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Dining area found within the Presidential Suite at The Grove luxury country estate
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Home / About /
Overview

About

Set in 300 acres of rolling Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove offers more than your average five-star hotel. Just 18 miles from central London, our private resort features three unique restaurants, an award-winning spa, championship golf course and a wide selection of luxury meeting and event spaces.

Views over the fountains, water features within The Grove, Hertfordshire countryside

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views over the canal, exploring the ground and surrounding areas of The Grove

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The Grove Hotel historic image

 

History timeline

  • 3,000 BC: Some of the earliest pottery made in Britain during the Bronze Age has been unearthed at The Grove by archaeologists.
  • 1294: The Grove’s land was first conveyed by John de Brittewell.
  • 1500s: During the reign of the first Queen Elizabeth, the first house was founded
  • 1753-1790s: The house was acquired by The Honourable Thomas Villiers, Earl of Jersey and British Ambassador to France, who became the very first Earl of Clarendon. During this time the sprawling grounds were a favourite spot for artist George Stubbs, who visited the stables regularly to create his famous horse portraits. The Grove was also visited by Captain Cook, who presented one of the Earls with a sapling of the newly-discovered Black Walnut Tree. This magnificent tree now towers over the Terrace, beside the Lounges.
  • 1800s: In the early 1800s the railways were built, but the Earl refused to let trains come through the estate, so the Watford Tunnel was created. Owned by the family for generations, the house was a popular weekend spot for Queen Victoria and other British aristocrats. Dressed in their best, socialites would escape to The Grove for lavish parties in the The Donneraile room, named after one of the hotel’s first guests, Lord Donneraile. Although we’re no longer home to the Earl’s favourite stuffed hunting trophies or silk wallpaper hangings, history enthusiasts will find many original features within the grounds. From the ice house under the golf course to the hidden stairways used by servants, our hotel is a maze of secrets.
  • 1920-1940: The Villiers family moved out of the property and The Grove was used as a riding school, a boarding school and a health centre before being turned into the wartime HQ for London, Midland & Scottish Railway.
  • 1940s: Known as project X and supported by the Earl of Clarendon, the grounds were used to build air raid shelters and underground bunkers for jeeps and other vehicles.
  • 1996: The building was in a ruinous state, until it was rescued by Ralph Trustees Limited, who renovated the property with the help of famous architects, interior designers, landscape gardeners and golfers. English Heritage allowed us to run with our restoration project and eight years later we opened our luxury country house estate hotel and spa, starting a brand new era for The Grove.
the-grove-lounges

 

Art and Interiors

Inspired by luxury, our sleek interiors were designed by the talented Martin Hulbert. Oozing sophistication, the traditional 18th Century building has been restored to combine modern style with its rich history, giving it a unique yet contemporary feel. Art is a key feature throughout the hotel, and each room and corridor is home to some truly unique designs. From miniature sculptures to glass displays filled with dried flowers and other surprises, you’ll find something quirky in every corner. In the centre of the hotel our eclectic maze of luxury lounges overlook the stunning gardens. Each one is individually designed and features different colour themes and furnishings, including dangling chandeliers and airy french windows.

courtyard benches overlooking lavendar

 

Gardens

A nature lover’s dream, our stunning 300 acre grounds are a haven for peace and tranquility. Our immaculate Formal Gardens are brimming with rose gardens, contemporary art and unique water features. During the spring and summer, guests can also enjoy the Walled Garden, a secluded outdoor space with plenty of armchairs to enjoy a drink or an afternoon nap. For more adventurous visitors, borrow one of our bikes, grab yourself a map and explore our woodland trails and surrounding Hertfordshire countryside.

Explore

Gallery

Gallery The Grove Hotel grounds

Blogs

Read the latest blogs from The Grove

Find out more The Nature Menu at Colette's

Book a table at The Glasshouse

Please note: Our restaurants are currently extremely busy, therefore if no availability is showing it means we are fully booked or dining is reserved for hotel residents only. Our restaurant diaries open 2 months in advance on the first day of the month.

We are extremely excited to re-open our renowned interactive food stations for a buffet dinner service. With the arrival of our new Executive Chef, Maarten Geschwindt, we will also be reinventing our weekend lunch offering. This will launch in Autumn meaning The Glasshouse will be closed for Saturday and Sunday lunch for just a little while. As soon as our chefs have curated the new menu, we’ll be in touch with all of the details.

Booking terms 

  • The Glasshouse experience is based on two hours from the time of reservation.
  • Notice of cancellation must be received at least 48 hours prior to the dining date to avoid a charge of £20 per person.
  • Multiple bookings using the same name and/or contact information, which are deemed to be related, may be cancelled.
  • We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to cater for dietary requirements.
  • Please note, a discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill.

Book a table at The Stables

Please note: Our restaurants are currently extremely busy, therefore if no availability is showing it means we are fully booked or dining is reserved for hotel residents only. Our restaurant diaries open 2 months in advance on the first day of the month.

