Hurley House Hotel Review

There is a new restaurant and boutique hotel just opened up locally called the Hurley House Hotel which I was asked to review on behalf of Marlow Mums. You can find it on the Henley road where the Red Lyon once was. If you knew the Red Lyon you wouldn’t recognise it now as it’s been completely transformed into a contemporary stylish top end restaurant/hotel.

We went there for dinner on a Friday night and were greeted warmly by Alex, the general manager on our arrival. We chose to enjoy a drink in the large bar area before going through to our table. I felt it was a place I’d be happy to meet a friend for a drink and catch up, even if not following on with a meal. Whilst contemporary finished, the bar was very comfortable and warm including a ‘snug’ area and fireplace. It’s a mixture of homely pub and contemporary luxury.

Once I’d finished my very tasty gin cocktail, we went through to the restaurant area for dinner. The comfortable, relaxed but yet classy feel continued through into the restaurant. I can honestly say that what followed was one of the most enjoyable meals I have had in a long time. Luckily for me that’s a honest view and not one I’ve come to based upon writing this review! It’s only very occasionally that a meal or more precisely a particular plate of food becomes etched on to your mind as a special one. For me, this was the Fillet of Herefordshire Beef with Jacob’s Ladder Brassicas and onions. Whilst I have to confess, I don’t remember exactly what Jacob’s Ladder is, I do know it tasted good!! I also know this plate of food knocked off my previous most memorable meal from it’s top spot and that was ‘Gorden Ramsey’s Maze restaurant’ tasting menu. The service was also excellent. The waiters and waitresses managed to find the right balance of friendly, informal but extremely professional and personal service.

This restaurant is a place you would go to enjoy a special meal and if you find you can’t get into The Hand and Flowers or fancy trying somewhere new I would highly recommend it. Prices are in the upper bracket but the food and experience more than matches them. As the name suggests The Hurley Hotel is also a hotel(!) so if you are looking for a local getaway to escape the kids for a night of luxury, then I can think of nowhere nicer. In fact, it’s our anniversary coming up so I think I’ll give a few hints to the hubby!