Grimsdyke hotel is a suitably grand place for a birthday party, small or large. The grounds are magnificent and historic. Along the boundary and right down to Hatch End is the dyke or ditch from ancient times. It is called Grisdyke. The hotel reception had a hleaflet whcih helpfully described how in ancient times any mysterious or wooded area might be called Grim.
The Delightful Exterior
The house was built before the time when Gilbert lived there, working as a local magistrate and doing his second job, writing comic operas with collaborator composer Sullivan. An historic plaque on the outside gives a brief history.
The entrance makes you feel happy as you enter and exit.
Angela Lansbury checking out the hotel before booking. |
| The entrance to Grimsdyke hotel. Photo by Trevor Sharot. |
Indoor Decor
The toilets are on the upper level. But the staircase indoors had comfortable wide steps and hand rails both sides.
Upstairs in the grand drawing room a 60th birthday party, a suprprise big occasion, planned by the wife, was held, with lots of music and jollity which we hears every now and then from downstairs.
We used to like the Gilbert room. The website says they don't guarntee which room you will be in. Probably because the bigger room upstairs is booked for events. The Gilbert Room was recently closed for renovation. The lounge with its grand fireplace was sufficiently hisotric and distincitve and with a good view.
A baby high chair was provided.
The napkins were cloth. The napkins would benefit from the buttonholes which I used to like at the Tanglin Club in Singapore.
To our surprise the dining room was empty except for one other table. Maybe the rain and the recovery from Christmas spending has kept people away. Besides, the third party was in the big room upstairs. So the hotel catering business was doing all right. As a result we did not have to worry about distraction from other diners, not the risk that our two year old might cause disturbance to others.
The other table of diners was in the dining room ahead of us and they had either been given or chosen the table nearest the grand white fireplace at the back. I asked my huband, 'Would you ratther I asked to be by the grand fireplace next time?' However, my husband said he was happy to be in a table more central and nearer the door to see and hear passers-by. Livelier.
Drinks
On a reconnoitering visit I had noted that Prosecco in the bar cost eight ounds a glass. So I was agreeably surprised to find just what I wanted, a glass of pink sweet Zinfandel, at under six pounds for either a smaller or larger glass.
Starters
I had the soup of the day which was sweet potato. No surprises. Very pleasant. The suprise however was alongisde, Two buns, soft, hot bread rolls, one containing wanuts. Delicious. The two diners who had the duck with sald as starter were equally pleased.
The hummus plate was pleasant. I liked the large oblong plates.
Our grand-daughter had a plate of chips to start. She liked them. Her parents asked for ketchup. It came up in sachets.
Main courses
I chose the fish and chips. Good batter. Big chips. Home made. I like big chips. Less fattening and greasy outside. More soft, sweet, healthier inside.
My husband like his shepherd's pie. (Mince meat with potato topping and some kind of seasoning.) He said it came up in crockery, which showed it was home made. Very tasty.
Desserts
For me the tangy lemon tart was the star of the show. the chocolate pudding with cherries was nice and choclately, but lacked the oozy delight yu sometimes get in restaurants. However, the pistacchio ice cream was heavenly.
We did not get offered coffee on the menu. Nor did we think of ordering it. By now we had all already eaten too much. We were alone in the restaurant. the little toddler was getting retless ready for bed. it was time to go.
The one who paid seemed satisfied with the price.
He was also happy with the selection of wines offered. Nothing exceptionally great or expensive, but a reasonable wine at an affordable price. He ordered the Steen (grape variety) which comes from South Africa.
Birthday Chocolate
The waiter checked which one of us was having the birthday. Me.
My dessert came with a teeny chocolate piece with the words Happy Birthday written so small that I didn't notice it until half way through my dessert. You can buy these.
Useful Websites
https://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/birthday-chocolates.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqdqvBhCPARIsANrmZhMyrJNFY9OnghEEy58YX9HdAyiOngWjvq0YgJBPlIS3Go5wTU1UBKIaAkhkEALw_wcB
https://www.cocobachocolate.com/products/personalised-engraved-chocolate-bar
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