I WAS fortunate enough last weekend to enjoy a weekend at Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, enjoying what was a thoroughly relaxing and well-earned rest.

As soon as you arrive at Stanbrook Abbey, it strikes you that this is a place where you could very easily ignore the outside world totally, such is the peace and quiet offered by the location, just a short trip from Callow End.

I was interested to see how hotels like Stanbrook Abbey are coping with recovering from the Coronavirus crisis, and the hotel was well stocked with hand sanitiser and markings on the floor to ensure social distancing is maintained. The reception desks are also behind perspex to protect guests and staff.

I was given the Pugin Suite, one of several newly-refurbished rooms in the hotel, which was a functioning abbey with nuns living on-site until 2009.

The suite was beautiful, with en-suite bathrooms and superbly furnished. There were even several chocolate truffles on the table as a welcoming gift from the hotel.

The Stanbrook Abbey staff are welcoming and friendly, and nothing is too much trouble for them. The theme of rest and relaxation very much applies at Stanbrook Abbey, with endless nooks and crannies to sit and read a book and get away from the stress of daily life.

And then there is the food. Stanbrook Abbey is home to the brilliant Refectory restaurant, which opened last year, and my meals there really were the highlight of my stay.

For my evening meal, I had salt and pepper squid followed by the “hand-picked burger” - these were both delicious and went down wonderfully well with a Chilean Merlot.

Dessert was a mojito cheesecake with lime sorbet, the perfect end to a meal, and after a couple of quiet drinks in George's Bar, I retired to my room for a great night's sleep.

I would highly recommend Stanbrook Abbey as a place to go if you are looking for a peaceful weekend away in beautiful surroundings.

It is the perfect mix of old and new, and just the kind of place for a break from the world.