Booking terms

  • The Stables experience is based on two hours from the time of reservation.
  • Notice of cancellation must be received at least 48 hours prior to the dining date to avoid a charge of £20 per person.
  • Multiple bookings using the same name and/or contact information, which are deemed to be related, may be cancelled.
  • We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to cater for dietary requirements.
  • Please note, a discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill.

Book a table at Madhu’s at The Grove

Please note: Our restaurants are currently extremely busy, therefore if no availability is showing it means we are fully booked or dining is reserved for hotel residents only. Our restaurant diaries open 2 months in advance on the first day of the month.

Booking terms

  • Madhu’s at The Grove experience is based on two hours from the time of reservation.
  • Children must be aged 4 or above.
  • Notice of cancellation must be received at least 48 hours prior to the dining date to avoid a charge of £20 per person.
  • Multiple bookings using the same name and/or contact information, which are deemed to be related, may be cancelled.
  • We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to cater for dietary requirements.
  • Please note, a discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill.

Book Afternoon Tea

Please note: Our restaurants are currently extremely busy, therefore if no availability is showing it means we are fully booked or dining is reserved for hotel residents only. Our restaurant diaries open 2 months in advance on the first day of the month.

Booking terms

Afternoon Tea is available for hotel residents only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

  • For tables of five or more, please call our reservations team on 01923 296010.
  • Notice of cancellation must be received at least 48 hours prior to the dining date to avoid a charge of £20 per person.
  • Multiple bookings using the same name and/or contact information, which are deemed to be related, may be cancelled.
  • We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to cater for dietary requirements.
  • Please note, a discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill.

Book a Table at Cinder at The Grove

Please note: Our restaurants are currently extremely busy, therefore if no availability is showing it means we are fully booked or dining is reserved for hotel residents only. Our restaurant diaries open 2 months in advance on the first day of the month.

Booking terms

  • Cinder at The Grove experience is based on 1 hour 45 minutes from the time of reservation for tables of 2, 2 hours for tables of 3 – 7 and 2 hours 30 minutes for tables of 8 and more.
  • For tables of 8 or more, please call our reservations team on 01923 296010.
  • Cinder at The Grove is available Wednesday – Sunday for dinner and Saturday – Sunday for brunch from 20 October 2021.
  • Notice of cancellation must be received at least 48 hours prior to the dining date to avoid a charge of £20 per person.
  • We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to cater for dietary requirements.
  • Please note, a discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill.
  • Children are welcome but please note, there is no children’s menu.

The Stables

Book A Table The Stables Restaurant at The Grove

The Glasshouse

Book A Table The Glasshouse Restaurant, Hertfordshire

Afternoon Tea

Book A Table Quintessential Afternoon Tea being served at The Grove

Book The Potting Shed

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Book a table at The Glasshouse

Please note: Our restaurants are currently extremely busy, therefore if no availability is showing it means we are fully booked or dining is reserved for hotel residents only. Our restaurant diaries open 2 months in advance on the first day of the month.

We are extremely excited to re-open our renowned interactive food stations for a buffet dinner service. With the arrival of our new Executive Chef, Maarten Geschwindt, we will also be reinventing our weekend lunch offering. This will launch in Autumn meaning The Glasshouse will be closed for Saturday and Sunday lunch for just a little while. As soon as our chefs have curated the new menu, we’ll be in touch with all of the details.

Booking terms 

  • The Glasshouse experience is based on two hours from the time of reservation.
  • Notice of cancellation must be received at least 48 hours prior to the dining date to avoid a charge of £20 per person.
  • Multiple bookings using the same name and/or contact information, which are deemed to be related, may be cancelled.
  • We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to cater for dietary requirements.
  • Please note, a discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill.
Back

Book a table at The Stables

Please note: Our restaurants are currently extremely busy, therefore if no availability is showing it means we are fully booked or dining is reserved for hotel residents only. Our restaurant diaries open 2 months in advance on the first day of the month.

Booking terms

  • The Stables experience is based on two hours from the time of reservation.
  • Notice of cancellation must be received at least 48 hours prior to the dining date to avoid a charge of £20 per person.
  • Multiple bookings using the same name and/or contact information, which are deemed to be related, may be cancelled.
  • We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to cater for dietary requirements.
  • Please note, a discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill.
Back

Book Afternoon Tea

Please note: Our restaurants are currently extremely busy, therefore if no availability is showing it means we are fully booked or dining is reserved for hotel residents only. Our restaurant diaries open 2 months in advance on the first day of the month.

Booking terms

Afternoon Tea is available for hotel residents only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

  • For tables of five or more, please call our reservations team on 01923 296010.
  • Notice of cancellation must be received at least 48 hours prior to the dining date to avoid a charge of £20 per person.
  • Multiple bookings using the same name and/or contact information, which are deemed to be related, may be cancelled.
  • We require a minimum of 48 hours notice to cater for dietary requirements.
  • Please note, a discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill.
Back
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