Hospitality

THE SPRINGS Hotel and Golf Club

Nestled deep within the Oxfordshire countryside and bordered by the banks of the River Thames, lies the Springs Hotel and Golf Course. Constructed in 1874, and named after the spring fed lake it overlooks, the Springs Hotel is a charming example of a Victorian Tudor-styled country house imbued with and retaining all the traditional values associated with the great Country Houses of England. In the oak panelled reception halls you will fi nd crackling log fi res in open hearths and beckoning comfortable upholstered chairs creating a uniquely English atmosphere. Whilst enjoying a peaceful rural setting, The Springs is conveniently situated for sightseeing with excellent road and rail links giving easy accessibility to key tourist attractions; the Capital city of London with Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament is within 35 mins reach, Oxford with its world renowned University colleges and Thames punt trips is 15 mins away, Windsor with the Royal Castle and changing of the guard is within 40 mins, the picturesque town of Henley on Thames famed for the Royal Regatta is within 15 mins reach, to name but a few. Stately home tours, river cruises, wine tasting at the nearby vineyard and historical walk along the ancient Ridgeway path can all be arranged with ease.

The hotel has a fascinating history which mantles it an indelible allure. It was once owned by the international pop star Ian Gillian of the rock band Deep Purple who eccentrically installed the distinctive guitar shaped pool. In addition, the hotel is said to be haunted by the famous English contralto Dame Clara Butt, who lived in the local village of North Stoke. In honour of her ghost, a room in the hotel is named after the opera singer.

The hotel has 32 well-equipped en-suite bedrooms, all of which are double or twin. Many have balconies with exceptional views of the spring-fed lake.

Dining at the Springs is an epicurean delight, where cuisine of the fi nest quality can be enjoyed in the AA Rosette Lakeside Restaurant, a captivating venue with views of swans gliding majestically on the lake in the most mesmerising light so very indicative of the magic of the countryside. For less formal gatherings the Golf clubhouse provides a relaxed atmosphere and incorporates an extensive and varied menu. The elegant function rooms including the oak-panelled Lord Nelson Suite and Green Suite lend themselves to more private celebrations. They are ideally located adjacent to the Lakeside Restaurant and have spectacular views of the well-kept gardens, swimming pool and the spring-fed lake.

The hotel offers wedding, banqueting and conference facilities, with various options available at the Hotel itself or alternatively in the Golf Clubhouse. The Springs specializes in corporate events where unobtrusive service and attention to detail are prerequisites for successful meetings, and encompass a selection of services tailored to meet exact requirements applicable to conferences, training days and business dinners. The conference room and meeting space can accommodate groups of all sizes and can seat from 20 to 150 in comfort. The location of the hotel with accessibility to the M4 and M40 motorways, in conjunction with the serene rural environment creates the ideal setting conducive to important discussions away from the distractions of a busy offi ce.