bookcase is actually a secret door into the bathroom. And our Grand Feature bedrooms offer something really special for the incentive market.” Within easy reach of Coventry and Warwick, the abbey offers 11 varied events spaces, all with their own brand of historic character (see page 51). “There’s a real sense of occasion to holding a meeting or event here, because of the nature of the property,” says Picken. “We can offer unique themed experiences, such as our medieval banquets in The Abbeygate, and we’re often asked to host prestigious occasions, such as mayoral receptions with visiting VIPs.” Indoor and outdoor team-building experiences, from archery and ‘It’s a Knockout’ challenges to cocktail making, are also available. With a dedicated events team overseeing each day’s schedule, the larger self-contained venues also have their own kitchens and catering staff. This allows the team at Coombe Abbey’s main restaurant, the elegant conservatorystyle Garden Room, to concentrate on what they do best – serving up fine dining with a strong emphasis on local English produce. If you’ve brought a hearty appetite (and a colleague), you can indulge in the signature dry-aged ‘Knighted Baron of Coombe’ steak platter with all the trimmings. However, there are also plenty of lighter options, as well as regularly changing seasonal specials and an ever-popular afternoon tea menu.
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“THERE’S A REAL SENSE OF OCCASION TO HOLDING A MEETING OR EVENT HERE, BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE PROPERTY. WE CAN OFFER UNIQUE THEMED EXPERIENCES”
It’s an impressive haul to add to the hotel’s already sizeable (and characteristically Gothic-looking) trophy cabinet – but Picken insists the team aren’t about to rest on their laurels any time soon. “We were over the moon to win this industry recognition, especially as we’re not a big chain with a huge sales team,” she smiles. “And we were also blown away to be shortlisted for best UK hotel overall – that certainly gives us something to aim for in future.” If it’s low-key minimalism you’re after, Coombe Abbey is unlikely to top your wish list – but for the rest of us, its quintessentially English charm and quirky grandeur, along with the evident enthusiasm of the entire hotel team, make it a venue with a real wow factor. And as for the ghosts – if one or two former residents have chosen to linger here beyond their time, who could really blame them?
Clockwise from left: The abbey is encircled by gorgeous parkland; the atmospheric lobby; Feature rooms offer characterful touches such as roll-top baths
An award-winning venue
For all its grandeur, Coombe Abbey strives to offer value: “Some people assume a venue like this must be out of their budget, but we are very competitive on costs,” Picken says. Little wonder, then, that the property recently scooped three gongs in the M&IT Awards 2017, winning gold for Best UK Unusual Venue and Best Value for Money Conference Venue, and securing a silver award for Best Conference and Banqueting Staff. 053
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