We have just returned home after a lovely stay at the Penventon for my husbands birthday treat. When we arrived to our room my husband had a lovely birthday card and ballons waiting for him which was a lovely touch. The hotel is... Lovely clean throughout. Staff friendly and attentive. Food in the restaurant was fresh and perfectly cooked, compliments to the chef. Thank you all for a lovely evening, Especially Johnathan whom was very helpful.
We attended The Penventon for a family meal on a Friday evening. We were seated around 6pm and given menus to peruse. I was so excited because I really love my food and often find that places such as this hotel, offer excellent, fresh and well cooked fodder. We placed our orders, I had the Prawn Pil Pil to start and then followed by a Duo of Duck main. When the plates arrived - fairly reasonable wait times considering there were other diners and what appeared to be a cricket team do in the function room) - I was feeling confident. The Prawn Pil Pil came in a sizzling tapas bowl and looked and smelled delightful. Sadly, that's where it ended. While aesthetically it was wonderful, there was no flavour. I added salt thinking this might help but unforuntaely, there was only the taste of olive oil and a tonne of garlic. Having made this dish myself and consumed it in many traditional Spanish tapas restaurants (and my Mother In Law actually having this as one of her favourite dishes when she goes to Spain) I was expecting much more and was disappointed. The prawns were cooked well and it felt a shame to waste them, so yes, they were consumed! I wasn't sure what to expect of the main so I had an open mind. I'm a big fan of duck so couldn't see how I wouldn't like it. Again, the mains came promptly and again, my dish looked and smelled divine. All in all, it was OK. The duck was cooked well, though the skin could be crispier and the fat between the skin and the duck could have been rendered down a little more but it wasn't inedible. My main critisism was the duck bon bon. With all the traditional flavours like blackberry, celeriac, potato dauphinoise etc, part of the dish was a duck bon bon which had hoi sin flavours. While I apprecitate this is a tried and tested combination, it felt out of place on my plate and therefore went to waste. Plates were cleared and dessert menus were handed round. Sadly, there was nothing on the menu which really took anyone's fancy so we decided to call it a night. Then came the most astounding part of the night....the bill! My meal: Pill Pill Prawns £10.50 (fair enough prawns aren't cheap!) however, Duo of duck £27.50!!!! Incredible. Not to mention that a number of our party had Fillet Steaks costing £33 per steak!! I shudder when think of the mark up on this! I understand that this is intending to be fine dining but for 3 people's meals we paid £114 which seems a lot when the food is only mediocre. Sadly, much as I am a firm believer that an eatery should be given more than one chance to make an impression, I simply cannot afford to risk receiving poor quality cookery for the prices this Hotel charge.…
Lovely relaxing day - on arrival had coffee and cake on the lounge before our treatments. Made use of the saunas and the pool before experiencing a relaxing facial with head and shoulder massage in the newly refurbished treatment rooms, followed by an enjoyable lunch in the dining room. Will certainly be returning for more treatments as the whole day was a very relaxing treat with very attentive staff throughout.
On arrival we enjoyed a delicious slice of carrot cake and coffee cake in the lounge. We left elderly mum and aunt to relax in the opulent lounge (newspapers and board games on offer) before my sister and I headed to the leisure facilities. Firstly we used the infared sauna (new) before enjoying a swim, then onto the traditional sauna. Missed out the jacuzzi this time, as it was time for our Spa Treatments. I had been unsure which treatment to have, but after a consultation with the Spa Manager she suggested a Luxurious Gold Facial. My skin looks and feels amazing, and my saggy jowls have improved too. We rounded off our day with a superb meal in the restaurant. We will certainly be returning for further Spa Treatments as the prices are very competitive, and the therapists excellent . Well done Penventon!…
I have now stayed in this hotel 4 times, all i can say is that i rate this hotel highly, the rooms are well appointed, the breakfasts unlike in most hotels in this day and age are served fresh,(no buffet hot breakfast), the evening meals should you decide to partake are of a really good standard, with a good and varied choice. The staff are very accommodating and friendly, and should you require will make suggestions of places to visit.
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