Hotel of the week
WHERE AND WHY:
■ This imposing hotel in Cannizaro House, once a 19th century mansion, benefits from a panoramic view of Wimbledon Common which is enchanting through all the seasons. You can still catch glimpses of its past as an affluent English home from the grand staircase in the lobby.
Rooms and suites are named after wines and you get a curved chocolate-coloured leather headboard, suitcase-patterned wallpaper, framed historical portraits and bookshelves, which is appropriate for a house which once hosted the likes of Lord Tennyson and Oscar Wilde.
All rooms have TVs, mixed teas, Lavazza coffee machines, instant hot chocolates and safes. Our bathroom was large and had heated floors and L’Occitane toiletries.
COVID CHECK IN:
All requirements were in place including staff behind screens on check in, track and trace, and hand sanitisers. Masks must be worn at all times in common areas.
ON THE MENU:
Dining is the heart of this hotel which prides itself on its food and wine. The hotel’s more formal Bistro Du Vin is currently closed and all food is being served in the stunning Orangerie instead. The menu is classic French fare, with dishes such as escargots and chateaubriand. The chicken liver parfait on brioche and rib eye steak with bearnaise were delicious.
Breakfast was equally tasty, with country table options as well as hot choices cooked to order including eggs Benedict, and avocado on toast.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: The main selling point for this hotel is its glorious surroundings. It is right by the sprawling 1,100 acre common and also next to some gorgeous country pubs. So after spending a good couple of hours romping though the woodland (and through to neighbouring Richmond Park if you really fancy a hike) there are plenty of idyllic watering holes for a well earned drink as well as the hotel’s lobby bar. You can also walk to Wimbledon village itself in 10 minutes where there is a string of nice shopping and eating options.
WAKE UP CALL:
From £111 a night. Stay longer and save more, with up to 15% off a one-night bed and breakfast stay, 25% off two nights, or three nights for the price of a two-night stay (up to 33% off). hotelduvin.com. (Hotel currently closed due to Covid measures).