child! Of course, Four Seasons NEVER disappoints but what a unique one this is. I am not a 'bird' person and these look even more terrifying to me, but they are impressive from a distance. The pony? Now that is truly darling.
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Patricia Frost
27/3/2024 04:05:50 pm
A brilliant walk through your amazing stay, I loved the explanation of each part of your day. The birds were wonderful & the pool spectacular. A great start to your birthday celebrations.
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Denise
27/3/2024 06:38:11 pm
What a fabulous stay and a glorious experience. The photos are superb , makes me want to visit, as it doesn’t involve flying it’s always a possibility.🤣👌 Your reviews are interesting and enjoyable to read. Thank you.
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Peter Gong
27/3/2024 11:51:32 pm
What a way to pre-celebratory your birthday, Simon, you succeeded, What a royal arrival gliding from a Mercedes into the Four Season Hampshire to start the weekend.There you were met by the GM manager Andrew. outside the beautiful Georgian building. Let the celebration begins with a drink and a chatter.
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John
29/3/2024 10:02:08 am
What a great hotel and experience! Looks like you were treated as the VIP you are!
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AISHA
6/4/2024 11:31:16 pm
What fabulous pictures as usual especially the ones of the birds and animals.
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The AuthorsSi Frew has lived in the UK, Bermuda, Qatar, Cyprus & the Cayman Islands. During this time he met Whoopi Goldberg (in Claridge's), Mike Tyson (in the Concorde Lounge at JFK) , Gordon Ramsay (in the Doha Four Seasons), Chris Eubanks (in The Dorchester), Cherie Blair (in Bermuda & again in the Doha Four Seasons) etc. There are funny stories attached to all these interactions, feel free to ask Si about them when you meet him. Archives
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