Slepe Hall Hotel, St. Ives

Official site of Slepe Hall Hotel - slepehallhotel.co.uk

Official site of Slepe Hall Hotel - slepehallhotel.co.uk

Previously a girls’ boarding school and before that a private house, Slepe Hall was converted into an hotel in 1966. The building is a fine Georgian house in its own grounds, now surrounded by modern housing which is kept at bay by the lovely garden and less-than-lovely car park which comprise the house’s grounds. The interior has been substantially renovated. As you enter there is a foyer with a reception desk. Turning right takes you to a restaurant, while the bar is on the left. The bar is a long room with views both of the aforementioned car park and garden, depending on which window you choose. There is a repro early Victorian fireplace at one end, and there are several comfy seats and tables for bar snacks. The bar food was good, mainly pub classics but in small portions with big price tags, while the more exotic menu was only available in the restaurant. The wine list was disappointing, while the barmaid was exceptionally good-humoured and very pleasant to talk to. They run open mic nigths and pub quizzes, and the local Rotary Club uses it as their main venue. There were 2 Oakhams ales on draft, Inferno and Citra, both in excellent condition. I’d be very happy to come back here for food or drink, and I’d quite like to try the B&B some time.