Welcome to the Home of James Bond
5th November 2020For Your Eyes Only
Have you ever wondered where James Bond spends his time on his days off? I’ve found the answer and it lies in Buckinghamshire, UK. I’m led to believe that Daniel Craig is a member of Stoke Park Country Club, Spa, and Hotel, which has also been the setting for one of his movies – RocknRolla. Indeed, not one but two James Bond films have shot scenes here: Goldfinger (1964) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). Where in recent times it’s become the stomping ground for A-list Hollywood stars, the original Manor House once belonged to Queen Elizabeth. In fact, it is said that the Queen visited The Manor House and Sir Edward Coke bestowed jewels to the value of twelve hundred pounds upon her! So what is it in particular about Stoke Park that’s held such a strong allure to the rich and famous over the years?
Rooms
The rooms, for a start, are magnificent. There are 49 altogether, including suites; 21 are based in the Mansion and 28 in the Pavilion, all of which hold the 5 AA Red Star rating.
The bedrooms within the Mansion each have their own style and design, holding onto a more traditional feeling with fine art adorning the walls and priceless antiques adding a touch of class. In the Pavilion, the rooms are of more contemporary luxury with combinations of rich fabrics and exquisite marble coupled with Andy Warhol lithos and film posters.
Given the pick of the bunch, it must be the Pennsylvania Suite. Not only did it feature in Bridget Jones’s Diary, but it also has awe-inspiring landscape views of Stoke Park’s verdant acres.
Golf
Stoke Park has utilised its 300-acre parkland estate by converting it into one of the UK’s most prestigious 27-hole Championship golf courses. It was in 1908 that the eminent golf architect, Harry Colt transformed this beautiful space into a mightily impressive course. So impressive is the parkland course that not only do keen golfers from around the world descend on Buckinghamshire to enjoy a day of the sport, 007 himself also battled it out right here in that epic duel from 1964’s Goldfinger.
In more recent times, two years ago in 2018 Stoke Park became the European Headquarters for the world-renowned David Leadbetter Golf Academy and has seven Leadbetter certified professionals on site.
Leisure
If golf is not your thing, then Stoke Park also boasts 13 tennis courts; six Wimbledon specification grass courts, four floodlit artificial clay courts, and three indoor carpeted courts. Plus, Stoke Park can also say that it is the first 5 Star Hotel in the UK to have Padel courts and is the only Club in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire to have this facility.
The Pavilion is also home to an award-winning spa with some fantastic treatments on offer. The Lava Relax Treatment is a great way to unwind, detach yourself from the everyday stresses of work, and relax any aching muscles. The indoor swimming pool is sensational, with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the room with giant beams of natural light. You’ll also find Italian marble steam rooms, a deep relaxation room, a private atrium with a stunning five-meter tropical aquarium, a Scandinavian sauna, an outdoor hot tub, nail bar, and boutique.
A 4,000 square foot gymnasium will also keep you fit and active for your stay, while breakaway chillout areas will allow you to find peace of mind for a quiet moment.
Dining
All those leisurely facilities are going to build an appetite, which is good considering Stoke Park has three magnificent restaurants. Humphry’s fine dining restaurant has three AA Rosettes under its belt, offering outstanding British cuisine courtesy of Head Chef, Chris Wheeler. Think home-smoked scallops that blow you away upon presentation and roasted fillet of beef that’s exquisite both in texture and taste. The food is perfect and is equally matched in the setting. Opulent décor and vases of colorful flora will take your breath away as you enter Humphry’s and make your way to your table. If you’re inquisitive as to who exactly Humphry might be, the restaurant takes its name after Humphry Repton who designed Stoke Park’s beautiful bridge in 1805.
The Orangery, adjacent to Humphry’s, offers lighter meals and is where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast in the morning and afternoon tea later in the day overlooking the gorgeous green space beyond.
San Marco, the third restaurant, offers relaxed Italian cuisine with classic dishes and family-friendly settings.
If I were to summarise a visit to Stoke Park in one word it would have to be unforgettable. From the regal suites to the inch-perfect grounds, from world-class dining to the exclusivity it exudes. Stoke Park succeeds in marrying the unique combination of the traditions of a Members Club and the best of today’s sporting, leisure, entertaining, and hotel facilities.