The first day of my second week was the first time that I met a hotel and saw a presentation from them about what they do! Principal Hayley and Four Pillars Hotels both came in today which gave me an insight into what they offer.
Their hotels are located all over the country and have something to suit all people’s tastes and budgets as well as having facilities to cater for different sized events; they really have something for everyone! Read More
In recent years Square Events have hosted many showcase events highlighting some of the UK’s best locations and hotels for Masonic Lodge Ladies Weekends. Having held events in Dorset, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Kent and Hampshire in the last couple of years we’ve decided this time to go to ESSEX. Read More
After a bit of a rushed journey from the office to the Macdonald Berystede we had a nice refreshing glass of pimms and some amazing canapés consisting of some indulgent mini burgers, interesting chilli popcorn and delightful asparagus wrapped in Parma ham waiting for us on the terrace, along with the lovely Mathew Turvey and Melissa Moore. The hotel looks very historical from the outside with a horse led theme inside due to being so close to the famous Ascot racecourse. The function rooms are beautiful and have some great private bar areas for drinks receptions and versatile spaces to accommodate a gala dinner at a Masonic Ladies Festival. For your leisure time the hotel has the most fabulous spa with numerous treatments on offer, as well as an unusually large swimming pool (for a hotel) with the added bonus of an exit to a small pool outside and a gym. Read More
After travelling for just over an hour and a half we found ourselves at the entrance to the Mercure Windsor Castle Hotel, what a sight, a beautiful traditional building with balconies and large windows. From the front the hotel looked quite large, but once we walked through the door it was even more grand and spacious than expected, kind of like a tardis, with the added benefit of a well appointed car park. We were welcomed warmly at the reception desk when we checked in. In my opinion first impressions are key, so having a smiling face to welcome guests is very important, which the Mercure Windsor Castle Hotel have down to a tee. When we got to our room we were impressed by the finishing touches and soft furnishings that made the room feel homely and comfortable, rather than cold and sterile. Read More
After a long day in the office my colleague and I from Brief2Event and Square Events arrived at Bartley Lodge Hotel. We were greeted by a long, sweeping driveway that perfectly set up the country manor feel of the building itself our check-in was very fast, we were both delighted with the room we were staying in, very clean, modern but still within keeping with the country manor feel.
Shortly afterwards we met the lovely Nicki Smith for a drinks reception and a show round. The Baronial Hall is an extremely versatile space and would serve perfectly as a function room for private dining, meetings or conferences. The room benefits from wood panelling and has a very traditional feel, one of the best aspects of this room is the large windows overlooking the gardens with access to the patio, which would be ideal for a drinks reception in the summer evenings or as an area to unwind in during conference breaks.
Bartley Lodge Hotel has an ‘old’ part and a ‘new’ part to the hotel. They offer four different categories of bedrooms – Keeper (cosy standard), Agister (standard rooms), Verderer (larger rooms with all amenities) and Crown (executive, some with four poster beds and additional luxuries) The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and sauna for all residents to use.
We dined in the Crystal Restaurant in the hotel conservatory and had the opportunity to sample the new menu for the ‘Spring/Summer’ season. The selections were extensive and the food was delicious. The menu would be great for a private dining experience, such as a Masonic Ladies Festival. The hotel had really pulled out all the stops and this was evident with my dessert I had the chocolate brownie which was presented as a New Forest scene with a side of ‘soil and mushrooms’ they had made mini marshmallows and cookies as the mushrooms and soil was crushed up cookies with fennel for grass. It was a great touch and everyone made comments regarding the dessert. The meal was delicious and we were certainly not left hungry!
We enjoyed a restful night’s sleep in our well-appointed bedroom and breakfast the next day really set us up for a day’s activities in the New Forest.
For more information on organising your Masonic event in the New Forest or the UK please contact Guy Mason, Matt Devine or the rest of the team at Square Events and Perfect Weekend using the details below:
01202 400855
Square Events Management