The Vineyard at Stockcross

From the moment you turn in to the landscaped gravel drive of this stylish modern hotel and your car and luggage are whisked away by a friendly welcoming member of staff, you immediately get the vibe of what they do here. The raison d'etre here is to completely focus on you, the guest, and ensure that you have a fantastic time in luxurious comfortable surroundings with the very best food and wines on offer. Owned by Sir Peter Michael, founder and chairman of Classic FM, who also owns the Peter Michael Winery in California, the emphasis here is on fabulous wine and food. Chef Daniel Galmiche is a regular on Saturday Kitchen and specialises in classic cuisine with a modern twist. His tasting menu is an absolute must! Each course is accompanied by a special wine chosen by the head Sommelier and both the food and wine are introduced to the table by hugely knowledgeable staff. Originally a 19th century hunting lodge, The Vineyard now offers 49 individually-named rooms and suites. For a real treat book one of the Grand Suites – Mon Plaisir and La Carriere - which offer a stylish combination of four-poster beds, elegant bathrooms and spacious sitting rooms. The Vineyard Spa is the perfect place for a spot of pre-dinner pampering - lounge by the pool, relax in the hot tub or enjoy a special treatment. A trip to the Vineyard is a serious treat and following a visit you'll find yourself engineering another special occasion as an excuse to return! It's not cheap but the extraordinary service from the top notch staff, respresent money well spent!

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
If you love wine, dining and spa, you’ll love The Vineyard. Known as the UK’s leading wine hotel, we have a wine list of over 3,000 bins and 100 wines by the glass with wines to suit every food, mood and palate. Enjoy a gastronomic feast with menus created by regular Saturday Kitchen guest and Executive Chef, Daniel Galmiche, and indulge in our food and wine pairing experiences. And spend time relaxing in our ‘5 Bubbles Luxury’ spa voted by the Good Spa Guide. We also have a variety of wine events taking place each month from wine dinners and wine schools to Wine and Spirits Education Trust courses.

What is there to do in the area?
The infamous Highclere Castle, where the hit series Downton Abbey is filmed, is just a 10 minute drive away. You can secure tickets to the castle when booking our Highclere Castle Getaway break. We also have 9 hole Deanwood golf course and 18 hole Donnington Valley golf course nearby for those who enjoy playing a round or two. If you are interested in shopping, the quaint towns of Hungerford and Marlborough are only a short drive away.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
We offer a continental and full English breakfast

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
We have a 90 cover fine dining restaurant offering modern French dishes created by celebrity chef, Daniel Galmiche. We also have a more relaxed restaurant, the California Bar, offering dishes such as risotto, sharing platters, a variety of seasonal salads and a selection of desserts. If you wish to dine elsewhere we can recommend The Woodspeen, headed up by two Michelin starred chef, John Campbell.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
Our Deluxe Suites are very popular with guests as they have a separate lounge area, a marble bathroom, a king size bed plus all the little extras you’d expect from a five star hotel. Those who like a more contemporary feel, often choose our Atrium Suites, which are on a split-level, luxuriously furnished with modern fabrics and have a contemporary design. They boast a flat screen LCD television with either a balcony or terrace.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
The Vineyard is a hidden gem in the heart of the Berkshire countryside. Only an hour from London, it’s the perfect retreat for a romantic getaway, girlie spa weekend, getting together with friends and family, or simply dining for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea.