Overview

Heythrop Park hotel offers an alternative lunch offer at The Travelling Duke pub. (Photo One) The inviting entrance draws you in with its interesting feel as you arrive. (Photos 2 / 3). Leave your room, and catch the lift to level (Minus 1) (Photo 4). Walk through the nicely furnished sitting area. This overlooks the steps leading to the lower South West reception area, and is a quiet comfortable sitting area, while you watch the world pass by. (Photo 5). Enter the Travelling Duke pub. This has been named after Charles Talbut, the 12th Earl of Shrewsbury, who also became the 1st Duke of Shrewsbury. It refers to the time he travelled extensively throughout Italy in particular, and became inspired enough to take ideas back home which inspired the building of his new mansion, Heythrop Park. He was born on the 15th July 1660, in England, becoming a politician, holding the position of Lord High Tresurer, although he held many other titles as well during his lifetime. He married Adelaide Paleotti about 1705, in Rome. He employed Thomas Archer to erect his house for him, in the Baroque style, which took between 1706-1711 for the main part to be built. It was constructed in stages, the roof being in place by 1709, but he only moved into the partially built home in 1713. He died at the age of 56, having no children, on 1st February 1718, and buried at ALBRIGHTON, Shropshire. The Heythrop park had not yet been completed for him, so never saw it finished. Thereafter, it remained in the hands of many Earls of Shrewsbury until it was badly damaged by fire in 1831. FOR MORE HISTORICAL NOTES OF HEYTHROP PARK, READ OUR OTHER REVIEWS ON “EUANS GUIDE” dated from September 2024. ===================================================================== (Photos 6 and 7 ). Staff will kindly come and take your orders after you have found yourselves a table. (Photos 8 and 9 ). Enjoy a heartedly prepared lunch, followed by a delightful apple crumble WINE NOTES. We tried the Red, Les Perons Pinot Noir, from France. Slight musky liquorice and dark fruit aroma, Cherry Red appearance, with the taste of hot peppery notes, deep liquorice, light bodied, but rather watery. The finish was short. And a hot pop rather than wine, a poor wine which we only gave 5.5 marks out of 10. (Photo 10). There are lots of seating spaces, although the main level will require you going down a few steps, and is a warm open area with plenty of light, but If you cannot manage steps, then chose the top level, with is very nicely decorated for your use. ================== We recommend you now taking a well earned drink after your lunch, by walking past the bar, and take the long passage along to the lift, and go down to level Minus 2, and walk across to THE LATE LOUNGE BAR. (Photos 11, 12 and 13) (Photo 14). Their Baileys liqueur coffee is the nicest we have ever had, so do try one after lunch. ======================= However, if its is a beautiful day, you may wish to relax in the gardens instead (Photo 15) there are beautiful areas you can explore throughout the estate, the whole landscaped gardens are well tended, offering a peaceful retreat, with interesting little spots to look out for. (Photo 16) The Moroccan garden terrace may appeal, a bit of a sun trap though. (Photo 17) or just outside the reception area, the Dukes terrace attracts many to sit and enjoy their drinks. We personally enjoyed our lunch experience today, followed by a relaxing afternoon.

Transport & Parking

The car parks are to far away from the hotels entrance, and although the South Wing car park being on the level, it is a long push for your carer, and you will all get soaked if it’s raining. There are not that many disabled bays to find, and they are always full of cars before you get to them, so the disabled will have to be prepared to walk miles to get to the hotel entrance. Disappointing, and marks have been taken off the hotel for this lack of support for the cripples or disabled who cannot walk, and need the hotels support.

Access

both the South wing, and the North wing car parking for disabled is to far from the hotels entrance, the paths are level enough, and easy to push along, if you have a carer, or you are strong in the arms. Ramps are there, and it’s easy enough to get around the interior areas once inside hotel.

Toilets

Staff

We found all the staff very helpful and willing. We want to mention the reception team, as all the staff here were so kind and supported us so well.

Photos