Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot – French Horn Sonning on Thames – Pride of Britain Hotels
Sonning-on-Thames is a village three miles east of Reading, in the English county of Berkshire. Sonning has been a bridge point on the Thames since Saxon times. It is named after the Saxon chief Sunna. Sonning Bridge, built from
brick in 1775, spans the river at the same point where a wooden Saxon bridge once stood. The French Horn opened during the 19th century and in more recent times hosts a selection of rooms and suites alongside the river. The original mill cottages across the road provide the majority of the guest accommodation. It’s a perfect terrace of small red brick houses with manicured lawns & flower beds right down to
n Basildon Park - National Trust near Sonning On Thames.
the Thames. Guests enjoy a sitting room, bedroom and a very large bathroom and all suites offer complete privacy, with breakfast taken on the patio weather permitting. The main rooms include a welcoming bar with a huge fireplace irresistible on a cold winter’s night. The French Horn has been run by the Emmanuel family since the early 1970’s when it was bought by restaurateurs Ronnie and Carole, Their son and daughter, Michael and Elaine now lead the charge. Michael trained in Lyon under Paul Bocuse and in Mougins under Roger Verge. The highly-acclaimed restaurant serves exceptional French cuisine, plus delicious English dishes including local duck spit-roasted on an open fire in the bar. The family’s passions for fresh ingredients can be felt in every dish that comes from the kitchens. This combined with Michael’s skills at developing a splendid wine cellar make dining here a real pleasure. The dining room decor is classic and so is the food. As well as London, there are many other attractions near the French Horn at Sonning
(074) 9131018
www.keeshotel.ie
on Thames including Ascot & Newbury racecourses and Henley on Thames, home of the famous regatta, is also nearby. Blenheim Palace, Stratfield Saye House and Windsor Castle are just some of the historic buildings for guests with an interest in English heritage. National Trust properties locally include Greys Court, Basildon Park and fascinating sixteenthcentury house, The Vyne. Shopping is n The French Horn pure pleasure at Sonning On Th ames - Pride Bicester Village, of Britain Hote ls. where sophisticated boutiques, spacious boulevards, attentive service and a was Hertz & pick up is avail- rant, The French Horn overlooks the River Thames friendly, unhurried atmos- able at London Heathrow. A reminder also that gold at Sonning in Berkshire. The phere combine to offer a plus rewards members enjoy price for a double room costs truly unique experience. Discover a relaxed shop- fast pick up and drop off car from £80 pp (two sharing) ping haven about 45 minutes rental including exclusive including breakfast. www. away where spacious bou- benefits. Hertz consumer prideofbritainhotels.com) tiques showcase the world’s discounts with full details Robert Walshe is a travel leading fashion and lifestyle are available at www.hertz. brands, normally only found ie The French Horn is a broadcaster with Q Radio in the most exclusive shop- member of Pride of Britain Network and Travel Editor ping streets, and all offering Hotels – a consortium of 49 for River Media newspaper fabulous savings, all year privately-owned independent titles across the island of round. My preferred car British hotels. An enchanting Ireland. www.robertwrental company on this trip old riverside inn and restau- alshe.com