English Eccentric                    (Venues) 

We probably went about this review in the wrong way – but for the right reasons. It's usually the 200-year-old Palladian Mansion at Stoke Park Club that gets the spotlight owned as it was by Queen Elizabeth I and replete with priceless antiques and four-poster frippery. But why not take in the Elizabethan heritage from the chic of Stoke Park's funkier Pavilion suites instead? Sat Bal took the best of both worlds. (2 Sept '08)

For those entering the grounds of Stoke Park Club by car (rather than optional helicopter) we’re pleased to report that the car’s sat nav system had no difficulty with the forlorn country lanes that twist and turn towards its Stoke Poges destination.

A frugal sign marks the entrance to the estate giving no hint of the long, filmic drive that's about to unfurl. The drive through the country club's manicured greenery explains why location scouts rushed here to shoot Goldfinger, Bridget Jones' Diary, Tomorrow Never Dies and Bride and Prejudice among others. Prospective adaptations of The Great Gatsby would be a safe bet here.

The regal grandeur of the white Mansion soon looms into view but we crunch gravel towards the nearby Pavilion, questioning whether it was the right choice.

Reassuringly, the Pavilion is no slouch judging by  its imposing masonry and stout columns. Neither is its car park which brims with assorted Aston Martins, Bentleys and high-spec Mercedes reminding us that Ascot and Windsor are in the catchment area.

The film references continue on entering the high gloss Pavilion lobby.

Artwork depicting Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is framed nearby. This neatly sets the scene for the Pavilion’s futuristic decor which could have taken its design cues from the film. The floor leading to the suites is a carpeted runway and an illuminated hologram marks its end, giving the approach something of a kaleidoscope effect. Tasteful rather than tacky.

The suite itself opens to reveal the unexpected touch of a mini library and beyond this lies the main suite accommodation.

Inside, the comfortable  lounge area features a large plasma screen TV and a padded chunky sofa with an ornate coffee table.

A separate working desk area complete with lamps and broadband connection is positioned in the corner of the lounge.

There's an abiding sense of newness throughout and décor is dotted with Warholian pop art flourishes.

Breakfast/dining suite with pool view

A beige carpet, thick underfoot, leads from the lounge to a bedroom where another sleek plasma screen is suspended. The plasmas are largely dispensable for two reasons; our satellite reception was patchy at best and the view onto the golf course and sweeping grounds is infinitely more pleasing than 100s of channels of homogenised TV content.

However, luxury 5-stars like this are about whim, not just utility, hence the  abundance of technology and facilities which guests might want to use but probably won't.

The overall effect is of chrome, mirrors and light in tasteful proportion and all furnishings fall into the luxury category. Each bedroom and suite is individually designed with antiques, paintings and original prints.
Corner view of suite 113

Black marble dominates the bathroom with recessed mini spotlights illuminating the toiletries in their  marble housing.
                               

The Pavilion houses 28 contemporary suites all individually designed and themed. There's a dictinct feeling of worlds within worlds, taking in the view of sweeping natural landscape from the polished interiors of the suites. Unsurprisingly, noise is not an issue amid 350 acres of historic parkland and decibels are confined to the shunting of tennis balls on the grass courts. Secluded terraces overlook Italian fountain gardens adding to the pleasant isolation.

London is a distant memory as is any city that guests have come here to switch off from.

Pavilion pool

And when the peace risks turning to ennui guests can get active with  complimentary use of the Pavilion's fitness spaces. These encompass indoor swimming pool with hydro-seat jacuzzis, state-of-the-art gymnasium, multi-surface tennis courts, steam rooms, and dance and fitness studios.  Residents can also book individual treatments from the spa which was honoured with a Tatler "Top 10".

Event Organisers

Conferences & Corporate Entertaining
Stoke Park Club's hospitality options include executive meetings, corporate entertaining, product launches and private celebrations. Eight elegant private rooms offer a backdrop of fine antiques, natural lighting, works of art and exquisite views of the estate. A dedicated team of event co-ordinators will assist your event and advanced AV equipment is on hand to polish corporate presentations.

Corporate Golf & Tennis
A 27-hole championship parkland golf course gives Stoke Park Club a reputation as one of the best venues in England for corporate golfing days and tournaments.

Incentive Days
Weekend breaks, golf, tennis, spa retreats and luxurious treatments all add up to  new incentive ideas for company clients or employees' achievement or loyalty presents.
Team building events include archery, falconry, soft ball or even a night of Cluedo over fine food and wine.

Parties
Private or corporate parties for 200 or more. Reception drinks in the Great Hall or on the scenic Terrace and then to the opulent private rooms overlooking the Fountain Gardens for the venue's award-winning cuisine.

Venue vitals...  

Dining

A range of restaurants is available. The relaxing Orangery, the upbeat San Marco and the chic, but classically-inspired, Dining Room.

The Dining Room was recently launched to residents, members and their guests and has become one of the most popular destinations outside London. Enjoy panoramic views of the golf course and the lakes to an all-day dining menu which offers everything from  traditional English tea to chocolates and champagne.

The evening menu offers modern British food with a twist, featuring plenty of Chef's signature dishes, with the stunning décor and a luxurious ambience The Dining Room caters to every guests needs.

Executive head chef Chris Wheeler creates British food "with a twist" for The Dining Room and his signature dishes feature across the evening menu.

From its location on the first floor of the Pavilion, the newly launched Garden Lounge  has inspiring views of the gardens and the grass tennis courts. Pavilion residents can take breakfast here.

Private dining & entertaining
The Fountain Room
For medium to large-scale banqueting and dining, weddings and parties.

The Wyatt
Ideal for intimate dinner for two or small party gathering.

The Ballroom, The Repton & The Buckingham
All rooms cater for private entertaining.

The Park Room
The Park Room has just opened and features leading technology including 2.74 m x 1.54 projector screen, AMX touch screen all in one remote control for the projector, Sky TV, sound, lights and blinds. It also includes Blue-Ray DVD and Laptop connection. The Park Rooms' contemporary atmosphere features iconic canvas prints offering the right setting for hosting meetings, conferences or private dining.

Corporate hire
                                     Full Day Hire           Half Day Hire              Private Dining
The Chalfont Room            £440                        £330                           £275
The Library                        £495                        £385                           £290
The Wyatt Room                £495                         £385                          £290
The Buckingham Room       £440                         £330                          £275
The Repton Room               £495                         £385                          £290
The Ballroom                     £1,540                       £825                          £505
The Fountain Room             £,1650                       £990                          £660

RK  _________________________________________