Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook is situated in 400 acres of countryside on the Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex borders. Considering it’s rural location, the hotel has surprisingly easy access just off the A3. We recently went to see the hotel on an evening site inspection – this is Laura’s blog
Old Thorns Hotel has over 150 bedrooms which is made up of 9 categories from Superior to Four Posters. There are also apartments which offer an open plan living space. Or if you want to feel at one with the wild then why not try the Eco-pods- a collection of rustic insulated wooden huts that offer a glamping experience at its finest!
There are 10 meeting rooms which all have natural daylight, built-in AV and access to the dedicated conference lounge. In addition, there are 2 function rooms; the two ballrooms can both seat 500 theatre style in each. The Gatsby Ballroom offers a pillar free space with private bar, balcony and built-in stage and the Grand Ballroom has an outdoor terrace, sunken dancefloor and a private bar and stage.
There are plenty of options for wining and dining, the Kings Restaurant is a Carvery & Brasserie, for less of a sit down meal and more of a ‘pub grub’ affair, there is the Sports Bar. For large groups, the venue can cater for dinners for up to 400 in the Ballrooms. For the smaller groups there is a private dining room with a Teppanyaki experience or plenty of space on the grounds for a summer BBQ. There is also a Champagne Bar which at times can be booked exclusively for residents only.
The Spa and Leisure facilities cover a vast 26,000 sq ft and include a Gym, Exercise Classrooms, Treatment Rooms, a Pool and Steam room. Much of the facilities offer views across the championship golf course which offers multiple corporate golf day packages.
As we sat down to a lovely A la Carte dinner in the Kings Restaurant after our show around, Andrew and Tracey kindly offered me tickets to ‘Five Live’ a Dinner and Disco evening starring the 90’s band Five. Yes please !
I have always heard good reports about the party nights at Old Thorns so it was fantastic to see the venue in full swing for myself. The food was delicious and piping hot when served, quite an achievement when there were 400 ‘five’ fans to feed and the staff were friendly and accommodating. The sunken dancefloor worked a treat so that those who wanted to bust a move could dance, while the more reserved could watch from around the edge with a clear view of the stage above the mass of heads below.
So if you are looking for a venue away from the hustle and bustle with a smattering of quirkiness then Old Thorns could be the place for you.
