Oakley Court docket is ‘hurling off its company shackles’, trumpets Sawday’s information, which favours small locations.
Frankly, I’m somewhat shocked it’s within the information in any respect, given it has 110 rooms, however no less than this enormous Victorian pile by the Thames close to Windsor is again in personal palms.
Thoughts you, as I make my method to room 334, I go no fewer than 5 government places of work completed up as board rooms, all ready to be employed.
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Stately: Oakley Court docket in Windsor is a big Victorian pile by the Thames, with 110 rooms
The room itself — large, clear and purposeful — is struggling to unburden itself of these company shackles, although there are some breezy directions, similar to ‘Don’t even give it some thought’ to implement the no-smoking rule and ‘Get up and odor the espresso’.
Oakley Court docket was in-built 1859. It was the setting for TV exhibits and movies similar to The Rocky Horror Image Present and Tommy Steele’s Half A Sixpence, earlier than opening as a lodge in 1981.
The Queen dropped in seven years in the past to witness swan upping, the annual census of unmarked mute swans — which all belong to her.
However for all its historical past, it’s not straightforward on the attention, particularly with its numerous added wings. Even so, sitting on the terrace with a glass of wine on a summer time’s night as boats and scullers head up river should be a pleasure.
I eat in The Scullery, which is darkish and dreary regardless of the most effective efforts of the cheerful workers.
Oakley Court docket was in-built 1859. It was the setting for TV exhibits and movies similar to The Rocky Horror Image Present and Tommy Steele’s Half A Sixpence, earlier than opening as a lodge in 1981
Within the passage outdoors is one thing known as an Evogro Plant Rising System, the place salads and greens are grown from seed below pink fluorescent lights. Properly supposed, I’m certain, however not altogether appetising.
It’s a Sunday and never many individuals are right here, which begs the query why my room faces the health club and indoor pool constructing reasonably than the river.
I believe it’s the fault of these company handcuffs nonetheless inhibiting the receptionist from making a choice.
However breakfast is a revelation.
Simply off the eating room is The Pantry, the place you assist your self to every part from recent fruit and nuts to eggs, bacon and fried bread, all laid out like an old- normal candy store.
It’s beneficiant, imaginative and on the different finish of the dimensions from company.
