The Priest House

I’d happily recommend The Priest House to anyone looking for a memorable afternoon tea in a beautiful setting. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that great care had been taken to create a welcoming and relaxing experience. The location itself is stunning, with picturesque waterways and lovely surrounding countryside that make it a destination in its own right. It’s the sort of place where you can easily lose track of time simply enjoying the peaceful views. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we’re already considering returning for a weekend stay. Inside, the warm, inviting décor creates a cosy yet elegant atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind. The service was excellent throughout our visit. Every member of staff we encountered was polite, attentive and genuinely welcoming. What particularly impressed us was the communication before our visit regarding our allergies and intolerances. The team contacted us in advance to discuss our dietary requirements and then took the time to confirm everything again on the day. Their attention to detail gave us complete confidence that customer safety is taken seriously, allowing us to relax and enjoy the experience. The afternoon tea itself was the highlight of our visit. Everything was beautifully presented and clearly freshly prepared. The sandwiches were made fresh and offered a lovely selection of fillings, providing the perfect savoury start. The homemade scones were exceptional—light, fluffy and full of flavour. Served with the traditional accompaniments, they were undoubtedly one of the standout items on the menu. The handcrafted macarons were another favourite, with a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity that showcased real skill in their preparation. For the sweet treats, the chocolate délice featured a rich dark chocolate mousse that simply melted in the mouth. It was wonderfully indulgent and packed with flavour, although it was so rich that a slightly smaller portion might have made it even more enjoyable. The vanilla cheesecake provided the perfect contrast, being beautifully soft, delicate and creamy without being overly sweet, making it a delightful way to finish the afternoon tea. Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience in a beautiful location with excellent food and outstanding customer service. The team’s commitment to accommodating dietary requirements was particularly reassuring and deserves recognition. We left feeling relaxed, well looked after and already looking forward to returning. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a high-quality afternoon tea in a truly idyllic setting.

a month ago · via Google

I booked this hotel for an overnight stay in January 2026 as was flying early the next day from East Midlands Airport. It was a reasonable price & close to the airport with a free shuttle service. It is located at the bottom of a country lane so not within walking distance of any amenities. We arrived in the evening and were dealt with promptly by friendly reception staff. We were directed to a block of chalets separate from the main hotel & bar. These are small but functional. The decor was dated but , fine for a 1 night stay. The bathroom was small and mostly clean but, some exposed pipework was dusty and dirty. We did not venture past the reception desk in the main hotel but we could see into a large open plan bar area which looked very nice. The grounds were well maintained and it looked a great place to come and sit outside near a waterway. The car park was large and gravelled - we left our vehicle keys at reception. The shuttle taxi both ways was very prompt and both drivers were professional and friendly. If you are looking for a place to stay near the airport fort 1 night I would recommend.

4 months ago · via Google

We attended a wedding at the Priest House and stayed 2 nights. It was a double room for 2 adults. I had my doubts once Reception Staff said they could not give us 2 keys, even when we asked. This was hugely inconvenient seeing as weren’t joined at the hip and we wanted to get involved in different activities with various sections of the wedding party. Due to its location, the hotel seems to enjoy a monopoly of being a ‘wedding venue’ so very little effort, energy and expense has been expended and cascades from management down to the staff. Facilities are atrocious. Dirty and grimy looking windows and curtains, worn and tired looking furnishings and decor, stained bath tubs, chipped tiles, dirt and grime everywhere. Beds were on rollers which twisted sand turned at the slightest of movements, it was like being on TFL’s Metropolitan line train as it snakes into Baker Street. Guest toilets in the communal areas are just as bad. All round there is a level of complacency that just won’t wash if they had competition. I was also less than impressed with its ‘cashless policy’. The last time i checked Pounds and Pennies are still legal tender and one should have the choice of paying in cash if they wish to. With hindsight, we should have gone to Premier /Holiday Inn and then just driven down for the wedding. The ‘convenience’ of staying onsite was anything but. The place is in desperate need of an uplift, The Hotel Inspector treatment no less, Alex will definitely have loads to say. Its current state shows a disrespect for guests and a disregard for hospitality. The only positive was breakfast (nice spread) and lovely breakfast staff. If you live in the area and do not have an alternative wedding venue, perhaps consider just using the place for the reception. Stay there at your own peril.

3 weeks ago · via Google

Excellent location. The roofs are large and clean and the staff are extremely welcoming. The food is fantastic and there’s a good selection to cater for most peoples dietary requirements. The location is one of the best, stunning views with tranquility. See you again soon

a month ago · via Google